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Renault Clio 172 Cup - Full mechanical restoration

First registered 01-10-2002
Mileage 86500
MoT due 07-02-2024

Description
Based on the highly regarded Renaultsport Clio 172, the Cup combines decent value for money with plenty of power and unique looks. Priced new from only £12,995, the newcomer was built by the firm's competition arm, Alpine, in Dieppe to homologate the model for competition. Unique Speedline alloys and bright blue paintwork distinguish it from lesser models, while closer inspection reveals a distinctive rear spoiler and a front bumper fitted with a deeper air dam.

Look inside and it's clear nothing has been allowed to compromise the Clio's turn of speed. There's no air-con, while in the rear there's a simple bench. The front window glass is also thinner, and Renault fitted less soundproofing. Even the stowage bin usually found under the passenger seat has been removed, as have the floor mats.

Lightweight cloth upholstery replaces the half leather used in the regular Clio 172. Although it feels a little cheaper to the touch, it proves equally as supportive once you are behind the wheel. A new-look dashboard has also been fitted, complete with body-coloured mondial-blue inserts. Aluminum trim on the gearknob and steering wheel completes the package. Fire the engine and it's clear this Clio is a hard-edged machine. The exhaust sounds louder and the throttle feels much more responsive thanks to a series of modifications made to the engine management system.

Slot into first gear, and the clutch feels a little more aggressive, too, mainly because of the faster revving engine. Thanks to the weight reduction, acceleration is strong low in the range, and builds rapidly as revs rise.

Capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in only 6.5 seconds, the 172 Cup was the fastest four-seat car available for less than £20,000 when new. Weighing in at only 1,021kg, the Clio offers 168bhp per ton. By comparison, Honda's acclaimed Civic Type R offered a 'mere' 166bhp. As the road gets more testing, it's clear the Renault is not simply about straight-line speed, either, and some subtle but significant changes have been made to the suspension to enhance the handling. Firstly, the car's 'footprint' on the road has been increased, with wider axles front and rear. The chassis has also been modified to improve turn-in and mid-corner stability.

The suspension has not just been firmed-up, however - the spring and damper combination is now more subtle than before, and the Clio absorbs bumps with ease. Steering feel is improved, too, and offers a near-constant stream of information to the driver.

You'll need to hold on tight at speed. The lowered suspension has increased the 172's tendency to follow imperfections on the road, as have the new tyres, which are built to take greater loads. This constant movement is no bad thing, however, and actually adds to the sense of drama behind the wheel. The competition feel is further enhanced by the lack of ABS, which has been removed to keep weight and costs down. The brakes are powerful, but require careful use if you are to avoid locking up when using them hard.

The result is a car that is far easier to drive quickly than the notoriously twitchy V6 version. Safety hasn't been ignored, however, with Renaultsport offering driver and passenger airbags.

Clearly some big changes have been made to the Clio Cup, and it's thanks to these modifications that it has more character than ever. The result is a vehicle which is incredibly involving to drive, and easily one of the most thrilling hot hatches ever.

This particular rust-free example has been the subject of a fastidious mechanical restoration in 2021 to regain its original glory with all the vital components replaced or refurbished to allow it to perform as well as it did the day it left the showroom. Details below:

Engine
Cambelt, dephaser and water pump replaced 01/09/2019. All original equipment air intake and filter. New engine and gearbox mountings. Powerflex dogbone mounting. New crankshaft oil seal. New sump gasket. No engine leaks. Correct ELF Sporti engine oil and Renault OEM oil filter.

Clutch
New Valeo pressure plate, friction disc and release bearing.

Transmission
New selector bushes fitted inside gearbox. New gearbox linkage bushes, seals and gaiters. No gearbox leaks. Correct ELF blah transmission oil. New driveshaft CV joint boots and correct GKN Lobro grease.

Suspension
New correct Cup front struts and rear shock absorbers. New Eibach springs. (Original Cup springs supplied). New Febi top mounts. Front wishbones powder coated and new bushes and balljoints fitted. New inner and outer steering track rods. New front and rear wheel bearings. Rear axle powder coated and new bushes fitted.

Brakes
New Brembo front discs and pads. New Renault front callipers. New Renault rear discs. Refurbished Bendix rear callipers. New Brembo rear pads and hardware. All new Febi brake flexi hoses. Rear bias valve refurbished. New handbrake cables. Castrol SRF brake fluid.

Wheels and Tyres
Original Cup Speedline alloy wheels powdercoated in correct silver. Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres (195 45 16). 4 wheel alignment to Clio Jean Ragnotti specifications.

Interior
Steering wheel rubber thumb grips replaced. Original Cup gear shifter. Headlining replaced. OEM Tuner List CD radio. Driver's seat refurbished with new base foam. Carpet mats.

2023
New speedometer
New alternator and battery
Full service
Also have genuine Renault cam belt, dephaser and pulley, plus water pump worth £500 ready for its replacement in September 2024. If the near asking price is achieved, then this will come with the car.

£8500 Ono. Serious people only please, no time wasters.
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