This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Supercar Fest Sale of Iconic and Classic Cars 2024 on Saturday the 18th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. Designed from the outset as a driver's car, the Spider's chassis was made of aluminium (combining low weight and substantial strength) clad in a GRP body. The gearbox and engine were one unit, transversally fixed in an oscillating hinge (an arrangement inspired by aeronautical design), which all but eradicated the interference of engine vibration with the chassis. The pedals of the Spider were adjustable as well as the seat so the driver could achieve the absolute optimum driving position. The heart of the Spider was a mid-mounted, 2-litre, DOHC F7R four-cylinder engine which was borrowed from the Clio Williams and later used in the Mégane Coupé. Tuned to generate 148bhp and 129lb/ft of torque, the 16-valve unit was linked to a 5-speed manual transmission that sent power to the rear wheels. The 930kg two-seater sprinted from 0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds and went on to a top speed of 133mph. According to the official production numbers, there were just 1,685 examples of the Spider assembled in Alpine’s Dieppe factory from 1996 to 1999. Each car was hand-built from start to finish and took about 90 hours to complete, which partially justified it's relatively high price at the time. The Spider model was unfortunately discontinued after only a year and a half of production. 400 left-hand drive cars were produced as 'saute vente’ with a wind deflector (instead of a windscreen) which created an air-screen in front of the driver. For the UK-market, a number of right-hand drive cars were built with windscreens, but only 60 of them were sold. The remainder of the cars were sold in the German market converted back to left-hand drive, with the addition of a driver’s airbag. The 1997 RenaultSport Spider presented here is one of those 60 windscreen-equipped, right-hand drive examples sold new to the UK-market and has covered just over 5,000 miles since new. It's finished in the original three-stage Pearlescent Liquid Yellow paintwork – arguably a Spider’s signature colour. Incredibly original and still in 'showroom condition', there cannot be many better examples available, its condition being wholly commensurate with its low mileage, fully supported by servicing records.   It was supplied new on 16th December 1997 through Bailey’s of Hanley Ltd. (Renault) and is still accompanied by its owner's book-pack, service book, numerous receipts and invoices, V5C, previous MOT Certificates and both keys, as well as clear and weatherproof cockpit covers. It also retains its original ‘briefcase’ in the front luggage compartment which houses the locking wheel nut, spares, tow hook, and jack. The service record is impeccable too, the most recent (with cambelt) being carried out at Renault specialists Cedar Motors Ltd. of Leicestershire in August 2023. Full details in the history file.This is a very rare opportunity to acquire a special little sports car which is rarely seen on British roads and that is sure to be the talking point at any classic car show.