Highlights

Rare, top-of-the-range V6 space-ship in flamboyant specification
‘Nocturn’ Purple metallic with beige ‘Bridge-of-Weir’ leather interior
Double panoramic glass roof with ‘Grand-Air’ mode
Very rare ‘Duo Colour Black/Beige Leather Steering Wheel’ optional extra
ULEZ compliant

The Appeal

Unveiled at the 1999 Paris Salon, the Avantime was Renault’s collaboration with Matra was a daring venture into uncharted automotive territory. Featuring a striking double panoramic glass roof and an innovative "grand air" mode, it redefined openness. Rear passengers sit six inches higher than those in the front thanks to 'theatre seating' arrangement. The absence of side window pillars adds to the sense of space and light, delivering uninterrupted views of the road ahead and the vista around them.

Though Renault lost millions of Francs bringing the Avantime to production, the effort cemented its reputation for bold design, creativity, and unconventional thinking. Named 'Avantime' – meaning "Ahead of Time" – the vehicle served as a short-lived but unforgettable design statement. Project design manager Thierry Metroz explained the intent: “We wanted someone walking around the car to be continually astonished.” The debut wowed automotive enthusiasts and earned Renault widespread acclaim, albeit without the purchase figures.

Only 452 right-hand-drive Avantimes were sold in the UK. Roughly half were powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine, while the rest were range-topping 3.0-litre V6 Privilege models.

At launch, the Avantime was the only car all three Top Gear presenters unanimously praised, awarding it a coveted ‘Sub Zero’ spot on the show’s Cool Wall – even ranking it above the Aston Martin Vanquish. Today, UK numbers are vanishingly small, and high-quality examples - particularly top-spec models are becoming increasingly rare.

Nocturn Purple suits the design, adding extra funk to the quirky lines. Fabulously indulgent too with the generous and beautifully crafted seating, well presented in 'Bridge of Weir' beige leather. The more we admire it, the more we want one.

History and Paperwork

3 former keepers
First registered on 09/04/2003
Current keeper since 2023
Front and rear discs and pads at a cost of £543.57 in December 2023
Drive belt , coil springs and brake repairs at a cost of £911.60 plus the costs of new springs (sourced from the Netherlands) all in June 2025
Receipt in the history file for stainless steel exhaust replacement in July 2022
One remote locking key plus cubby key (key locks the doors on the door lock, not currently on the remote button)
Radio remote present and operates radio, CD player unchecked
Limited edition Renault plaque present in centre console numbered 041
MOT valid until the 23rd December 2025
ULEZ compliant

Beyond the paperwork in the file we have been informed 'Avantime Restorations' (Aberdeen) conducted a comprehensive tranche of work on the car approximately 5 years ago - one of the reasons, we are told, that the has continued to be useable across recent years.

The Condition

Nocturn Purple has a deep shine and complements well against the car’s trademark silver aluminium roof rails
Smart, consistent paintwork throughout, there are some very light and minor scratches and stone chips in areas of the body and notably two larger blemishes on the bonnet
Silver aluminium roof rails appear to free of common blistering
Aluminium wing mirror housings are a weak spot but look excellent on this car; casings do not appear scuffed or chipped
Slight lacquer peel on the front headlight coating
Small chip to the driver side rear taillight
The 17” Rhodes alloys are specific to the Avantime and these all look very smart
All four-wheel centre caps are present and in similarly excellent order
Sills look strong, original and undamaged
Desirable Beige ‘Bridge-of-Weir’ leather upholstery is in good order throughout with age related wear
Very rare ‘Duo Colour Black/Beige Leather Steering Wheel’ is an attractive optional extra
Centre-console plastics and switch-gear surrounds are clean and smart
Door cards are in good condition with correct original trim fittings
Beige carpet areas have remained bright with some marks and wear in places
Both driver and passenger side ‘AVANTIME’ kick-plates are in good condition - often commonly illegible due to age and use
Door seals and the giant boot seal are all present and correct
Original jack and brace are correctly stowed beneath the rear passenger seat
The underside showed no obvious causes for concern based upon a basic cursory view and has reportedly been protected with a coating while the vehicle was at 'Avantime Restorations' Aberdeen (Avantime’s are built with a galvanised chassis)
Boot area is in good order and chromed floor loops are still present and untarnished
Trunk shelf is present and in good order
‘Swan’ dealership plates front and back

The Mechanics

2997cc 3-Litre Renault V6 - shared with the phase 1 V6 Clio
Automatic gearbox
Power-assisted steering
Stainless steel exhaust system with twin-exit pipes
Air conditioning blows cold
Clean and tidy under the bonnet and all appears original with no apparent modifications
The Avantime used daily, starts easily and is reported as enjoyable to drive

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