Renault was seen as not much more than a curiosity in the U.S. for much of its time here, which included stints as a small-scale manufacturer to importing vehicles under the AMC brand. Overall, despite being a powerhouse in France, it didn’t set any records here in the states, but its products were nothing if not quirky. The Gordini is perhaps one of the more recognized nameplates, and this surprising find in York, PA is a Renault 17 Gordini, which came equipped with a novel sliding sunroof. Find it here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,800, where it looks to be hiding out at a salvage operation with an equally intriguing TR3 in the background.
This Gordini looks like it was someone’s ambitious restoration project at some point in time, with multiple body panels awaiting paint after entering the primer stage. The seller mentions that it was originally sold new by one of the dealers from the limited U.S. network, known as Strawbridge Sales in Red Lion, PA. Since this Renault is still in the state it was sold new in, it seems likely it hasn’t traveled far since new. Today, that original location of Strawbridge Sales still resembles a small dealership today, and it must have been a fascinating spot to window-shop when new.
Imagine if this Gordini never left the hometown of the first buyer – that might explain why it has survived. The Gordini 17 was a fairly neat piece of kit, combining Bosch electronic fuel injection with disc brakes and front-wheel drive. As you can see here, you also got racy bucket seats and a proper manual gearbox. The really trick feature, however, was the sliding sunroof which was also referred to as a convertible since the whole top practically opened up, and when new, you also got a fixed roof panel to drop in place of the sliding top for the winter months. This one clearly still has the “hard top” in place.
Engine size maxed out at 1.6L with a little over 100 horsepower. This is not a surprising figure for a small, foreign car builder in the 1970s. Driving tests at the time indicated it was still a somewhat “sporty” experience (a term that often gets used on any front-wheel drive compact car, it seems) but at the very least, it wasn’t hateful. The Renault shown here looks deserving of rescuing if only because so few have survived in any condition and this one at least looks to have had some heavy lifting already done. I’d recommend ditching the horrid U.S. safety bumpers no matter what happens, as it will change the appearance of this rare 17 Gordini dramatically.
A Renultz[sic], in a junk yard? No, can’t be. Poor Renault, totally at home in the back alley’s of France, never asked for I-70. Before the wonderful AMC schpiel, ( 1979) Renault had a poor dealer network here. In fact, I remember the most unlikely dealers that TRIED to sell LeCars. A well known Pontiac dealer, Phil Tolkan sold ( a few) Renaults. The only way we saw these in Beer City, was a transplant from Chicago. Off duty since 1992, you say? Obviously, something of unobtainium broke, and that was that. “Runs with gas down the carb”, see, that’s the thing, it has fuel injection, and the pump is long froze, but not what sidelined it. They were great cars if used for what they were designed for. SOMEBODIES eyes just lit up, but being an international site, I doubt many here.
I’ve bought parts from this guy before. A bit pricy, but he seems to have cornered the market on dragging unique vehicles out of barns in the York, PA area. His lot is a mixture of odd vehicles and truck caps/snowplows.
This would be a pretty economical little car to buzz around in. Doubt it has a/c so someone would have to be ok with that. Possibly upgradeable with Holley EFI if some old fuel injection components are no longer available. Gaskets can be made at home for the most part. Someone spent serious time trying to make it look nice so it can’t be terrible, worst case scenario pick up a newer Renault engine from an Alliance which still has some parts availability.
I honestly forgot all about these until seeing this one. We had a busy AMC dealer in my hometown that also sold Renaults too. I remember Le Cars all over the place it seems but after seeing this I remembered them. I enjoyed your write up Jeff. Thank you.
Probably emerged at an estate sale after decades of storage. I’d want to check it over well for rust.
Same engine/transmission as a Lotus Europa.
Rode in one in the late 70s. Nothing too memorable but liked the styling and ride. Would have been afraid to own one in that time period due to parts and service. Used to be hard finding anyone to work on foreign cars. Before the days of internet and cheap Chinese parts, European car parts often cost a fortune.
I had this chassis/ engine in a Mexican martket only Renault 12TS. It was sporting rather than massive, but long-legged on 3 day trips from Mexico City to San Diego….Gordini in name only unless it has twin Solex carbs. Prefer the 12TS tbh
If a friend said he was going to buy this car, I’d invite myself over to his house and bring along a bottle of scotch. Then we’d share it while I talked him out of it.
May be worth putting the engine in a Europa.
My sister bought one new in CT. Everyone loved that car. No trouble getting parts or service and ran for many years.
This is at M&M Motors on the outskirts of York PA. They are a car lot that buys and sells barn finds and collector vehicles as well regular cars and trucks and truck accessories. Pleasant to deal with and full disclosure on the projects they sell.
There have been many M&M Motors cars featured here on BF. As I recall, they are all in nice shape and reasonably priced.
My first car was a Dauphine. Actually enjoyed that car as a high school teenager. Bought it with my twin. When we decided to get our own cars, he bought a new R10 for his college ride. One of the most comfortable cars I’ve ever ridden in. The French were known for their seats and his didn’t disappoint.
Cool car but I’ll take the TR3 instead, thank you!
Had one in college the car was awesome.
Red leather custom seats. The sunroof was really cool. Should never have sold it.
leave it where it is
Good looking 70s French car. I don’t recall seeing very many. On the other hand, Fuegos were all over the place before it all came to an end for Renault.
I’ve always liked the looks of these in their cheery ’70s colors. You’ll be underwater as soon as you buy it, but if you’re set up for paintwork, a coat of single-stage yellow might leave you with a decent, quirky ride.