In October 1971, Renault introduced their idea of the personal car. This
was a concept developed by American motor industry experts, which involved
developing two door coupes based on standard models with sporting pretensions.
The American approach usually developed disastrous and dangerous cars unsuitable
over 40 mph.
The 15 and 17 coupes were a radical departure for Renault, providing a stylish
appearance with good performance and handling.This was a combination which
had not been previously developed by Renault, the Caravelle of the 60's
being stylish hut sedate, and the R8 Gordini and R12 Gordini being fast
but distinctly unsporting in appearance in the push button world of the
early 70's. The 15/17 range was not practical in the sense of the R4 and
R16, it provided a range of vehicles to cater for all budgets and driving
styles in a sporty package. It ranged from the 15TL with R12 running year
to the 17TS, the first fuel injection Renault, a 120 bhp engine, 5 speed
gearbox and four wheel disc brakes.
The vehicles finally reached Australia in May 1973. The 15TS and 17TL were
initially available with the 17TS being promised later in the year. These
1973 model year vehicles contained several Australia only touches, the stick
on mirrorand sunvisors from the R12 to comply with the ADR's. The sunvisor
retaining catch on these models was never used and available only in Australia.
The instrument panel "verandah" was fitted to reduce glare and
was only fitted to Australian, American and Scandinavian versions. Sales
of these early models was slow in Australia due to their relatively high
price, and continued through to late 1974.
In August 1974 the 17TS (R1317 with 1605cc) finally made it to Australia,
along with the European 1974 model year 15TS and 17TL with the later type
dashboard. In early 1975 the 17TS was replaced by the 17 Gordini. Available
later were the 15TS and 17TL with Gordini front suspension, inertia reel
seat belts, tinted windows, tombstone seats and evaporative emission control
for ADR's. This was identified by the carbon canister under the bonnet,
and hinged fuel filler door in the LBR quarter panel. In 1976 a final shipment
of 1975 model year 17's was made and stock piled prior to the introduction
of ADR 27A emission controls, these vehicles, again due to their high price,
sold slowly through until 1978.
The 15/17 range sold in Europe until the introduction of the Fuego in 1980,
with 207,000 15's constructed and 94,000 17's.
The following web pages give Australian impressions of the 15 and 17 range which
now has established itself as a desirable and stylish model in the Australian
Renault scene.
Return to 15/17 Home Page.
15/17
History Page