2003 Renault Clio V6 RenaultSport (255) Phase 2

Once dubbed 'The World's Smallest Supercar' by Evo Magazine, the Renaultsport Clio V6 255 remains a motoring oddity if ever there was one. Renault took a big, Laguna-derived, 3-litre V6 engine producing 255bhp and 221lb/ft torque, dropped it in the middle of the short Clio chassis, hooked up a rear-wheel drive system and mated it to a 6-speed manual transmission. If that wasn’t enough, it looks like they then injected styling steroids into the bodywork to give it that wide, aggressive stance and put it out to the world in 2001, with the Phase 2 being revealed as an even sharper variant in 2003.

Early models had a reputation for spikiness on the limit, but the car became more refined with time and later, V6s managed to be both usable and better to drive than earlier models. Both guises (230 Phase 1 and 255 Phase 2) stand out on the road with levels of charm achieved by few other cars - and rising prices suggest the market didn’t take long to catch on to their value as drivers' cars. At the time of its release, the Phase 2 was the most powerful hot hatch ever made.

Only 1,309 Clio V6 255 Phase 2s were manufactured for the global market, with 354 supplied to the to the UK. A rare car with very limited production numbers, now becoming increasingly sought after.

This Phase 2 joined our vendor's Collection of landmark classic and sports cars in 2014 after being carefully sourced as a good, original example with a comprehensive service record. It has been correctly-maintained by both Renault main agents and marque specialists with the most recent attention, a major service completed in 2021, and very little use since. Currently indicating just 29,189 miles, the cherished registration number, V6 YCC, is included in the sale and the car has a current, clean MOT to July 2024. We are informed that it has always been correctly dry stored, performs as well as it looks and shows minimal wear, commensurate with the age and mileage.

Born in an era when global manufacturers could sneak an interesting concept past the accountants and manufacture something totally outrageous, never to be repeated, as nowadays it's far more important to be seen to be 'green' and profit fits further up the agenda than fun. Therefore, the Clio V6 ticks all the boxes for a devoted enthusiast or collector with real drivability, low production numbers, a growing cult following and an evocative design. TV presenter and now vegetable grower, Jeremy Clarkson, has stated that the Clio V6 is in his 'Top Ten' of all cars so, if you suddenly run out of onions, hop in this Clio V6 - there is no quicker way to get to the farm shop before it closes.