Isuzu 117 Coupé
A hand-finished Japanese masterpiece styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
- Power
- 120 bhp
- Top speed
- 118 mph
- Est. value
- $15k–$50k
About the Isuzu 117 Coupé
The Isuzu 117 Coupé is one of the most elegant Japanese cars of its era, featuring a body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his tenure at Ghia. The early 1.6-litre models, produced before General Motors' investment in 1971, are known as the 'Handmade' series due to their labor-intensive construction and exquisite camphor wood interiors. It was technologically advanced for its time, being one of the first Japanese production cars to feature a DOHC engine and, by 1970, optional electronic fuel injection. Collectors prize these early examples for their purity of line and superior build quality compared to later mass-produced versions.
Isuzu 117 Coupé specs
The Isuzu 117 Coupé produces 120 bhp (89 kW) and 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).
| Make | Isuzu |
|---|---|
| Model | 117 Coupé |
| Trim | 1.6 |
| Years | 1968–1981 |
| Type | JDM |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | Japan |
| Production | About 86,192 built |
| Engine | 1.6-litre DOHC inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,584 cc (1.6 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 120 bhp (89 kW) at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,050 kg (2,315 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 114 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Isuzu 117 Coupé worth?
A typical Isuzu 117 Coupé is estimated to be worth $15,000 – $50,000 (about £11,000 – £37,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Isuzu 117 Coupé rarity in CarSpot
The Isuzu 117 Coupé is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 31 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Isuzu 117 Coupé fun facts
- The early 'Handmade' series was limited to just 50 units per month because Isuzu's presses could not initially handle the complex curves of Giugiaro's design.
- The 117 Coupé's dashboard was crafted from Taiwanese camphor laurel wood, a luxury touch rarely seen in Japanese cars of the 1960s.
- It shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Isuzu Florian sedan, though the two cars look nothing alike.