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There are hot hatches that were good in their day, and then there are the handful that have become benchmarks. The Clio 182 Trophy firmly belongs in the latter camp. Even two decades later, evo describes it as an “all-time great hot hatch”, and it has repeatedly featured among the very best driver’s cars of its type. Just 500 UK cars were produced, all finished in Capsicum Red. Based on the already brilliant 182 Cup, Renaultsport added its now-famous Sachs remote-reservoir dampers, revised suspension, lightweight 16-inch Speedline Turini wheels, lower Recaro Trendline seats and the Clio V6-style rear spoiler. Underneath sits the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 16-valve engine producing 182bhp, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. At around 1,090kg, it doesn’t need huge power – it’s the steering, chassis balance and extraordinary body control that make these cars so special. Our car has been in Ireland since nearly new and is one we know particularly well, having sold it twice previously and looked after it for approximately the last 30,000 miles. Around two years ago it underwent a substantial programme of maintenance with us. The underside was stripped extensively, suspension components removed and refreshed, components powder-coated, a new clutch fitted along with timing belt and water pump, braking system refreshed with new discs and pads, and sections of the exhaust renewed as required. The steering wheel was also professionally retrimmed. It now shows a little over 130,000 miles, but this is one car where we’d genuinely tell you not to get hung up on the number. It has an abundance of service history and, more importantly, it drives superbly. It’s tight, responsive and wonderfully direct – exactly what a Trophy should be. The bodywork presents beautifully, while inside the original Recaro seats remain in very good condition. The interior has escaped much of the sticky, worn switchgear these can suffer from, the air conditioning is lovely and cold, and it retains those all-important Trophy details, including its numbered plaque. These cars have a reputation for a reason. A well-sorted 182 Trophy is still one of the most entertaining front-wheel-drive cars you can put on a good road – light, naturally aspirated, manual and completely focused on the person sitting behind the wheel. A very rare car in Ireland, a car we know extremely well, and a properly sorted Trophy ready to be enjoyed.

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Deane Motors

Independent Dealer

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https://deanemotors.ie/

Deane Motors

173 Google reviews

I bought my first Classic Pajero from Simon recently. From my first interaction with Simon to delivery I had a very pleasant experience. When viewing the vehicle, I took my time and Simon let me take as long as I wanted and he was there in the background to answer any questions I had. I felt very comfortable throughout the viewing. Due to my personal circumstances, the purchase took a little longer than usual, and Simon was very understanding about this. I came away with a beautiful Pajero and felt confident and extremely happy with my purchase. I can’t speak highly enough of Simon and his team. Finally I’d just like to say, I’m not a collector or dealer, I just turned 50 and decided to treat myself, so if you are thinking of your first classic car, I can highly recommend Deane Motors and Simon.

I can’t recommend Simon highly enough. Over the years, I have trusted him with both selling my own classic cars and purchasing vehicles on my behalf, and every experience has been exceptional. What sets him apart is his remarkable attention to detail. Nothing is overlooked—from paint depth, chassis condition, originality of components, and matching numbers, to the quality of previous restoration work and even the smallest signs of wear that many others would miss. His inspections are incredibly thorough, honest, and backed by genuine expertise rather than just trying to make a sale. You either have an eye for a car or you don’t, Simon does. I also requested him inspect a car on my behalf in Holland before I committed to buying, without seeing the vehicle myself. His assessment was accurate, balanced, and completely trustworthy, giving me the confidence to make informed decisions. If he recommends a car, I know exactly what I’m getting. If they advise walking away, it’s for a good reason. On the sales side, he has always represented my cars professionally, accurately, and with complete integrity. Communication can be on a fine line at times throughout the process and yes it can be frustrating and having spent time with Simon I appreciate how busy he is running the workshop from a mobile ordering parts and keeping the likes of his PA (Simon Walsh) on his toes In the classic car world, trust is everything, and Simon has earned mine time and time again. Whether you’re buying, selling, or need an expert pre-purchase inspection, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him. His knowledge, meticulous eye for detail, and unwavering honesty make them one of the very best in the business. Keep flying the classic car flag lads, Iv tried over the years to sell classic cars and failed.. these are not new cars, these are old cars trying to be kept alive by the likes of Deane Motors..Backboned by the legend Ollie Deane

Simon is an absolute gent, I was stuck for a way to get out to the dealership and he picked me up from Dublin City centre (now that was him being sound, don’t expect him to do that for you too!) but the whole way out I got to learn alot about life and business from him! A very genuine man, absolutely does not fit the stereotype of a sleazy salesman trying to rip you off! He’s genuinely prioritising a great customer experience for you over squeezing any bit of extra cash out of you! They’ve a serious collection of motors on offer there too! I highly highly recommend 🫡

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Renault Clio 182 Trophy

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