You want this occasion: Renault Sport Spider, exclusive two-seater
Autovisie is always looking for used cars for enthusiasts and therefore searches the lists on the sales site Gaspedal.nl. This time we found a Renault Sport Spider.
The Renault Sport Spider is a striking roadster that was only produced for three years between 1996 and 1999. Since Renault had a difficult time in the 1980s, the manufacturer decided to market itself in a sportier way. A plan that previously worked well with the Renault 5 Turbo.
The Sport Spider is very rare
The Sport Spider is a particularly exclusive model due to its limited number. The idea behind the Spider was that it could work reasonably well as a weekend car, but also had enough spirit to hold its own as a race car.
At the beginning of July 2020, editor Peter Hilhorst drove a Renault Sport Spider in the “Peter’s test drive” section. This is what he had to say about it.
The Renault is an uncompromising two-seater
“Another motive for producing the Sport Spider (besides strengthening the brand image) was the increasing demand for relatively affordable roadsters. In this case, not a sweet touring machine, but an uncompromising two-seater. The Sport Spider was the basis for a one-make series and at the same time a raw road car.”
“Production began in 1996 and in three years the Dieppe factory produced 1,685 units. Not the success we had hoped for, which was partly due to the introduction of the Lotus Elise.”
“Lighter, faster, more comfortable and more exotic, but almost 25 years later less exclusive than this Sport Spider. It was also the first model from the Renault Sport label, which has now developed into a highly respected sports division.”
How is the spider structured?
“Everything about the Sport Spider is actually extreme. The first year it was delivered without a windshield and only had a wind deflector. From the second year of production, a glass panel was added to the options list to boost sales. The appearance is reminiscent of a racing car with a low nose, large air intakes on the sides, roll bars and gullwing doors.”
“All body panels are made of plastic, while the chassis is made of welded aluminum beams. It has double wishbones all around, attached to the chassis with uniballs, and adjustable shock absorbers that act directly from the upper wishbone on the chassis; At the front the dampers are horizontal.”
“In the rear is the transversely installed 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the Clio Williams with 150 hp, which drives the rear wheels and does not have to weigh more than 902 kg.”
How is the driving experience of the Renault?
“As good as the Renault sounds on paper, the Sport Spider is just as beautiful in real life.” The steering without servo is robust, but not too heavy. You notice a little doubt somewhere in the middle position of the steering wheel, but as you turn further, the flow of information begins. You then steer the lightweight into the curves precisely and confidently, balancing calmly on the amazing grip of the front axle. If necessary, lightly apply the non-powered brakes to maintain pressure on the nose. Then he changes direction almost with the immediacy of a formula car. The chassis feedback is extremely accurate.”
“You feel everything, hear everything and smell everything. You can’t drive much purer. The four-cylinder is lively, hums behind the back and is easy to rev. Oversteering on the accelerator pedal won’t happen quickly, but accelerating in the middle of the curve or deliberately turning it abruptly can provoke an easily controllable slide. Because of the mid-engine, you have to act quickly, but you can feel it well. The Sport Spider is a rare experience and is becoming more and more expensive.”
Autovisie finds an example from 1997 with 41,915 kilometers on the clock. The asking price is 49,500 euros.
Peter’s test drive Renault Sport Spider
Watch the video below to get the full impression of Peter Hilhorst!