1997 Renault Sport Spider

The Renault Sport Spider is a notable mid-engine roadster produced by the French automaker Renault from 1996 to 1999. It was designed as a lightweight sports car with a focus on pure driving pleasure and performance. It was created during a time when Renault was involved heavily in motorsport and aimed to showcase its expertise. Renault wanted to build a car that would offer a raw, track-ready experience for drivers while still being road legal. It was developed under Renault Sport, the brand’s performance division, which was also responsible for Renault's involvement in Formula 1 and rallying.

The design of the Renault Sport Spider is minimalist, with a bold and functional look. It features a low-slung body, exposed roll bars, and scissor doors, which add to its exotic appeal. The original version of the Spider didn’t have a windshield; instead, it had a small wind deflector. A windshield-equipped version was later introduced to make it more user-friendly.

One of the most distinctive features of the car is its lack of a roof, windows, or even a traditional soft top. This added to its lightweight design but made it a car meant for fair weather or track use.

The Renault Sport Spider is powered by a 2.0-liter 16-valve f7R Inline 4 Engine. This engine, borrowed from the Renault Clio Williams, produces around 150 hp (110 kW) and 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) of torque and gives it a (0-62 mph) time of 6.9 seconds and a Top speed: 215 km/h (134 mph. It came with a 5-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. The car’s mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and minimal weight give it excellent handling characteristics. Without electronic aids like ABS or traction control, it offers a raw and engaging driving experience.

In addition to the road-going version, Renault also produced a Spider Trophy version, which was designed specifically for a one-make racing series. This race-ready version had a more powerful engine (up to 180 hp) and stripped-out interior for additional weight savings. The Spider Trophy series was popular in the late 1990s, with races held across Europe.

Renault produced around 1800 units of the Sport Spider between 1996 and 1999 with just One of only 96 right-hand drive examples produced making it a rare and sought-after vehicle today. Despite its low production numbers, the Renault Sport Spider has gained a cult following among enthusiasts who appreciate its pure driving dynamics and unique design. It was not sold in every market; for instance, it was never officially sold in the U.S.