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By simply adding a ‘7’ all of the negative associations were by-passed. The brochure of the coupé model showed the 177 next to its sister model Renault 15, which name remained unaltered for the Italian market. From the launch to being phased out in 1979, all variants of the Renault 17 in the southern European country were delivered as 177s (also as 177 TL), but outside Italy you don’t see them often.

So this Renault 177 is a rarity. The chassis plate of this car, produced in July 1974, mentions it’s a Renault 177 TS Injection. It carries the R-number R1317 of which two variants can be distinguished. Up to production number 500 it concerns the 17 TS Injection with the 1,605cc four-cylinder engine, which is clearly different from the R1313 which, on its turn, is equipped with an injection version of the 1,565 cc engine with early injection system. From production numbers 501 up to and including number 1,664, the R1317 is the 17 Gordini for most European markets. These examples distinguish themselves from the earlier types by a slightly different gearbox, modified stabilizers both front and rear and modified shock absorbers and springs. This specific car, wearing production number 905, comes with these specifications. The production numbers 1,665 to 1,890 form a third variant. These are 17 Gordinis from after the 1976 facelift.

In Italy, the name Gordini was never used on Renault 17s. Remakable, perhaps, since Amédée Gordini grew up in that country.

This rare Renault 177 TS Injection was first registered in September 1974. The documents show that the first owner was born in 1913 and thus must have been 61 years old when purchasing the car. He kept it until 1999 and covered 99,000 kilometres during that period. After his death, the car remained in the family and was driven until 2010 by his grandson. Until that time all of its miles are made in the surroundings of Reggio d’Emilia. And that remained unchanged after the second owner sold his grandfather’s car to a close friend. This third Italian owner sold the 177 TS Injection in February 2012 with a mileage of 141,400km.

Connoisseurs will be able to name the main problems of the 15 and 17 models, which, like so many other cars from the 1970s, were prone to rust. But not this example. In its lifespan, the car was repainted once in the original body colour (blue 457), and is still fully solid, even in all the known sensitive areas. It is not much of a shame that the 177 has some small traces of wear and tear such as a scratch or small dent here and there.

The same goes for the interior, which upholstered in beige fabric, mostly known for its sensitivity to wear. But that, too has been kept very limited in this car. There is no doubt that this Renault has been well cared for all these years. The front seats still use their original supports and the contoured rear seat is still very inviting to take place in. It’s quite comfy, although it’s not too easy to take place. It is also unique that the line pattern in the seats and backrests has remained intact. The underlying material mostly starts crumbling over the years, but in this car everything has remained in great shape. Back in 1974, Italian cars were supplied not just with seat belts for the front passengers, but also for the passengers of the rear seat.

The ashtray in the back is located on a funny place: right in the middle of the seat itself, easily risking holes in the upholstery. The floor carpets and the bottom of the door panels are trimmed in dark brown, contrasting beautifully and looking very chic. The black dashboard has remained in excellent condition and everything functions as it should. Four separate covers hide, from left to right, the Volts gauge, speedometer, rev counter and a combined temperature and fuel gauge. Right below this gallery you will find the switches for the electric front door windows, the rear window heater and the blower. The sliders for the heater control are positioned just below. Another great period item is the 8-track radio in the centre console, which requires large music cassettes. In addition, there is the rectangular clock that could be found in several Renault models of its time. The black gear lever with its diagram of the five-speed gearbox now looks rather long, but was considered as a sporting type 40 years ago, also due to the leather sleeve.

This particular car is a Renault 177 Coupé, which means it comes without the much-desired sliding roof plus hardtop for use in the winter. But this 177 does, naturally, also have the option of lowering all of its side screens. The front ones are operated electrically, the back ones manually. Behind the characteristic air outtakes, you will find the triangular screens that allow you to look outside from the inside through the panes.

The plastic covering of the side panels and also the perforated material used on the roof’s inside both look fresh and undamaged in this car. Exactly the way enthusiasts like it. But you do have to like the beige and brown inside. On this car, it does contrasts nicely with the blue exterior colour. It is a very French colour combination, but the original owner must have made a good impression in the fashion-sensitive Italy of 1974 also.

And then there’s the engine compartment, looking just as fresh as the car’s interior and exterior. All the well-known plates that confirm the identity of the car are on their place. The oval one on the right inner wing clearly mentions R1317 and production number 905, while the losange shaped plate next to it reads out the chassis number. There is no doubt that this car offers a driving behaviour that measures up with its unmolested looks.