RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS

1993-1996 Hard to find, but here’s what do to when you spot this little icon

Many tried, but throughout the Eighties, only a very few car makers got close to perfecting the Peugeot 205 Gti’s magic formula. For that to happen, it would take the dawn of a new decade and a brand-new generation of hot hatchback. In 1993, Renault cracked it with a small car that not only managed to match the 205’s combination of performance and handling finesse – it was a step above in refinement, too. Superminis would never feel quite so cheap again. With fewer than 1200 Uk-spec cars imported, we’ve done the legwork in order to guide you through the process of bagging yourself one of the greats.

Why you want one

The Williams is no ordinary hot hatch. Renault launched its Clio 16V model in 1991 (badged 16S in France) but went a step further two years later, looking to F1 for inspiration. While the Clio Williams had all the Formula One Williams team association, it was actually created by Renault Sport so the team could go rallying and, to qualify, Renault would have to build 2500 road cars.

This would be more than just a 16V with fancy wheels and badging. The engine grew from a 1.8 to a 2.0-litre, with an uprated 16-valve head, forged pistons and bigger valves contributing to its 150bhp output – an impressive figure for 28 years ago.

It was enough for a top speed of 130mph and 0-60mph in just 7.8 seconds. The car’s track was increased by 34mm and it got uprated springs, dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and a front subframe from a Clio Cup race car. Naturally, there was as much show as go, thanks to Sports Blue paintwork, gold wheels and Williams decals. But the Clio is also a genuinely likeable car in itself; handsome, practical and of reasonable quality inside. It’s also enjoyable to work on yourself, with parts still mostly obtainable and a good club and specialist following.

Which one should I buy?

There are three versions of the Clio Williams, with Renault’s initial plan to build just 3800 examples soon forgotten as demand outstripped supply. It led to the launch of the subsequent Clio Williams 2 and 3, and while the Clio 1 got a metal plate with a build number, there are otherwise few differences between them. In line with the evolution of the Clio range, each phase got some extra safety features and a few cosmetic tweaks as time passed. The Williams 3 received a sunroof, electric door mirrors, rear speakers and paintwork in a slightly brighter shade called ‘Monaco Blue’.

A total of 1180 Clio Williams models were sold in the United Kingdom, of which just 390 were that original-specification version offered in 1993 and 1994. There were then 482 Williams 2s (1994) followed by 308 Williams 3s (1995).

What to look for

With the oldest Renault Clio Williams now almost three decades old, rust is a potential problem on any car, whether it has been garaged or not. Panel-wise, check the outer sills for signs of rot and accident damage, and be on the look-out for rust and bubbling paintwork around the rear arches in particular; what looks like minor bubbling will be a sign of rot pushing through from behind. The doors and tailgate should also be checked for rust, as well as the boot floor and the car’s floorpans; crawl underneath the Clio to check the inner sills and box sections for corrosion. The engine fitted in the Clio Williams is a 2.0-litre version of Renault’s F-type powerplant that first appeared in 1982. In this guise it’s a twin-cam unit with a 16-valve head and fuel injection (obviously). There’s no turbocharger to worry about, and the engine as a whole is robust and reliable, if it’s maintained well; just make sure you only buy a car with a comprehensive service history to ensure it’s been well looked after. However, head-gasket