Isuzu 117 Coupe
| Isuzu 117 Coupé | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Isuzu |
| Production | 1968–1981 |
| Assembly | Fujisawa Plant, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | compact GT-type sports car |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Isuzu Florian |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm (98.4 in) |
| Length | 4,310 mm (169.7 in) |
| Width | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) |
| Height | 1,310 mm (51.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,075 kg (2,370 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Isuzu Piazza |
The Isuzu 117 Coupé is a compact Gran Turismo type 2-door fastback coupé which was produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Isuzu between 1968 and 1981. 117 was a codename for a common development program of Isuzu mid-size cars, involving a coupé, sedan and station wagon. The latter two eventually became the Isuzu Florian, but the coupe kept the original name, and both models shared mechanicals, including the complete FR layout chassis with recirculating ball steering.
The 117 Coupé was styled by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro, being one of the first Japanese cars designed by an Italian stylist. It was among the first Japanese cars with a DOHC engine, and the first with electronic fuel injection. The 117 can be regarded as the world's first sports car to be available with a diesel engine. It was quite an exclusive vehicle during its lifetime, and is a rare collectible now, but thanks to its unusually long lifecycle, Isuzu manufactured 86,192 units. The 117 Coupé was replaced by the Isuzu Piazza in the Isuzu lineup.
The 117 Coupé was debuted as a prototype at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, and was later shown at the Tokyo Motor Show the same year. In 1968, Isuzu started preliminary small-scale production of 117 Coupés, which were effectively handmade in amounts rarely exceeding 50 a month. Its marketing approach was similar to the Nissan Silvia, produced around the same time. The first engine available was a 1.6 L DOHC inline-four, and in 1970, an electronic fuel injection unit from Bosch debuted, using the D-Jetronic system. The model fitted with fuel injection was named the EC (for "electronic control").
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