Because Ebay does not recognize European VINs, I listed the car as a 1980. Please note that it is a 1991. This Clio was legally imported in August of 2016 under the 25 year old NHTSA exemption rule. This car is absolutely legal in the US and is sold with a valid Florida title as well as all import documents showing its legal status.
Sold new as a 16S model and first titled in June of 1991 in France, this extremely rare in North America Clio was partially restored and upgraded to Williams model specifications over a period of 2 years by its previous professional mechanic owner. After sourcing a damaged Series I Williams and working on weekends and after work, he rebuilt the 2.0 Liter engine from the ground up, sent in the transmission for refurbishment all while letting a professional auto body shop take care of some rust repairs as well as applying the correct Williams blue glass-out paint (see pics). Since its overhaul, the car has traveled just about 1,800 miles (mostly put on by me !). The Williams Clio came out as a limited numbered edition model to celebrate the cooperation between Renault and its F1 winning partner Williams. You can learn more about it if you google "Clio Williams", including a review from Richard Hammond of Top Gear.
Driving-by from a dead stop:
This incredible little pocket rocket is an absolute blast to drive… The previous owner transplanted as many mechanical, cosmetics and other Williams parts as possible including all the interior (with the exception of the 3 smaller center gages), as well as the whole drivetrain and suspension. The motor is a correct Williams F7R 2.0 Liter (1998 cm3) making 150 DIN while the car weighs only 2,200 lbs all wet !!!
A look from inside while pushing a bit.
Now, I have owned 205 GTIs 1.6 & 1.9 and the Clio not only has more hp, but feels lighter, more tossable, more alive. The 205 feels clumsier and not as surefooted.
Pressing on the accelerator gives instant response as the motor revs furiously and the feeling of lightness becomes even more evident. Tossing the car and accelerating out of corners, the car stays flat as the heavily bolstered seats hold you into a secure position. Mind you, you are sitting IN and not ON the seats. The chassis / drivetrain combo is a dream in itself …
The car is very, very tight and responsive. It feels like a go-kart with power to spare. The brakes are powerful, the shifting of the 5 forward gears is smooth and the steering is very precise. This is a true driver’s car. Car pulls straight with no shaking, weird noises or anything that could distract from the pure driving pleasure.
I suggest you go on youtube, search “Clio Williams” and witness what this little bugger can do in capable hands !
A look from inside driving easy.
The car is factory equipped with power windows, power mirrors, power steering, but does not have air conditioning. Although, this Clio 16S / Williams presents extremely well following its restoration, it is still a 26 year old car, so please do not expect a new car.
It however, does not have any rust if for some tiny bubbling on the rear right fender, believed to be from bad prep. The paint is in excellent / new condition and shines throughout. Wheels are not the proper Williams Speedline (they are 16” instead of the original 15”) and are mounted on 4 High Performance Michelin tires. Two of the rims have some curb rash but really nothing major. I do highlight other small cosmetic issues in the video below:
Walk around:
Inside, one finds very little evidence of use, if not for the shifter boot that needs to be re-sewn and some cigarette burns on the driver’s side carpet (see pic), but there is absolutely NO cigarette smell in the car. The rest of the interior is in excellent condition, including specific Williams upholstery and door cards, all glass, carpets, trim, etc.. I was quoted $200 from a specialty shop to refinish the leather of the steering wheel on both sides if the next owner wishes to do it. Please note that because this is a European car, the odometer and speedometer are in km. I will leave the original French plates on the car for more authenticity. This car is ready to be enjoyed right now without any work needed. I have several receipts showing purchases of a lot of parts associated with the refurbishment of the car. I welcome viewings and inspections in Orlando, FL by appointment only. More detailed photos & videos are available upon serious request.
I strongly believe the first serious buyer who comes test drive the car will purchase it (no joyrides) ! This Clio is a huge amount of fun to drive and I will dearly miss it for my occasional Sunday morning runs. I have set what I believe to be a reasonable and realistic Buy-It-Now on this rare and desirable car, and I am open to smart, true and serious offers. Do not waste my time with ridiculous offers. This is a really nice car. Please have funds ready prior to committing yourself with the purchase. I take my listings very seriously and expect the same from you. Furthermore, because of the rise of non-paying bidders now prowling on Ebay, I reserve the right to cancel any bid / offer I find suspicious.
You are welcome to contact me via Ebay to discuss any other details not mentioned in this listing.
I NEVER charge bogus dealer fees and your winning bid is the actual purchase price. By law, Florida residents will have to pay sales tax. Buyers from out of state wanting to drive the car home will have to pay their county’s sales tax rate in Florida and show proof of insurance prior to driving out. If the purchaser from out of state ships the car, no FL sales tax will be collected. No exceptions to those rules can be made. Again, State law…
Integrity – Credibility – Honesty. Check my feedback.
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