Renault has teamed up with French designer Ora Ïto to create a restomod that brings the spirit of the 1970s to the present day.

Based on the Renault 17 sports coupé, the succinctly named R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto is a futuristic recreation of the 1971 model. This is the French brand’s fourth collaboration in four years following recreations of the Renault 4, Renault 5 and Twingo.

The original Renault 17 was available as a 4-seater coupe or convertible and powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. The front wheel drive 17 later came with fuel injection and was defined by its clean lines and elegant design. Over 92,000 were built between 1971 and 1979, with its looks, performance and comfortable interior proving popular with the public over the eight year period.

Renault turned to Ïto for the collaboration after the French designer made his name with his alterations of luxury designer products from brands like Swatch and Davidoff. His ‘simplexity’ design philosophy is a mix of simplicity and complexity and was put to the test to create a unique model, rather than a forerunner for a future production vehicle.

The recreation pays homage to the 1971 version and is based on its same monocoque structure. It has the same cabin, doors, windows, glazing, seals and underbody as the original. Four rectangular headlights replace the round ones previously used and rear lights form a single strip. The restomod is 17cm wider for better performance and weighs 1.4 tonnes thanks to its carbon fibre chassis. This time, the new R17 is powered by an all-electric 270 bhp powertrain and a Galactic Brown body colour has been specially developed for the show car.

Inside, the restomod combines old with new, maintaining the same level of comfort as the original but with changes to the dashboard and centre console. The central screen uses current Renault graphics while the four small screens behind the steering are inspired by dials seen in the original model. The upholstery is made from a heathered satin in fine Merino wool for the brown fabric and a delicate lightweight wool bouclé for the beige fabric.

The R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto will be seen around Paris in the next couple of weeks at Maison5 and the Chantilly Arts & Elegant Richard Mille competition before being showcased on the Renault stand at the Paris Motor Show from 14 to 20 October.

words: Mike Booth
pictures & video: Renault