Vehicle Description
Isuzu Motors had a relatively short existence in the US Market, but
the company is one of Japan's oldest automakers, with loyal fans
worldwide, and with roots back to the dawn of the Japanese motor
industry. Then known as the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and
Engineering Co., they transitioned from shipbuilding to motorcar
manufacture in 1918, building British Wolseley cars under license.
They briefly merged with DAT to form Sumida, which produced
Japanese military vehicles during World War II. After the war, DAT
split off to become Nissan (Datsun), and Isuzu Motors was formed in
1949. While Isuzu of today is widely recognized for its robust
diesel-powered trucks, they have a rich history of producing
stylish and innovative passenger cars. The first Isuzu car designed
entirely in-house was the Bellel of 1961. The Florian replaced it
in 1967, and the line was expanded to include the smaller Bellet
and the sporty 117 Coupe. Various diesel and petrol engines powered
the new range, with single or twin overhead cams and electronic
fuel injection available as early as 1970. The star of the show was
the 117 Coupe, boasting a beautiful two-door coupe body designed by
the maestro of Italian style, Giorgetto Giugiaro. The 117 was one
of Giugiaro's first major projects as Styling and Design Director
at Ghia. Before his brief tenure at Ghia, he worked for Bertone and
Fiat Special Design, building a staggering portfolio that included
such legendary machines as the Maserati Ghibli, Alfa Romeo Giulia,
Iso Grifo, and De Tomaso Mangusta. He left Ghia to form Italdesign
in 1967, where he flourished for the next four decades. Giugiaro's
Italdesign created such iconic cars as the Mk1 Volkswagen Golf,
DeLorean, BMW M1, Lancia Delta, and many more. His ability to pen
such diverse and universally acclaimed designs earned him the
accolade Car Designer of the Century in 1999. For the Isuzu 117,
Giugiaro found inspiration from one of his Bertone designs, the
Fiat Dino Coupe. With its flowing profile, crisp edges, and
graceful fastback roof, the Isuzu 117 was one of the best-looking
Japanese cars of its time, and the basic shape remained relevant
for the entirety of its 13-year production run. Under the skin, the
117 was offered with a wide variety of four-cylinder engines,
including a diesel - and was touted as the world's first
diesel-powered sports car. The chassis was conventional, with a
simple yet proven independent front/live axle rear suspension
design. The 117 was continually refined and improved with just one
styling refresh coming in 1977. While it is a widely adored and
admired classic in Japan, the 117 is virtually unknown on our
shores. But its attractive styling and robust underpinnings make it
a welcome addition to the stable of a new or seasoned collector of
JDM classics. This lovely 1975 Isuzu 117 XE Coupe is an extremely
rare sight on American roads and is likely one of just a handful
that found their way stateside. This superb example is undoubtedly
one of the best in the US, having spent several years in an
eclectic private collection of rare and unusual vehicles. It has
been beautifully maintained and is offered in excellent condition
inside and out. The previous owner ensured it remained in top
running order and showed it occasionally, including at the
inaugural Pebble Beach Japanese Automotive Invitational in 2018.
The Giugiaro-penned shape looks superb in the dark metallic green
paintwork, highlighted by thin, polished window trims and slimline
chrome bumpers. The body lines are crisp and well defined, with
straight panels and factory-appropriate fitment. True to most
Japanese cars of the era, the 117 feels well-built and thoughtfully
engineered. Lights, lenses, and trim are excellent, with pleasing
details including the iconic JDM wing mirrors and Panasport-style
alloy wheels. The stylish interior is trimmed in black vinyl as was
typical of the period and highlighted with an attractive
satin-finish wood instrument panel. The cockpit has a distinctly
driver-focused feel with gauges, switches, and controls falling
easily to hand. Equipment includes a three-spoke sport steering
wheel, electric windows, AM/FM cassette player, and factory air
conditioning, which still functions well. Rear seats feature
integrated headrests and offer a respectable amount of passenger
space for a small coupe. Overall, the interior trim is remarkably
well-preserved in original condition. Under the forward-hinged
bonnet sits the 1.8-liter SOHC inline-four, fed by a single
downdraft carburetor and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The
presentation is tidy and honest, showing the car has been
well-maintained. It runs and drives very well, with crisp
performance to back up the svelte good looks. Interest in JDM
classics is on the rise, with many iconic Japanese cars enjoying
rising values and increased attention from collectors worldwide.
This marvelous Isuzu 117 Coupe represents superb value and is an
ideal entry point into this fascinating and increasingly popular
aspect of car collecting. It is a turn-key, highly enjoyable GT car
combining the best of Japanese engineering excellence with
unmistakably Italian style. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6759-1975-isuzu-117-coupe/
