BLURB

Mazda is gone - too slow, too much rust and not enough seats/space.  Was fun whilst it lasted but not a keeper.  Currently breaking it (as I do) and I've spent the money on a replacement.

 

I had a Clio 182 Cup for 7 years and you literally can't buy anything cheaper that is so much fun.  I did look at EP3 Type R's but by all accounts they are a little number, too heavy and most seem to be really leggy.  Also looked at some older Honda's but scene tax has made sure a good EG/EK Civic is serious money.

 

I was originally looking for a car in the £1500-2500 range that would be suitable for daily driving, B-road blasts and the odd trackday/hillclimb/sprint.  Nothing too nice that I'd want to baby.  One night when browsing eBay I came across a Clio Trophy for £3750.  Currently these are trading for between £6500-£16000 depending on condition and miles...so it appeared to be a bit of a bargain.  Must be a reason....  cam belt was done, service history was good, not Cat C/D, Sachs suspension refurbished and waiting to be refitted...125k miles....ah 125k miles!  But then if it has been looked after that's only 10k a year....so not bad at all really...

 

Thought it worth a punt so booked a flight to Manchester (£70) train to Liverpool (£8) and the boy picked me up from the station and took me back to the Wirral.  Money was exchanged and drove backup the same day; stopping at Doune to catch the tail end of the hill climb.

 

Totally standard car bar: Koni adjustable rear dampers, Eibach Sportline lowering springs, Espace V6 air box, Scorpion RS192 stainless exhaust, Nankang RS2 tires and I think that's about it...that's on top of the standard Trophy spec. of Speedline Turini wheels, Clio V6 spoiler, Recaro trendlines and silly expensive Sachs remote reservoir dampers. It's a little tatty here and there.  Some parking dings, little chip of paint here and there and some kerbing on the wheels.  Worst part of the car is probably the bubble of rust at the front of the bonnet where it has been closed on something but you barely notice it.

 

Have been driving it to work which it's fine for and I've had it on a couple of b-road jaunts.  Utter banter - so much fun!  Can't wait to get the Sachs dampers back on with the addition of some camber bolts at the front...then hopefully get to Fintray Hillclimb in May. Dampers were rebuilt by Rik Perry who I'm told works for one of the F1 teams.  Shafts are coated in some sort of hard diamond based substance, adjusters de-pinned so they can be used (locked from factory) and lastly dyno'd with a print out and sheet telling you exact numbers of clicks for each side to have them the same...which in this case is 22 and 23...nerdy!

 

PHOTOS

 

Lovely motor my brother had a 106 gtis years back and that was a hoot to drive your must be even better.