Alpine isn’t Renault’s only recent attempt to beat Lotus at its own game. In 1996, it introduced the Renault Sport Spider, a topless, mid-engine sports designed to be as light and as fun as possible. And now you can own one of these rare French sports cars.
For sale in Florida, this example from 1998 is one of only around 1,800 to have ever left the factory. Equipped with a massive roll hoop and even a windshield (something not all Spiders had), this example has just 1,700 miles (2,736 km) on the odometer.
Although it’s powered by a 2.0-liter inline four that makes just 148 hp (110 kW/150 PS), the car is actually a real performer. For you see, that engine is mounted in the middle for optimal balance, and connected to a five-speed manual transmission.
Read: Renault Sport Spider Is One Of The Wackiest Cars Of The 1990s
Meanwhile, the aluminum monocoque chassis and the plastic composite bodywork help lower the weight. As you can see from the photos of the interior, weight was an obsession, and there are hardly even any plastic trim pieces, meaning that the steering column is just kinda there.
Such was Renault Sport‘s obsession with weight that the Spider could be had with an aeroscreen, rather than a windshield. That brought the overall weight down to 2,050 lbs (930 kg). This one, thanks to its glass, weighs in at a portly 2,108 lbs (956 kg).
Intended to prove that Renault should still be considered a sporting brand in the ’90s, the Renault Sport Spider was assembled at the brand’s Alpine plant in Dieppe.
The recent recipient of a major refresh, this example’s rear bumper was repainted, the seats recovered in leather and Alcantara, and new brake lines were fitted. Its fuel pump was also replaced, and it was given a thorough tune for its new owner.
For sale with ASG Miami, the seller is asking $55,000 for this piece of French automotive history.
