Japan vs Japan — 1963 vs 1968
| Bellett 1600 GT-R | 117 Coupe 1600 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 108 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 1,584 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.3 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,962 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,350 mm | 2,450 mm |
| Length | 3,960 mm | 4,280 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 86,192 |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1963 Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT-R brings its unique character to the table, and the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT answers with stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Isuzu has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1963 Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT-R with the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1963 Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT-R producing 120 hp and the 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT delivering 120 hp. The 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe 1600 GT claims a higher top speed at 115 mph compared to 115 mph. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.