Classic pearls of the future - Renault Clio Williams
09/18/2015
In order to turn the Renault Clio into a competitive rally car for mass sports, the "Régie" developed the Clio Williams, which was based on the 16V. In 1993, the blue car with gold rims was presented, with around 150 hp and powered by a two-liter engine.
After the first few thousand units required for homologation, production continued until around 12,100 Clio Williams were finally sold in 1997. The last 500 left the factory as a limited "Swiss Champion" series, equipped with a special steering wheel, Sony radio cassette player with CD changer and some special badges.
The magazine "Auto Motor und Sport" was very enthusiastic after testing the Clio Williams in 1993: "The Williams accelerates with a vigor that clearly makes it the king of the dwarfs", it wrote, and test driver Götz Leyrer was amazed at the balance and comfort on offer.
It took 8.2 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h, and the little Frenchman (approx. 3.7 meters long and 1.65 meters wide) ran at 215 km/h.
Of course, the British also loved the nimble "Hot Hatch", but its fans were actually everywhere.
Renault Clio Williams are still available to buy at acceptable prices, albeit with a small supply, but woe betide anyone who discovers the Clio top model of the early nineties as a "collector's vehicle" ...
More classic pearls can be found in our "Classic pearls" theme channel.
