#renault 15

The Renault 15 and Renault 17 were launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1971. The sales success of the Ford Capri can be seen as a catalyst for the creation of these cars, which shared underpinnings with the Renault 12 saloon. As such, both cars were front wheel drive with a comfortable ride.

Renault created two models with the 15 being the lower-powered entry model, distinguished by its rectangular headlamps and conventional side windows. The more powerful 17 model was differentiated by quad headlamps and visually striking louvred side panels. 

Engines were borrowed from existing Renault models, with the 15TL/GTL using the 1289cc 60PS engine from the Renault 12 and the 15TS/17TL/17TS/17 Gordini using larger, more powerful engines (ranging from 90 to 108PS) from the Renault 16. The 17TS (latterly 17 Gordini) benefitted from fuel injection, boosting power and allowing a top speed of over 110mph.