Attempted sale of Clio V6 Trophy #159 (Chassis 159B MOC)

[Lankan]

Stumbled on this via a feed: 2003 Renault Clio V6 Trophy Race Car (states that this is the last Trophy built, but never raced)

Listed on BringAtrailer.com on 2nd June 2023 and then withdrawn from sale - interesting back story if you scroll down to the comments.

It does look to be Trophy 159 (Chasiss 159B MOC). What is the real story behind this one?

Guess this one is for [mention=1292,#2b2b2b]Duncan[/mention].

 

[Duncan]

This car was Renaults promotional car for the facelift and it attended all sorts of events in 2002-2003 before it was bought by an American and imported by the same people (Nology) who brought over a road phase 1 at the same time and modified it.

It never raced in any of the series. I believe it has been used a little bit though.

However, its not box fresh per say. The exhaust isn't what it had during its promo days and it does appear to of had paint work on the drivers side of the car.
Notice the sponsor decals that are on the right hand side of the car, are not on the left, and the drivers side rear quarter is a different shade of yellow to the rest of the car.
As far as I know, this has been like this for nearly all its time in the US, so it might of happened before Renault sold it.

It is in remarkably good nick though!

I've spoken with a long term owner of it who was lovely, but they moved it on a couple of years ago.

I have no idea who owns it now, but who ever is auctioning it doesnt sound popular!! [smilie=icon_eek.gif]

Here it is in Europe before it went to the US (2002-2003)

European Touring Car and FIA GT, Donington Park, October 2002:

Feb 2003 at Dieppe:

 

[Lankan]

Excellent as always Duncan. :approve:

Also, noticed that Trophy 118 sold on BaT last September. There appeared to have been some fierce bidding going on before finally selling for $75,000. The comments on that listing were particularly informative, especially from the person who stated that he had raced these for 2-3 years.

 

[Duncan]

That’s Rick Pearson in the comments, ex Mark Fish driver. :approve: