Just as well made two models
When Renault was going to make a coupé based on the Renault 12, they ended up with two models, the 15 and 17. The Renault 15 has a kinder, more feminine expression, while the Renault 17 looks more sporty. Even if the differences between the two models are not very large, it appears to be very clever of Renault to launch two coupés, - given the fact that the market for coupés has never been very large. Although coupés were perhaps in the shot like never before? According to Road & Track, the competitors were primarily the Fiat 124 Sport Coupé and the Ford Capri 2600.
Model history
Engine-wise, the Renault 15 was delivered with the Renault 12's 1300 engine as well as the 1600 engine (90 HP) from the Renault 16. The Renault 17 also shared the 1600 engine, but was available in a TS version with a 108 HP 1.7 engine with injection.
Both the Renault 15 and 17 received a facelift in 1976 with changes to the front end. The blue car – Renault 15 – is a facelifted model with a new front and rear.
Renault 17
Renault 15
About the pictures
The yellow car is photographed at Bjerke Travbane in Oslo. This is probably a Norwegian car from when it was new in 1972. The orange 1973 Renault 15 was photographed in connection with the Norwegian Sports Car Club's spring rally at Fornebu. The colors of the two cars are how they were often portrayed in advertising. Despite active marketing, Renault 15 and 17 were rare to see on Norwegian roads. In the 70s, Renault's more sensible models, the 12 and 16, sold well.
The blue car is pictured at a car meet in Perpignan 2023. It is a "phase 2" model with faclifted front and rear.
Click on an image to view in a larger format.
Copyright notice
See
