1976 Renault 17 Gordini 1.6 i from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great car to restore and keep for weekends

Faults:

I rebuilt the cat from a very sorry state. New bearings, Piston rings, Clutch and the head had a Valve grind. he gearbox was good, but a new radiator was needed as well as new drive shafts. The body needed extensive work and several new panels. The car has been 95% reliable since rebuilding. The interior was OK, but I have had to do some work on it.

General Comments:

Love the driving feel of the car although the heater/fresh air is limited and in Australia is not nice to drive in our hot summers with black vinyl upholstery. Like the 70's period feel and the car is now so rare that most people have never seen one before.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2004

6th May 2006, 04:01

Had a 1974 17TS here in the States. Agree with black interior comments, it was almost impossible to find the saddle color, light interior along with the convertible roof.

23rd Dec 2008, 01:27

Have now taken my 17 Gordini with me from Oz to New Zealand and am living in the town of Whangarei. Would love to hear from other New Zealand owners of 17's and 15's. Car is even better in NZ due to lower heat in summer. Nice to drive on NZ roads.

14th Feb 2009, 02:42

I have a 1973 Renault 17. Excellent styling that catches many glances. I wonder what happened to them all? Have not seen one for 12 years. I'll keep it forever even if it can't get a WOF.

I can be contacted at jacksonwong2@hotmail.com

In reply to 14th Feb 2009, 02:42

11th Jun 2014, 10:08

2014 June now. Not much more to report. Have been given some more parts from a wreck that otherwise would have gone off to the crusher... in a very sad state, some of these cars now.

Mine has not deteriorated at all over the last few years, although I do keep it garaged. It still drives as good as when I first drove it.

Eventually traced the persistent oil leak to slack in the diff bearings, which then distorted the oil seals under load, causing leaking. Adjusted so that there is now very little play... but would normally take the gearbox out to do this work. The oil leak has stopped, much to my relief.

Would have thought that this would have been obvious and in the workshop manuals... oh well.. trial by error.

1978 Renault 17 Gordini 1.6 Fuel Injected from North America

Summary:

Unique grand touring car that should have achieved more acclaim in its day

Faults:

The 17 Gordini was rescued from neglect and brought back to life, so its failings were understandable.

A clutch was replaced when purchased.

All fuel lines replaced, gaskets, and air pollution control devices.

Interior trim frail to begin with and front seats wore badly, as did electric fabric sunroof and its motor.

General Comments:

A great, comfortable touring car with a giant, electric canvas sunroof that makes long distances feel like simple jaunts.

Town driving tedious due to heavy, non-powered steering.

No buffeting from cross winds and once up to speed, it is a true cruiser.

Alpine seats terrific, as is the light action of the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th April, 2002

1973 Renault 17 TS 1.6 injection from Sweden

Faults:

Not much front - wings corroded away 10 years ago, rear brake calipers and drums, starte rmotor, alternator.

General Comments:

I have owned the car for 15 years, now it's only used as a collector car during summer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 1999

6th May 2006, 03:57

Had a 1974 R-17TS Gordini (US) model. Enjoyable car. Traded it for a 1978 Toyota Celica Liftback when I learned that Renault was going to drop the U.S. market (bad, bad mistake that they might re-take with Nissan). WHY the 17G didn't have a fold-down rear seat (ala R-5, R-16) is beyond me (body flex?). The 17G wasn't that fast, didn't have the ride of a 5 or 16, didn't handle well in snow (like a 5) and was slow to heat up, but was great, stylish fun in its time. In 1990 I replaced the Toyota with an Acura Integra RS - the Renault 17G reborn, done right! Have it still.

1st Oct 2006, 08:03

In the States you got the low compression motor compared to the rest of the world. Here in Aus and in the european countries we had the 10.25 to 1 compression and they go well. Rev well to 6000 RPM and the sound from the exhaust is music. Don't know if the States had the big valve head as well or the better camshaft?

9th Oct 2014, 18:35

Hi.

I've owned a 17 TS for also 44 years now. However it needs restoration. Rear lights, bumper, seat trims. Any help please, email me at horacereidjs@yahoo.com.

It was a real comfort to drive, especially the seats, beautiful.

Help, Horace.