"The idea for the Renault Spider was formulated in the early 1990s during a revival after a difficult second half of the 1980s. Renault wanted a car to promote it as a sporting brand (like the Renault 5 Turbo from a decade earlier). The Spider was intended to both serve as a racing car, in a one-make series organized by Renault and as a road car. The first prototypes for Project W94 were completed in mid-1994 and a concept version was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show a year later. The concept featured several differences to the version that ultimately became the road car, most notably butterfly doors and the absence of a windshield. The car went on sale in early 1996, assembled at the Alpine factory in Dieppe with approximately 1,800 cars manufactured. Designed from the outset as a driver's car, the chassis was made of aluminium for its combination of low weight and substantial strength, while the actual bodywork is a plastic composite. Unusually, the Spider did not have a roof, either folding or hard-top. The gearbox and the engine were one unit transversally fixed in an oscillating hinge (an arrangement inspired by aeronautical design), which all but eradicated the interference of engine vibration with the chassis and the pedals of the Spider were adjustable as well as the seat so the driver could achieve a better driving position. Power for the Spider came from a version of the two-litre F7R engine from the Renault Mégane Coupé, producing 148hp.
This Renault Sport Spider was originally registered on 29th April 1997 and is considered rare as it is in right hand drive format. The vendor is a strong Renault enthusiast and has owned this example since 2006. A great service history accompanies this Spider confirming the mileage to be correct. Sadly due to poor health, the Renault has not been used much of late. Finished in a striking yellow with contrasting black interior, this exciting sports car is best described as a ‘pocket rocket’. Supplied with a V5C registration document and appearing to be in original condition, this Renault Sport Spider with a great power to weight ratio would make an ideal track day or a fun car for the summer.
Photographs courtesy of Luke Papworth of Hampshire Photography
 "