Random # 27: Isuzu 117 Coupe

UMPH thought he'd stumbled across something really special when he saw this sleek Giugiaro-styled coupe in Hobart. Turns out out he was both wrong and right; what he thought was a Fiat Dino ended up being an Isuzu 117 coupe and that was no disappointment at all.

The grill badge: not all that Italian.

Absolutely classic lines.

No need for decals - Giugiaro's signature is in the actual design.

Admittedly, UMPH didn't know that Isuzu ever made the 117. But, now that he does, he's a big fan.

A double (twin) over-head cam was quite advanced, and fairly rare, for a Japanese car of the 70s.

Only here, in the rear-end treatment, does it depart from a more European look.

This particular car featured flawless metallic silver duco and an unusual, but not unattractive, red vinyl roof. The interior was very tidy while the exterior was finished off with a set of five-spoke alloys that would have looked at home on any Italian classic.

Yes - Isuzu - the company that brought you the Holden Gemini.

This five-spoke wheel would look at home on a Dino.

Might this be one of the most beautiful coupes to ever come out of Japan?

The forward-mounted mirrors are a clue to its Japanese origin.

A reasonable mistake? Giugiaro's Fiat Dino (internet image).

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au .)

iPhone images.

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