The life of... SharkyUK's Trophy

[Clio_fool]

It's good to hear that you're finally having chance to enjoy driving the trophy, however fleeting the opportunity may be. It's nice to have a car sat waiting that can give you a thrill when you need to de stress abit no matter what the weather, and a clio sport is perfect for that.

 

[Mr Underhill]

If you have the space and it’s not burning a hole in your wallet, I’d hang on to it.

Not for the “ThEse ARe GuNNeR be WuRTh a FoRtuNe” in 10 years reasons/debate, but for the memories, the nostalgia, the sheer bloody mindedness that the cars of tomorrow are going to be soulless and devoid of the character and charm that these classics exude.

It's not about the investment or resale value; it's about preserving a piece of history and relishing the unique experience these cars offer, something that future generations may never truly understand.

 

[Horatio McAllister]

If you have the space and it’s not burning a hole in your wallet, I’d hang on to it.

Not for the “ThEse ARe GuNNeR be WuRTh a FoRtuNe” in 10 years reasons/debate, but for the memories, the nostalgia, the sheer bloody mindedness that the cars of tomorrow are going to be soulless and devoid of the character and charm that these classics exude.

It's not about the investment or resale value; it's about preserving a piece of history and relishing the unique experience these cars offer, something that future generations may never truly understand.

Agree, but let’s not forget Sharky has a GT4 😂

 

[Brigsy]

Good to hear its back on the road and you are enjoying it again. Trophy weekender next year if all goes well

 

[Mr Underhill]

Agree, but let’s not forget Sharky has a GT4 😂

 

[seb]

Tbh an rs clio is so f**king cheap to keep running annually i’m keeping mine. Does a few hundred miles a year tops. costs peanuts to service. Onyl big bill is the belts but that is hardly that expensive.

if you still enjoy it and have the space etc keep it imo.

 

[SharkyUK]

If it helps at all, the gear gaiter is still available new, 8200071449 is the part number, includes the plastic ring with the clips that always snap. If you're going down the snappy steering wheel re-trim route at some point, he can retrim the gaiter in some decent leather too.

Great, thanks for the information mate - I'll get onto that! Yeah, I fully plan on getting a Snappy re-trim so may indeed consider getting the gaiter done for a few pennies extra, too. Cheers!

It's good to hear that you're finally having chance to enjoy driving the trophy, however fleeting the opportunity may be. It's nice to have a car sat waiting that can give you a thrill when you need to de stress abit no matter what the weather, and a clio sport is perfect for that.

I wholeheartedly agree, mate! Whilst I keep the GT4 insured all year and try and use it all year round, the weather and tyre combo can make it a bit of a liability at times. With the Trophy... well, I don't really give a toss. Just jump in it and drive regardless of what the weather is like! It's nice to be able to do that, definitely. It also helps that I'm not particularly precious about the Trophy any more either. Don't get me wrong, I look after all my cars as best I can and I want them to be the best they can be, but I don't mind so much now if the Trophy gets a bit of a chip, a scuff, or whatever.

Agree, but let’s not forget Sharky has a GT4 😂

True, perhaps I haven't mentioned it before... 🫣

Sorry not sorry. 🤣

Good to hear its back on the road and you are enjoying it again. Trophy weekender next year if all goes well

Thanks, mate. Yup, it would be great to get a Trophy Weekender into the calendar next year! Given the number of years and times I've helped organise or be a part of it, I'm yet to drive it in my own Trophy!

Tbh an rs clio is so f**king cheap to keep running annually i’m keeping mine. Does a few hundred miles a year tops. costs peanuts to service. Onyl big bill is the belts but that is hardly that expensive.

if you still enjoy it and have the space etc keep it imo.

I hear you and appreciate it can be a relatively inexpensive car to have. But it can also be quite an expense! #165 has already cost me in excess of 2k this year not including tax and insurance! Parts are starting to fail, many parts are NLA, and sourcing parts can be a nightmare. If you've got a decent runner then they can make sense for sure. If you've got a temperamental sonofabitch then you constantly have your hand in your pocket and a pack of lube to hand.

 

[photo_ed]

If you have the space and it’s not burning a hole in your wallet, I’d hang on to it.

Not for the “ThEse ARe GuNNeR be WuRTh a FoRtuNe” in 10 years reasons/debate, but for the memories, the nostalgia, the sheer bloody mindedness that the cars of tomorrow are going to be soulless and devoid of the character and charm that these classics exude.

It's not about the investment or resale value; it's about preserving a piece of history and relishing the unique experience these cars offer, something that future generations may never truly understand.

Absolutely this... I could have not put it more succinctly. 👏

 

[SharkyUK]

Absolutely this... I could have not put it more succinctly. 👏

Yup, I can only echo those sentiments, whether it be with the Trophy or some other car.

 

[Waite_87]

I have followed this car on and off for years. Glad you are getting to use it. I look forward to more updates

 

[SharkyUK]

I have followed this car on and off for years. Glad you are getting to use it. I look forward to more updates

Thank you, mate! And thanks for checking in now and again!

 

[Kimster]

Speaking of which, mate, how's it been getting on? Hope you're well, and she's doing well!

 

[SharkyUK]

Speaking of which, mate, how's it been getting on? Hope you're well, and she's doing well!

Hello mate, I really should provide an update, shouldn't I?!?!?!

I'm doing much better, thank you. Last year was a bit of a write-off (for me, not the Trophy) but things have turned around and are on the up. As for #165, it is still with me. It probably wouldn't surprise anyone to know that it is currently having some work done on it. The MOT is also due in a few days so fingers are crossed for that, too.

Give me a day or so and I'll put an update together. Thanks for asking, mate - I hope all is well with yourself and life is treating you good!

 

[cp1991]

After reading through this I’m glad to hear that the car is still with you. This thread is testament to the fact that cars and other inanimate objects are way more than what they appear to be on the surface to some people. I’ve not gone through half of the s**t that you’ve gone through here with your trophy, but there’s nothing else that gives me the sense of escapism that my cup gives me when everything else seems to be falling apart around me. The effort you put into something is rewarded twice over when it all clicks into place.

 

[SharkyUK]

After reading through this I’m glad to hear that the car is still with you. This thread is testament to the fact that cars and other inanimate objects are way more than what they appear to be on the surface to some people. I’ve not gone through half of the s**t that you’ve gone through here with your trophy, but there’s nothing else that gives me the sense of escapism that my cup gives me when everything else seems to be falling apart around me. The effort you put into something is rewarded twice over when it all clicks into place.

Thank you for reading through, mate. It might be looking a bit dog-eared and a bit like Trigger's broom, but it seems pretty solid mechanically. I've probably gone and cursed it now. I am part way through a frontend refresh with the suspension and other parts, but awaiting parts that are on back order. It's getting mighty difficult to source parts these days! I've got bushes, brackets,and other things to go on and the new track rod ends and bearings were done recently. That made a huge difference.

I took it out for a short 150 mile drive earlier today. Doing a bit of recce for this year's Trophy Welsh Weekender, and for the Clio 182's 20th birthday.

So yeah, #165 still lives and I really should provide an update soon.

Yep, the Trophy decals are falling off and a bird crapped on it during the drive. No f**ks given. It drives great!

 

[SharkyUK]

It gets used all year round, all weathers. It's my daily beater. This was earlier in the year before the decals went bye-bye.

 

[SharkyUK]

Erm, yeah. It's still running. And it's running very well indeed. It still needs the frontend suspension refresh doing but that will be happening in a month or so now it is booked in.

I'm trying to think what has happened in the meantime other than just driving the wheels off it...

Oh yeah, the 20th Anniversary Clio 182 Trophy Welsh Weekender! In the decade or more that I've been running/organising this event, I think it's the first time I've driven it in my own car/Trophy! And what a weekend it was, too. Despite challenging weather, road closures, last minute route changes, it ran flawlessly. What a great bunch of folks to enjoy it with! Over the 400+ miles we didn't lose a single person and the whole group remained together. I'd like to think it is due to careful route planning and 20+ years of sorting driving routes in Wales... and I'd be bl00dy right, I thank you very much! Joking aside, it was probably my favourite Weekender yet despite the 'stress' of leading and hoping everything goes to plan.

And a few from the other day, enjoying a bit of lovely autumnal sunshine.

I'll hopefully have a better write-up and more updates in a month or so...

 

[photo_ed]

Great update Andy, thanks for sharing. Hope the front end refresh goes well, and the weekender was just fabulous. Thanks again for your hard work and leading the group so expertly! 😁👍

 

[SharkyUK]

Great update Andy, thanks for sharing. Hope the front end refresh goes well, and the weekender was just fabulous. Thanks again for your hard work and leading the group so expertly! 😁👍

Thanks, Ed - I'm looking forward to getting the refresh finished and the new headlights fitted! Thanks for the kind words, too - it was a genuine pleasure this year to be fair; we had a great group with us and the dramatic Welsh weather and roads never fail to impress! Looking forward to catching up with you again soon. Breakfast?

 

[SharkyUK]

So, back at the start of December...

An all too familiar sight...

#165 on its travels once again. To Mick at Diamond Motors. Once again! I'm glad Mick likes a 182/Trophy in his workshop...

After spending another small fortune on #165, the recent issues I had been experiencing still remained. Admittedly, it was a LOT better than it was before the expenditure, but it's still frustrating to say the least. Even though it was driving a lot better, I didn't want to take the risk of driving it the 3+ hours to Diamond Motors (DM). Most of the direct route there is dual carriageways and motorways, and the hesitation and near cut-outs did not inspire confidence. Neither did the vibrations! It was trying its hardest to impersonate a V8 muscle car, I swear!

I called upon my local (to me, here in south Wales) transport guy in order to arrange having the car delivered. That did not go well as his truck was out of action after suffering a snapped crank a day or two prior! Thankfully, he had another local contact who he put me in touch with and transport was arranged quickly and easily.

#165 arrived at DM around 9am ready to be put aside until time could be found to investigate the issue. However, after 15-20 minutes the problem was fixed and #165 was running well again. Despite buying new leads, coil pack, sparks, etc. and having had the injectors checked... there was an issue with injector 3. I swear this car is going to drive me to an early grave shortly after it has financially ruined me. A few pence short of 800 quid to get it sorted, and I haven't paid Mick yet!

On the plus side, at least I know the components are new and should be good for a few years more. #165 is due the belt change next year so that's something to look forward to. Whilst the car is with Mick, he will be working on a few other bits that we had planned to do prior to the (now fixed) running issue. Headlights, suspension bits, exhaust hangers, that sort of stuff.

Now to fix Mrs. SharkyUK's Abarth.

Thank goodness the Porsche is reliable. And, currently, the cheapest of the stable!

 

[SharkyUK]

Yesterday...

#165 is safely back home and it is purring like a kitten! As always, a huge thanks to Mick at Diamond Motors for getting it sorted.

It was a long old day, mind. My health has once again put me on the back foot, so I had to postpone collection a few times. Yesterday, I just went for it and Mrs SharkyUK kindly joined me too. I desperately wanted to make the journey; not just to collect the Trophy, but to visit my sister and to see my niece for the first time. We went shopping together!

Sorry not sorry - she is adorable!

Back to Trophy #165, a set of new injectors fixed the issue. Two were ok, one was not looking so healthy, and injector 3 had long passed its prime! It has now had brand new injectors, coil pack, leads and spark plugs so - fingers crossed - things will be good for a while. The next item on the list will be the belts next year.

Whilst with Mick, I had a few other bits done, too. I know how he loves wrestling with 20 year-old cars and burning out old exhaust mounts and the like. 🤫 New exhaust hangers/mounts to fix the droop and rattle. New ARB bushes, brackets, fixings (track rods and a few other bits had already been done). Sure enough, it has freshened things up beautifully. Talking of freshening things up, the new headlights have transformed the front end, too. What a difference.

Yesterday was a long day with over 7 hours of driving, and #165 have to battle very wet roads (in Wales, not so much England that saw quite a nice day!) It was wet and dark and I didn't really get time to take any photos. It wasn't helped by a closed motorway and having to take a wide detour via Hereford.

A quick couple of snaps on the drive this morning. Filthy!

The big item tickets that I would next like to get sorted over the next 12 months are:

• Belts
• Check for rust (sills off, petrol filler area, etc.)
• Respray

Let's see how things go. In the meantime, I plan to continue driving the wheels off of it regardless of weather or conditions. It's my daily beater and I love it.

 

[d19wood]

Every day's an adventure, glad you're up and running again 👍. Same with mine last week, open circuit on injector 3 left if spluttering and rattling it's ass off. So some new injectors later, still the same. Ended up finding a broken wire back along the loom from the connector, so cut out and replaced and back up and running again.

 

[SharkyUK]

Every day's an adventure, glad you're up and running again 👍. Same with mine last week, open circuit on injector 3 left if spluttering and rattling it's ass off. So some new injectors later, still the same. Ended up finding a broken wire back along the loom from the connector, so cut out and replaced and back up and running again.

Yeah, it is certainly an adventure with these cars! I'm glad you managed to track down the issue and get it sorted. I think I may have a slight electrical gremlin as the rev counter started intermittently flashing on and off on the way home. 🤣

 

[SharkyUK]

I enjoyed the drive so much after the recent work, I took #165 out again for a coffee run; just for the sheer heck of it. Honestly, it is like driving a new car. The difference is noticeable to say the least. The way it skipped around the twisties, in less than ideal conditions, was mesmerising! I don't ever recall the engine running this smooth, either. Ever.

Whilst at my local coffee haunt, a close friend of mine dropped in to say hello. Two fine French driving machines, separated by almost two decades.

I have fallen for Le Clio B*stard Rouge once again.

 

[RSRowe]

Is that Baffle Haus? 🤔

 

[Clio_fool]

I'm going to have to have an Alpine some day. Glad to hear you're still smitten with LBR too Andy, fetch it to csf and do some laps in it next year 👍.

 

[SharkyUK]

Is that Baffle Haus? 🤔

It is, fella - my local coffee haunt. (Baffle Haus, Cedars).

I'm going to have to have an Alpine some day. Glad to hear you're still smitten with LBR too Andy, fetch it to csf and do some laps in it next year 👍.

They are great cars, if a little impractical! The one pictured has been tweaked a bit. 1100kgs and 350bhp, geo setup, and a few items to come.

Yup, guilty - still enjoying the b*stard thing. I am trying to get my missus to tag along next year so she can bring the Trophy and me in the GT4. Fingers crossed...

 

[RSRowe]

Pretty sad to recognise a fence. I’ve never been in, but travel past once a week for work. 😂

 

[SharkyUK]

Pretty sad to recognise a fence. I’ve never been in, but travel past once a week for work. 😂

Sad? No! You're just being observant! 🤣

 

[SharkyUK]

A "betwixtmas" jolly, with cool weather and a red hot-hatch. A touch too cold for the Porsche, but absolutely no hesitation in grabbing the keys to #165.

In a wonderful turn of events, it would appear that the previously non-working stereo head unit and door speakers... are now working.

Alas, something starts working, something goes awry. My dashboard is now throwing the "no oil" digital warning, yet the oil level is absolutely spot on the money.

 

[MJRacing]

Is that llangynidr mountain?

 

[SharkyUK]

Is that llangynidr mountain?

It is mate, yes.

 

[MJRacing]

Great bit of tarmac that, and no speed cameras 👀.

 

[SharkyUK]

Great bit of tarmac that, and no speed cameras 👀.

Twenty is plenty... 🫣👀

The roads were nice and quiet today, apart from the stretch from Ebbw-side to the viewpoint. Quite a few wild ponies in the road and a few people parked up feeding them loaves of bread.

 

[SharkyUK]

A Midwinter Drive, a Wash, and General Musings
17-Jan-2026

---

Trophy #165 continues to deliver and frustrate, although there are far more positives than negatives!

I probably sound like a broken record but (a) too bad, and (b) some things are worth shouting about!

Due to #165 being used pretty much daily (or certainly every other day or so) I hadn't, perhaps, realised how tired its underpinnings had become. It still felt great to drive, and I had no issues whatsoever during the Welsh Weekender, yet I am as pleased as punch in terms of the difference the minor suspension component refresh has made. This Renault-relic has absolutely no right to feel like this.

With the weather bearing its teeth and freezing weather a regular visitor, #165's stablemates have largely been sat warming the benches. Looking on with a hint of jealousy as they see Mrs SharkyUK, or myself, reaching for the Trophy's keys yet again. They will get their turn, but now is not the time. Capsicum Red/Pink is the order of the day. #165 does not fear the salt and grit. And also has a friendly and local detailer on hand.

As work is still evading me, I am continuing to enjoy my random and regular coffee runs. Let's not paint a picture of pure driving nirvana, though; this is a Renault Clio of age after all. And the signs are there. On the plus side, the oil level issue appears to have fixed itself. No longer is the dash alerting me to the fact that I have no oil. The gremlins must have become bored. Or maybe they just on to the "next thing". Indeed, those very dashboard-dwellers have decided to have some fun with my tachometer/rev counter. A veritable dashboard-dweller disco nonetheless. A treat for my eyes as the lights appear on, then off, then on, and then off... to the beat of some inaudible disco beat. It's not a major thing. I can live without it as long as all other lights are fine. The rev counter is no substitute for feeling and the ears.

Alas, the (above) pictured coffee run did highlight the fact that I was in need of new front tyres. I was hoping they might see me through the winter but, and quite sensibly, it wasn't worth taking the risk. They were approaching the wear markers and were increasingly struggling for grip when applying a liberal dose of right foot. A few days later and #165 was shod in a fresh set of rubber, Michelin PS5 for those who enjoy the details. I don't normally run mismatched tyres front axle and rear, but the rear PS3s still have 6mm+ on them. I figured I would use them this way (PS5 front axle, PS3 rear axle) over the winter whilst driving is generally slower and less enthusiastic. As much as this feisty little car likes to "egg one on", I can and do respect the laws of physics by which we are bound, and generally take things a little steadier. You could say I drive Caerphilly. Fnar fnar, local joke there. Sorry. Naturally, the change of rubber made quite the difference once I had put a few miles on and scrubbed them in. And dropped the tyre pressures to something more sensible!

Upon returning from another drive out recently, I discovered a new rattle that my ears had not registered before. The source was from somewhere low and at the rear. It wasn't the usual flatulence. Surely, it couldn't be the brand new exhaust mounts/inserts that I had just purchased and had fitted? Of course it was those flippin' things! Both inserts had popped completely out and the exhaust was pretty much bouncing off the rear subframe and axle. It did not sound great, and I was a little concerned as to the unnecessary strain this was putting on the exhaust itself. Thankfully, it was quite an easy fix. A quick twist of the stereo volume dial, up to 14 or louder, and the awful knocking sound vanished. I'm all for quick and easy fixes.

Joking aside, I had a bit of a secret weapon when it came to getting the exhaust hung and back in place. Sure enough, I returned home in the car, pulled on the driveway, and parked up in front of the garage. I stepped carefully out of the car, so as not to slip on the now freezing driveway as temperatures plummeted well south of zero degrees C, and fetched a couple of mats and tools from the garage. And a large rubber mallet. Treading gingerly, I chocked the car and put the mats in place, ensuring easy access to the rear. I then grabbed a couple of tools, and passed them down to the guy who was half under my Trophy. I also offered words of encouragement whilst speaking directly to his legs.



My weapon was a good friend who was visiting for a few days. I don't mean he's a weapon in that sense. I mean he's a weapon as in he's pretty useful with the spanners and mallet! A huge thanks to Ryan for his time and mechanical nous. Very much appreciated. The last time I worked under my car I ended up with a broken rib. Sod that, Ryan's ribs are younger than mine and he has longer to heal.

All this midwinter driving results in a rather impressive build-up of road grime. As readers may well be aware, I quite enjoy washing my cars when I get the opportunity to do so. But not when the snow is falling and the temperatures are cold enough to have one's pickled onions scurrying into the warmth of one's abdomen.

Luckily, a new friend happens to have his own detailing business. And lives around the corner (figuratively speaking). Why should I suffer the ills of winter when I can pay for someone else to suffer instead? Mates rates, naturally. Just kidding - I always pay my share of the bill. It was only a quick 'n' easy maintenance wash and I mainly wanted to get the road grime and detritus removed.

Not too shabby for an old hot-hatch that gets used and enjoyed.

Of course, it started raining withing two minutes of the car being dried...

Onwards to the next adventure.

 

[Rojer]

I loved crawling around on the ground In sub zero temps fixing a roasting hot exhaust. Just remember the deal, keys to the GT4 for the day 😉

 

[SharkyUK]

I loved crawling around on the ground In sub zero temps fixing a roasting hot exhaust. Just remember the deal, keys to the GT4 for the day 😉

Eh? I must have missed that bit, mate... Is that what you were mumbling about whilst under the Trophy? 👀