Maybe the best track day toy ever for sale

Almost 20 years after launch, it can probably seem like there’s not much left to say about the Renaultsport Clio Trophy. We know it was the zenith of the much-loved 172/182 era, we know it was your hot hatch of the century and we know it was very nearly your best hot hatch in all PH history. It’s the definitive old-school hot hatch, full of vibrancy and enthusiasm, brought to its 21st-century peak with crazy expensive suspension. There we go, story written. 

So what makes this one different, then? Well, there’s the small matter of almost its entire purchase price again being spent in modifications to make what looks an absolute hoot of a roadgoing track Clio. All the work has been undertaken by the same owner, too, with a lot of it in the past three years. The circuit-prepped Clio isn’t a new phenomenon, of course, but such is the Trophy’s collectability that they’re seldom modified. Doing things a bit differently makes this 182 more interesting than most. 

As is so often the case, this was a small-scale project that snowballed into something much more serious. Purchased by the current owner in 2013 with nothing more than a fruitier exhaust, the modifications soon began in earnest: better brakes and bushes, a better air filter, new seats and so on. Then more serious stuff like a half cage went in (and the air-con taken out), before the Trophy was set aside in 2018. 

It was in 2021 that the Trophy track car build was resurrected, this time with some real intent (and money). At this time is when the AST 5100 coilovers and Speedline 2118 wheels went on, the 2.0-litre engine got its new cams, racing manifold and exhaust, the gearbox was rebuilt, the seats upgraded further, ECU optimised and a whole load of consumables renewed. The ad states that £12,893.38 has been spent on parts for this Clio since 2021, and that’s not including labour. 

Moreover, it’s not like the Trophy has been subjected to this overhaul and then been three-wheeling its way towards apexes every weekend since. It’s said that just one track day has been enjoyed since the latest round of improvements, and the mileage is currently 71,350 (it was around 70,000 back in 2021). The result is a strange (yet very appealing) juxtaposition of track hack modifications and extremely smart condition so seldom seen; there’s a tiny bit of corrosion and road rash, though nothing like the level that might be expected. Seldom has a Clio looked more ready for a whole heap more miles of the hilarious sort. 

This one comes with its original Sachs dampers included, a stack of invoices and every tax disc it’s ever required. A fresh MOT will be supplied with the sale. Anyone keen to make the most of this Trophy immediately might want to freshen up the fluids given its limited use since 2021. But what an opportunity, right? It’s barely possible to buy a Trophy of any kind for less than £10k these days, and one with around 70,000 miles like this one will be more like £13,000; for not a whole lot more there’s a car that’s enjoyed all manner of very expensive, exciting modifications. Typically originality is favoured for limited edition cars, but when a bit of fettling results in a Clio that looks this good it’s very, very hard to argue against.  

Engine: 1,998cc, four-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 182@6,500rpm (standard)
Torque (lb ft): 148@5,250rpm (standard)
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Top speed: 138mph
MPG: 34
CO2: 194g/km
Year registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 71,300
Price new: £15,500
Yours for: £16,495