Lot 182 1993 Renault Clio Williams Mk. I No.21 - 30 years family ownership and just 73,268 miles

• Early numbered Mk. I example, number 21
• Over 30 years husband-and-wife ownership with extensive history

Launched in 1993, the Clio Williams celebrated Renault's successful Formula One partnership with Williams and was developed using Renault Sport's considerable expertise. Its naturally aspirated 1,998cc F7R 16-valve engine produced 150PS and was paired with an uprated five-speed gearbox. A wider front track, revised suspension and wider Speedline alloy wheels helped establish it as one of the finest hot hatchbacks of its generation.

This example is an early Clio Williams Mk. I, number 21. The Mk. I is generally regarded as the most distinctive of the three Williams versions. Finished in Renault's 449 Sports Blue, it had no sunroof and was lighter than the later cars, while early examples also dispensed with some of the additional electrical equipment subsequently introduced. Importantly, the Mk. I was the only version to carry a numbered metal plaque recording its individual build number.

Number 21 remained within the same husband-and-wife ownership for more than 30 years. Acquiring the Clio following a recommendation from his friend, celebrated British rally driver Tony Pond, while looking for an entertaining hot hatchback. Its later registration in the vendor's wife's name accounts for the two recorded former keepers. For the past 20 years, the Clio has been consistently maintained by a specialist engineering firm local to its owners. Its indicated mileage of 73,000 is supported by the MoT history, while the car's condition reflects its long-term ownership and careful maintenance. A substantial history file also accompanies the car.

Prospective purchasers should note that it was recorded as a Category C insurance loss following a minor accident requiring replacement of the front bumper and bonnet and due to the rarity of the parts and time taken to source them it was designated a write-off when Clio Williams values were considerably lower. It was subsequently repaired and returned to the road in May 2016. The Clio is presented as a car that can be enjoyed immediately while also offering an excellent basis for an enthusiast wishing to undertake a sympathetic restoration to show standard. For a collector, however, its greatest appeal may simply be its combination of very early production number, Mk. I specification, long-term ownership and documented mileage -characteristics that make number 21 an unusually interesting example of one of Renault's most celebrated and loved performance cars. Consigned by Mathew Priddy