In the history of motoring, some cars are born to shake up convention. That's exactly what the Renault Spider did, a radical roadster that appeared in the 90s, at a time when the Renault brand was seeking to assert its sporting image. Here's a look back at the history of a machine that was as daring as it was rare.
In the early 90s, Renault was undergoing a major metamorphosis. Buoyed by its success in Formula 1 with Williams and Benetton, the French manufacturer wanted to capitalise on this sporting aura by offering models with a strong character. That's the spirit behind the Renault Spider, a project directly entrusted to Renault Sport. The idea was to offer a lightweight, radical roadster designed above all for driving pleasure. At the time, Lotus was marketing the Elise, and France had no equivalent. Renault decided to fill the gap with an uncompromising car, designed for the road and the track.
No compromises
When it was launched in 1995, the Renault Spider caused quite a stir. Its bold design was unexpected for a brand like Renault. With its aluminium and fibreglass body, elytra-shaped doors and total absence of windscreen (on the first version), it was a world away from Renault's classic vehicles.
The cabin is minimalist: two bucket seats, an exposed aluminium roll bar and... that's it! There's no superfluous equipment here. Not even power steering or ABS. Renault Sport wanted a vehicle that was light, responsive and ultra-direct, a philosophy reminiscent of racing cars.
Clio Williams engine
In terms of powertrains, the Renault Spider uses the 2.0 16V F7R from the Clio Williams, an engine already renowned for its sporty character. With 150 bhp for just 930 kg, the Spider boasts a more than respectable power-to-weight ratio. The result is a 0-100kph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of just under 215kph.
Above and beyond the figures, it's the driving experience that is unanimously acclaimed. Its aluminium chassis, sharp suspension and ultra-low centre of gravity make it a real car to drive. On both road and track, the Spider offers exceptional agility and driving precision, enhanced by the absence of an electronic filter.
Windscreen
While the first version, produced in 1995, was radical with its aerodynamic windscreen deflector, Renault finally offered a second variant with a conventional windscreen in 1997. This concession allowed Renault to broaden its customer base, while retaining its sporting DNA. Despite this concession to comfort, the Spider remained a niche vehicle. Its high price and Spartan character limited its commercial success.
Rarity
Production of the Renault Spider ended in 1999, with just 1,726 examples built. A figure that today makes it a highly sought-after vehicle for collectors. There is also an even rarer version: the Spider Trophy, designed for a one-design championship organised by Renault Sport. Equipped with an advanced version of the 2.0 16V developing 180 bhp, it was intended exclusively for competition.
Today, Renault Spiders can be found on the second-hand market for between €40,000 and €70,000, depending on their condition and rarity. A high price, but justified by its exclusivity and its status as an atypical icon of the 90s.
