The chance to own a legendary hot hatch like the Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy doesn’t come by often. This became a reality in the summer of 2024 when my neighbor extended the offer to me for first refusal on his prized Clio. As an enthusiast, I felt the allure stronger than ever.
For some time, I had been contemplating the idea of swapping my aging Rover Mini Cooper for something that wouldn’t require constant maintenance. My classic Mini, though charming, was over 30 years old and needed some serious bodywork to tackle the rust that had accumulated. Faced with two options—fixing the old-timer or selling it—I was grateful for the unexpected opportunity.
When my neighbor approached me with the Clio, my hesitation melted away. Parting with my first car wasn’t easy, and I knew my car-loving friends would have ribbed me endlessly if I let this chance slip away. Ultimately, the Mini found a new home, paving the way for me to embrace the ownership of Clio Trophy no. 318.
While certainly not in mint condition, the Clio has its charm. The alloys show signs of age, resembling a crusty baguette, and the paint has seen better days. Additionally, the worn steering wheel and a fading damp smell—a consequence of time—have been mitigated somewhat by my deployment of a small army of air fresheners.
Moreover, the vehicle is currently equipped with Cup suspension, deviating from the factory’s sophisticated Sachs dampers, which the previous owner opted to have refurbished rather than re-install. The good news? The new parts are ready to go, awaiting installation.
Despite being 20 years old and clocking in at 94,000 miles, the Clio retains the spirited performance that made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts during its heyday in the mid-2000s. Its lightweight design and free-revving engine continue to deliver the fun factor that hot hatch fans crave.
With a little dedication and hopefully not too much expense, my goal is to restore this iconic car to its former glory.
