Patrick Le Quement's 2+3 Coupe GT MPV concept was revealed at the Paris Motor Show in 1998. The reaction from the motoring press was unanimously positive prompting Renault to take the very bold step of launching their 'Avantime' (meaning ahead-of-time) into production largely unchanged. This radical flagship not only had handsome good looks but also an abundance 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, galvanised steel chassis with aluminium upper structure, cavernous 530 litre boot, Xenon headlights and a 'grand air' mode which retracts the 1m2 glass sunroof at the same time as the pillarless side windows, all at the press of one switch. 'Sub Zero' status on Top Gear's 'Cool Wall' earned the Avantime some notoriety, especially with the presenters claiming that Renaults Avantime was cooler even than the Aston Martin Vanquish and "the coolest car money can buy" yet just 450 cars ultimately sold in the UK.

This well-equipped Avantime is number 228 of the limited number sold in the UK. This stylish coupe was registered in September 2002 and presents in the rare colour combination for the model of red metallic coachwork with a contrasting beige leather interior. This Renault is offered to auction with a V5C registration document, a fresh MoT test certificate and various bills and receipts. The Avantime combines bold styling with exceptional comfort and a host of quirky and engaging features. When you overlay the GT flare and performance with such limited production numbers, it is of little surprise that these hand finished statement cars are now gathering quite a collector following. Consigned by Dominic Lake.

Lot details
Year: 2002
Make: Renault
Model: Avantime Privilege
Registration: HX52 ULJ
Chassis No: VF8DEOT0226524037
Engine No: F133266
Mileage: 137,262

* Top of the range 'Privilege' model
* Rare colour