Isuzu 117 Coupe XE
The Isuzu 117 Coupe is one of Japanese automotive history's most beautiful and unexpected creations. Designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro while at Ghia, the 117 Coupe featured elegant, flowing lines that rivaled the best Italian GT cars — yet it was built by Isuzu, a company better known for trucks and diesel engines. The early cars (1968-1973) were hand-built at a rate of just 50 per month, with each body panel hand-formed and fitted — a level of craftsmanship unique in Japanese mass production. The XE (fuel-injected) version used Bosch D-Jetronic injection on the twin-cam 1.8-litre engine, producing 130 hp — enough for an honest 118 mph. The interior was trimmed in leather with a wood-rimmed steering wheel, creating an ambiance more European GT than Japanese coupe. From 1973, production switched to press-formed panels and volumes increased, but the car lost some of its hand-built character. The 117 Coupe was never officially sold outside Japan, making it virtually unknown in the West. Yet among Japanese enthusiasts, it's revered as one of the most beautiful cars their country ever produced. Giugiaro himself called it one of his finest designs. Today, early hand-built examples are increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Early hand-built cars (1968-73) are most valuable but hardest to find. Body rust is the main concern. DOHC engine parts scarce outside Japan. Never sold new outside Japan so all are imports. Join Japanese enthusiast clubs for parts and knowledge. XE fuel-injected model most desirable.
Hand-built 1968-1973 (~50/month). Press-body from 1973 to 1981. Total ~86,400 built. Never officially exported. Engines: 1.6L SOHC, 1.8L DOHC, 2.0L DOHC. Later models had electronic fuel injection.