Renault Clio Sport V6

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Bonkers is probably as good a word to use as any when describing the Clio Sport V6 24V. Its prosaic name rather understates the reality, for this is one single minded road rocket. Renault were definitely on something the day they pressed the button to go ahead with this one, but thank goodness they did.

It is barely worth mentioning the basis for this monster, the humble Clio, as so few parts carry over from the original. The most obvious difference is the relocation of the power unit to where the back seat should be; and what a power unit they chose. Sourced from the PSA stable, they picked the tough 60 degree 3.0 litre V6 which pumped out 227bhp in its modified form.

This of course drove through the rear wheels, ensuring that the whole architecture of the car from the doors backwards had to change. It’s a big lump, and space was made at the expense of luggage capacity - or rear seats for that matter, the whole installation being a particularly tight fit in the back. With no engine up front, Renault had to completely re-engineer that part of the car too, including suspension, steering and a special luggage area to account for a toothbrush and overnight bag.

This example is one of the original first series cars which were engineered and built by TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing), the later second series reverting to the parent company's native France for manufacture. Performance was vivid, with 60mph coming up in just 6.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 146mph. What impresses most, however, is the way the car feels on the road, the prodigious torque providing electrifying acceleration in any gear from virtually any revs, something a small capacity engine can never equal.

A one-owner car, it was purchased new by a Renault specialist in Exmouth and has been fully maintained by him. It has covered 54,400 miles and comes with all of its paperwork, including 4 service stamps, and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale. It has Renault UK’s Premier Security System and during a rather extended test drive to take the photographs performed perfectly.

Capable of making very rapid progress and with a sound-track to die for, this well-maintained one-owner example is sure to have its new owner grinning from ear to ear, the rather nice number summing up its originators' state of mind when they dreamt up the concept!