AD68 • Renault Clio 1 Williams '93

Frank Williams has given his name to a Formula 1 team but also a sporty version of the first generation of Clio, precursory of Renault Sport models. We see here the first version, limited edition and coveted by collectors. But what is it worth? She deserves the small sports qualifier?

Technical sheet

Model	Renault Clio 1 Williams
Engine	2.0 4-cylinder 147 horsepower
Dimensions	3.71 x 1.64 x 1.37 meters
Mass	990 kg
Marketing	1993 - 1994 2500 numbered
average coast	12 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	7"9
max	216 km/h
Consumption	8.6 l / 100 km
Date and place	September 26, 2015, Le Mans

1993 . This year, Renault celebrates 4 years of his Clio. A model whose success is well established or even questioning. The range is dotted with high-end model, Baccarat and a sporty, the 16S with some reproaches addressed to it tarnished the balance sheet. The diamond brand therefore wish tempt fate by developing an even more exclusive model. In partnership with the eponymous F1 team Williams is born. The Renault Clio has two tasks to fulfill: to enable approval in Group A and N versions of competition but also offer the faithful of the brand a worthy descendant of the Renault 5 Turbo 2 and other jewels. The operation seduction starts with a look before this sublime and blue livery with gold wheels.

Phase 1 or 2 . Aesthetically, little differentiates the Clio Williams of 16S. Note, however, the wheels which will be discussed, a 2.0 logo on the side and a logo baguerres "Williams" on the sides and tailgate. If everything is. Note that all Williams are dressed in a blue tint , two references are possible. From 1993 to 1994, the Clio Williams Phase 1 1 received a Sport Blue Pearl color (Reference 449) before enjoying during the restyled Clio 1 leading to the Blue Phase 2 Methyl (Reference 432) . Phase 2 is very similar to Phase 1 except for the lip under the front grille, logos 2.0 positioned on the wings instead of chopsticks but also its pus rounded mirrors. Phases 1, as shown, are by far the most sought after because they were fired only 2500 numbered copies.

Dynamic . The golden Speedline rims are 15 inches, such as 16S. The style is quite unique and seduces immediately, putting in the shadow 16S. It must be admitted that the changes made ​​by the Clio Williams are attractive. The interior is somewhat seen with blue accents in place while the tubs are now in velvet and trimmed with a "W". Phases 1 are numbered, they are now very popular. The rest of the cabin is derived from the 16S and are for the time of a good standard. Renault has not sought to reduce the weight even accuses 15 kg more than the 16S with 990 kg in total. Proper mass that likes to be stirred. The front demonstrated high accuracy and widening roads has improved handling. The suspensions are stiffer but acceptable. The power comes quickly and the beautiful no shortage of responding despite the presence of the catalyst.

Diesel originally . Under the hood, the 4-cylinder engine of the Clio 16S is taken on Williams but with some changes. First, the engine grew to 2.0 liters to make possible approval in competition. The mounted unit(F7R) was actually a diesel engine originally! Converted to gasoline, he received a cylinder head with four valves per cylinder and suffered reaming to achieve the two-liter engine. In the end, the power reaches 147 horsepower, seven more horses only from the 16S. Performance is adequate but constrained by the catalyst at 6500 r / m. 0 to 100 km / h is done in just under 8 seconds while the covers are excellent and provide a tonic conduct. The new gearbox five-speed tends to lose control and blow the second in an oversubscription!

Thirsty . Docile to use, Clio Williams is still enough scope to drink when it is stressed or in urban use, which can reach easily from 12 to 13 liters per 100 kilometers. But as there are no free anything, the beautiful is not stingy with feelings and appreciates both his good behavior for its design. It must be said that its release was the fashionable style. The block is robust, reliable but lacks pizzazz and character ... And this despite a fairly thorough optimization, as a specific écchappement collector of polished intake ports (as in Formula 1) or trees overhead cam especially designed for this high-end Clio. A model that reminds some beautiful era when the R5 Turbo, Gordini and Alpine redefined driving pleasure. First link of Renault Sport models, the operator of the Williams was reinjected under the bonnet of Mégane Coupé and Spider.

Numbering . Clio WIlliams is an emblematic model of a bygone era, those small GTI. His main rival is still the 205 GTI which remained more performance than the Clio 16S. The latter, suffering from a lack of torque, has taken his revenge with this version of Williams. In the end, the 2 500 numbered copies to sell to the point that Renault has taken the decision to produce 3 000 more, always in tune but not numbered this time. Then comes Phase 2, from 1994 to 1996, still without numbering and with a few minor cosmetic upgrades detailed above in the article. In total, 12,000 Clio Williams emerged. For the first time, the Clio is exported internationally since one can find these blue Clio in gold wheels to Japan and Argentina.

Healthy . The cover versions of Williams is similar to the Clio 16S ave a bump on the right side and ventilation to ventilate the engine assembly. The maintenance of the Clio Williams is not more expensive despite a necessary change every 7500 km away. There are no secrets, a well maintained model is much healthier than another who walked the trails all his life. The gearbox in particular, is quite fragile and can break during intensive and repeated use. There is little that the consumption station that tarnishes all since many mechanical parts are common with those of the base Clio. Only specific parts to Williams tend to be scarce, whether body parts or engine components. A copy like that presented here is rare ...

€ 12,000 . On the second hand market, the Clio Williams are frequent in orders from quite different prices.Better to move towards a model in original condition, not too kilometer and above all in good mechanical condition and without reprogramming or another. What makes the value of a Clio Williams is also this panoply details all kinds: blue background counters, seats velvet embroidered with a "W" and the number plate to the first series. Expect about € 12,000 for a healthy copy. This is a substantial sum for a model who is going on 23 years, but the rating is not ready to decline, quite the contrary. Just like the 205 GTI, it can only grow. As for the copies in state competition, the note can easily reach the € 15,000.

The good compromise . Clio Williams is an excellent choice car that combines the reason (this is "a" Clio) and passion, since it remains the most powerful and exclusive version of the range. For its time, taking risk was real for the brand. Add to that the passion tab through the collaboration with Frank Williams and you come to a collector model since it went into production. For Renault, this is the perfect opportunity to popularize its sports range. The department Renault Sport comes quickly. It is now unanimously appreciated for its engines and chassis technically very accomplished. Clio Williams by being the premise.

Should I buy a Renault Clio 1 Williams?

If you need a car to small GTI temperament, the Clio Williams is by far the best choice.However, watch copies tumultuous history or having shadow areas. Allow € 12,000 to carry you acquiring a healthy Clio Williams. You will not regret, it is both a model 100% fun but also a safe investment, especially for copies.