Renault 17 celebrates electric comeback – but only as a one-off model

The R17 Electric Restomod was created in collaboration with French designer Ora Ïto. The body is reminiscent of the historic Renault 17 but was completely redesigned and developed for the one-off. The carbon fibre chassis is 17 centimetres wider than the original vehicle, and the R17 restomod is also flatter. That is supposed to improve roadholding, while the weight remains relatively low at 1.4 tonnes.

Even though important features such as the seating position and driving comfort will be retained, there is one decisive change. Instead of a combustion engine under the bonnet, a 200 kW electric motor is installed in the rear. Renault has not provided any details about the battery.

“While reflecting the history and integrity of Renault 17, the show car is also a restomod, combining the classic charm of the original with the technologies and materials of today. This revolutionary approach unlocks synergies between past and present, creating a modern experience without losing sight of the spirit of Renault 17,” says Renault. The spirit of the 1970s also includes the brown and beige interior, which can also be found in the 2024 reinterpretation.

The electric restomod show car was unveiled at Maison5 in Paris on 4 September and will be on display at the Renault stand at the Paris Motor Show from 14 to 20 October. While over 92,000 units of the historic Renault 17 were sold between 1971 and 1979, the new interpretation is unlikely to have a single sales contract. It will remain a one-off show car.

However, there is good news for fans of electric reissues of old Renault models. The carmaker has also confirmed the world premiere of the new all-electric Renault 4 for the Paris Motor Show.

renault.com (R17), renaultgroup.com (R4)