Renault Sport Clio V6 (2001-2005): Monday modern classic

[Lankan]

Looks like the recent auction sales have triggered some positive press: Renault Sport Clio V6 (2001-2005): Monday modern classic

"Every Monday we’re serving you up a delicious slice of pure postulation. That’s right, once a week we’re using our expertise and passion for the subject to predict what motors are destined for classic car stardom. This week, Parkers finance editor and former Classic Car Weekly news editor, Murray Scullion proposes the Renault Clio V6.

...

But now, it’s time to consider the Renault Clio V6 as a bonafide classic car."

Their prediction:
"The Clio V6 then, is a brilliantly flawed bit of kit that will likely never be replicated. The car’s precursor, the Renault 5 Turbo, also mid-engined, has long been considered a classic. But many people still see the Clio V6 as merely a bodykitted French car of the early 2000s.

In another two to three years, we expect Phase 1s to be welcomed into the classic fold. Facelifted later cars might be worth more, but will take a bit longer yet to be considered as a classic by the people who frequent classic car shows."

Looks like the Vee has moved on from being considered a 'modern classic' to being accepted as a 'bonafide classic', but haven't seen any references in publications such as Octane or Classic Cars (as yet), or have I missed such a write up?

 

[Kett]

T’was never in doubt.

Ph2 ownership has been very kind too (from personal experience). Early 2000’s, I swapped my 986 Boxster S for my 255 V6.
At the time, they were similar monies with similar drivetrains.

Dynamically the Boxster was ‘top of the curve’ however. The 255 V6 was a lardy caricature by comparison.

Remarkably, when driving the two - the Boxster experience was rather numb, whereas the Vee always returned a huge smile. It was this esoteric measure that underpinned the certainty of future classic status.

Twenty years on, the prospect of IMS bearing failure on a 986 Boxster would’ve added to the misery of long term ownership. Coil failure and starter motors problems have been acceptable shortcomings of Vee ownership by comparison.

Mine now packs the revised stronger starter motor and (so far) infallible V6 Trophy coils - as well as underpinnings component refresh on its 15th year. Carefree ongoing ownership is assured.

 

[Lankan]

Yeah, looking back now (where has the last 18 years gone!), my 986 Boxster S ownership experience was the dullest Porsche experience I too have had. Granted it launched me into the world of Porsche but I was also introduced to the stark reality of depreciation as I lost £15K after 2 years of owning the S when I part-exchanged it for the 993RS, but that the best decisions I made, which then introduced me to what a proper Porsche was. The 964RS and 968CS soon followed, intermixed with a few other 993's.

Then, along came [v6plaque]002[/v6plaque], and what a refreshing treat that was. I hope to hang on to it for a long time, especially with [v6plaque]314[/v6plaque] now gone, but certainly not forgotten, I am now looking for cars I can drive. The Lotus Exige S RGB is here, and what a fantastic drive that is!

I hope the Vee continues to receive the recognition it deserves. In fact, Classic Cars were the first to make the call in their March 2004 issue, aptly titled 'Future Classics' - know that article well since it featured library photos of [v6plaque]002[/v6plaque].