2007 Renaultsport Clio 197 F1

Highlights

• Produces 197 PS (194 bhp)
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• 0-62 in 6.9 seconds and handling to match
• No. 370 of 500 produced
• Recaro seats, with driver’s side re-upholstered

Overview

What do you get when you take a three-door hatchback and fit a nearly-200-horsepower, naturally aspirated engine? You get the kind of performance that will put an enormous grin on your face, naturally. Power being nothing without control, ideally what you want is a chassis tuned by Renaultsport, which is exactly what we have here.

The F1 model isn’t a shy beast. It’s happy to tell you about Renault’s Formula1 victories many times over. They are mentioned on the individually numbered plaque on the transmission tunnel, as well as the transfer stickers on the outside of the car. This seems fair enough: if you’d won an F1 championship you’d mention it whenever you could.

This particular car is finished in an un-showy shade of black, and features a very well preserved interior. The Recaro bucket seats envelop you and make you feel like a proper racing driver.

Even if you’re not aspiring for a podium finish, this Clio offers enormous amounts of fun in a small package. It confirms that sometimes keeping things simple is the way to go: a small, lightweight car with a powerful, naturally-aspirated engine and a six-speed manual gearbox can be everything you’d ever need. And it comes with the added benefit of low ownership — just one former registered keeper — and a stack of original paperwork.

History and documentation

• Registered 9 Nov 2007
• Service book has records of services as follows: Feb 2009 @ 6,783 miles, Mar 2010 @ 12,793 miles, Feb 2011 @ 19,070 miles, Feb 2012 @ 26,000 miles, date unreadable @ 34,031 miles, May 2014 @ 44k miles, Feb 2015 @ 53,000 miles, Feb 2016 @ 62,225 miles, Mar 2017 @ 69,742 miles, Feb 2018 @ 74,918 miles, Jun 2019 @ 83,557 miles, Mar 2021 @ 93,912 miles, Mar 2022 @ 100,855 miles, Feb 2022 @ 103,313 miles
• Full document pack
• No. 370 of 500 produced in ‘F1’ trim
• Original owner’s manuals in document wallet
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 8 Dec 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Only one former keeper
• The current owner purchased the car in Mar 2010
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Recaro bucket seats upholstered in black cloth with contrasting stitching and Renaultsport logo
• The deeply bolstered seats provide excellent lateral support
• There are very few signs of wear to the seat covers, with the driver’s seat having been re-upholstered
• Black plastic trim with contrasting silver accents
• The dashboard and door cards are in good condition, with no obvious cracks or scuffs
• Black carpets
• The transmission tunnel features a numbered plaque celebrating Renault’s F1 victories in 2006 and 2006
• Leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Air conditioning
• Clear analogue instruments
• Stereo/CD player
• Some pitting on the top of the gearstick
• The rear seats have reportedly always been covered during the current ownership
• Headlining clean and tidy
• Spacious, fully carpeted boot to the rear

Exterior

• Compact three-door hatchback design
• Finished in a smart, understated shade of black
• The paint appears to retain a good shine
• Body panels in good condition, with no obvious dents or damage
• There is a small dent in the front numberplate
• Good panel gaps
• The seller tells us that the 17-inch alloy wheels have recently been refurbished
• Red Brembo brake callipers proudly on display
• ‘Renault F1 Team’ transfers on the bumpers and doors
• Large roof transfer
• Renault Sport badges
• Headlights clear and bright
• Twin exhaust tips
• There is some corrosion on the underside of the car
• The rear diffuser can generate 40 kg of downforce, according to Renault

Mechanical

• 1,998 cc, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine
• The F1 model features slightly lower and stiffer suspension than standard
• Produces 197 PS (194 bhp) and 157 lb ft
• Top speed 134 mph, 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Front-wheel drive
• Engine bay clean and tidy
• There are some MOT advisories for worn brake discs, low oil, and corrosion in a few places: a fuel pipe, radiator support, brake hose ferrules, and coil spring seats
• There is a record of a timing belt change in Feb 2018
• The most recent service was completed in Dec 2024
• Said to start and drive well
• No mechanical issues reported

Summary

A proper hot hatch which was produced in very limited numbers, so you know you’re getting something special, the Clio 197 F1 remains a potent hot hatch. This example looks to have been well cared for during its second owner’s long tenure and should prove a huge amount of fun for its third owner.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Falkirk, Scotland.