In the world it is known as the Renault 17, but in Italy it is the Renault 177, why?
The reason is a question of superstition, if in France the number 13 is synonymous with bad luck, in their Transalpine neighbor it is the number 17 that has this unfortunate role. Thus, Renault not wanting to give a bad number to its car, Renault decides to name its R17 in R177, an Italian exclusivity.
The R177 must also be equipped with side indicator repeaters on the front wings. The level of finish and equipment is higher, there are almost no more paid options, everything or almost being standard to compete with the Fiat and Alfa Romeo coupes.
The Renault 17, like its less prestigious twin sister the Renault 15, are derivatives of the Renault 12 (the mid-range saloon and best-seller of the Renault company that appeared in 1969) from which they take the base and the engine to offer new Renault coupés thanks to the pencil stroke of the stylist Gaston Juchet.
Released in 1971, which until 1979 will be one of the "image" models of the Renault company before its replacement by the Fuego.
In addition to their original line and their accessible prices, the Renault 17 coupés will also try to poach on the field of cheap performances practiced at the beginning of the 70s by the Porsche 914, Alfetta GTV, Fiat 124 coupé, Lancia Fulvia, Matra Bagheera and especially Ford Capri RS. This mission will be assigned to the R17 TS, the first front-wheel drive coupé, since it receives the larger and more powerful engine of the Renault 16 TX. It is also the only one to exist in a convertible version, with an original electric canvas roof or this removable "hard-top". For the 1976 generation, the passenger compartment has also evolved in depth, offering seats with visible cushions, called "petal", which allow excellent support and very good ergonomics.
Despite a failed attempt at an American career, the 15/17 duo will sell very well with more than 300,000 units, including 209,887 for the 15, proof of the viability of its concept.
Comments