Vehicle Description
Renault's 2+2 Coupe GT MPV concept wowed the crowds as well as the
motoring press when revealed as a styling exercise at the Paris
Motor Show in 1998. So much so that the concept was boldly taken
into production largely unchanged. With design 'ahead of its time'
the Avantime this flagship was packed full of luxuries, safety
features and advanced engineering. Highlights included unique
double-hinged 'kinematic' pillarless doors allowing easy access to
the front and rear seats, the world's largest opening glass sunroof
at the time featuring strengthened heat-reflecting tinted glass,
theatre seating and a 'grand air' button which simultaneously opens
all pillarless windows and sunroof at the press of one switch.
BBC's Top Gear positioned the Renault Avantime at 'Sub Zero' on the
'Cool Wall' stating it was cooler even than the Aston Martin
Vanquish and �the coolest car money can buy'.� This 2003, 2.0 litre
Turbo Dynamique was specified in Iliade Blue with silver aluminium
roof rails contrasted with black half-leather interior. First
Registered to 'Renault UK Limited' like most were, Renault Croydon
sold this example to its previous registered keeper in 2006.
Receipts in the history file show several thousands of pounds spent
on general maintenance and upkeep across the years with Renault
specialist Paul Sage of Alpine Autos, London and today the car has
covered approximately 70,000 miles.� The six-speed gearbox makes
for frugal cruising while the turbo gives the car nimble
performance despite its size and all in all a bright and very
rewarding driving experience. When you overlay the GT flare and
performance with such limited production numbers, we believe that
the Avantime possesses all of the hallmarks for collectability,
future investment and thoroughly enjoyable classic ownership. � For
sale by auction on Saturday 23 September 2017 with Historics at
Brooklands, Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey,
Call 01753 639170
