Japan Used Isuzu 117 Coupe for Sale

The Isuzu 117 Coupe is a compact Gran Turismo type 2-door fastback coupe which was manufactured by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Isuzu between 1968 and 1981. The 117 Coupe was styled by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro, being one of the first Japanese cars designed by an Italian stylist. The 117 Coupe was replaced by the Isuzu Piazza in the Isuzu lineup. 117 was a codename for a common development program of Isuzu mid-size cars, involving a coupe, sedan and station waggon.

The 117 Coupe was launched 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 Coupes. Its marketing approach was similar to the Nissan Silvia, produced around the same time. The Isuzu 117 Coupe 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 collectable now, but thanks to its unusually long life cycle. In May 1976 the manual transmissions were changed to five-speed units.