You Need This: Rare Renault Sport Spider with fewer than 9600 miles

Colin
By Colin Wood
Dec 30, 2024 | Renault, You Need This, Renault Sport Spider

Photography Courtesy Mecum

Take a Lotus Elise, tear off the roof and make it French. What you are left with is, essentially, the Renault Sport Spider.

Comprised of an aluminum chassis fitted with composite body panels, the Spider weighs in at a hair over 2000 pounds.

Power comes from a 1998cc inline-four rated at 148 horsepower, with a five-speed manual handling the gear changes.

In total, only 1640 examples were ever made, none of which were available in the United States–until now.

Find this 1998 Renault Sport Spider for auction from Mecum on January 15.

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Comments
johndej
johndej UltraDork
12/30/24 11:07 a.m.

Saw that down in Christiansburg a few months ago, also recognized the accord wagon that'll be sold too.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/30/24 11:27 a.m.

The Lane Motoring Museum has ones in its collection. 

Toyspyder
Toyspyder New Reader
12/30/24 3:58 p.m.

I have been driving something like that for 13 years. 2000 MR2 Spyder Hardtop with 2ZZ and 6 Speed from Celica GTS, weight about 2250Lbs. Great little ridge runner or canyon carver. The roof, roll up windows and air conditioning may make it a bit more practical than the Renault. I guess the Renault Spyder would be a little more exclusive though.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
12/30/24 4:03 p.m.

I remember when they were new. The Elise seemed to have the edge in dynamics according to contemporary tests/comparisons, but they're the same concept of minimalism. Both the original Elise and the Renault are 25 now so they can be imported. 

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