RSS Share 13/01/2006
Renaultsport Spider celebrates 10-year Anniversary

Occasionally, a car comes along that is so distinctive, so original, so beautifully designed and so much fun to drive that the motoring world is in the rare position of agreeing on its qualit. This situation occurred a decade ago when, at the Geneva motor show, along came a Spider.

Low slung, finished in pearlescent banana-yellow paint and apparently devoid of a windscreen, the Renaultsport Spider turned heads in every corner of the industry. The thought of owning what appeared to be a concept car, appealed to UK buyers so much the queues were long and impatient for the 200 models to arrive in 1996.

Born from a conversation three years earlier between Patrick le Quément of Renault Design and Christian Contzen, then Head of Renaultsport, the idea was to build a specialist sports car that would support a single-make race series but could also, crucially, be adapted into a niche-market road car. Three years later, the dream became a reality and Spider launched the Renaultsport brand.

Instantly recognisable for its highly innovative aluminium chassis and minimalist styling, the real pleasure is reserved for those with the foresight to buy one. David Myers, 54, from Romford, counts himself among the lucky ones whose garage door opens to reveal the stunning curves of a Renaultsport Spider.

"It's the type of car that, once you've seen it, you know you just have to have one," says David, who has owned his plum red model for five years. "It may not be the fastest but there's definitely something about it. It always puts a smile on my face and I've only ever seen two others on the road. It's special because it's so rare."

Fellow owner Nick Edwards, 45, from Barnet, agrees wholeheartedly, adding: "It's appearance is something that just smacks you between the eyes - only the French could make a car with wacky doors like that! The first time I took it on a track I frightened myself to death but it was a fantastic experience. I have a frame by frame picture sequence of spinning off the track and even that brings a smile."

Of course, other drivers to experience the thrill of hurtling round British circuits were those who competed in ELF Renault Sport Spider UK Cup from 1996 until 1999. Championship winners in that period include British Touring Car Championship drivers Jason Plato and Dan Eaves and current World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx.