The Clio V6 Phase 1 is a 2001–2002 French hatchback with a 3.0-liter V6 mounted behind the front seats, built for Renault by Tom Walkinshaw Racing in Sweden. It was never sold in the United States. Early 2001-built cars became legal to import in 2026; 2002 cars follow in 2027. USAutozilla sources them across Europe and delivers them landed, with a US title.
Why Americans want it
Nothing else looks like it: a supermini with the rear seats thrown out, a V6 where the shopping used to go, huge fender flares, and a reputation for lift-off oversteer that made it a forum legend before anyone in the US could own one. A YouTube and Jalopnik favorite for 20 years, and now finally legal.
What was never sold in the US
- Model: the entire Clio V6 line, Phase 1 (2001–2002) and Phase 2 (2003–2005). Renault left the US market in 1987.
- Engine: 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 (the ES9 “L7X”), rated at 230 PS (roughly 227 hp) in Phase 1, mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual only.
- Build: assembled by TWR in Uddevalla, Sweden; roughly 1,500–1,650 Phase 1 cars (sources quote 1,513 and 1,631).
Eligible years (25-year rule)
Month-for-month from the build date on the manufacturer’s plate. Production started in early 2001, so a car built in March 2001 is legal from March 2026; a car built in November 2001 is legal in November 2026, not before. 2002-built Phase 1 cars become eligible month by month through 2027. No Phase 2 (2003 onward) is eligible before 2028. We confirm the exact build month with Renault records before we buy.
What to look for
- Engine bay heat and the firewall area. The V6 lives in a sealed box; check for cooked wiring, perished coolant hoses and the condition of the cambelt (an engine-out job; budget it if there is no invoice).
- Clutch and gearbox. A heavy clutch is normal; slipping or a notchy 2nd gear is not.
- Body. Many Phase 1 cars were crashed. Check rear-quarter panel gaps, overspray on the roof gutters, and our paint depth readings.
- Rare parts. Rear bumper, side intakes and wheels are hard to find; buy a complete car.
- Documents. Original Renault Sport booklet, two keys with the immobilizer code card, and a numbered build plate that matches the registration.
Typical landed price
Good Phase 1 cars trade in Europe at roughly €45,000–€65,000. Delivered to Newark or Baltimore, inspected and titled, expect roughly $63,000–$89,000, with US customs duty at the rate in effect on entry included in the number. Long Beach adds about $1,000 for container freight.
Registration notes
- California: built after 1975, so direct-import registration requires CARB lab certification; we do not guarantee California registration. Title it in another state where you have a legal address.
- Fuel: gasoline; no diesel issue.
- Title: 17-character VIN; Salvage Motors LLC issues a US title with the stamped CBP 7501, HS-7 and EPA 3520-1.
Our take
This is the car that gets photographed at every Cars and Coffee. Buy a Phase 1 with full history and an engine-out belt service already done, and pay the extra for it. A cheap Clio V6 is a car that is about to cost you the difference.
FAQ
Is the Clio V6 hard to drive?
Short wheelbase, mid-engine, no stability control. Respect it in the wet. On a dry road it is simply a fast, loud, very entertaining hatchback.
Can I get parts in the US?
Mechanical parts (Peugeot-Renault V6, brakes, suspension) are available through European suppliers. Body-specific parts must be sourced in Europe; we help.
Is Phase 2 better?
Phase 2 (255 PS, longer wheelbase, Porsche-tuned chassis) is more forgiving, but it is not legal until 2028 at the earliest.