Renault 17 Becomes 177 in Italy: A Tale of Superstition and Branding

Oh, the things a number can do! Take '17' for example—it's just another number, right? Well, not in Italy. There's a rather eerie vibe around it that even prompted a big car brand like Renault to rethink their strategy.

Let's dive into a bit of car history mixed with a dash of superstition. The Renault 17, a French classic, needed a bit of a makeover before hitting the Italian streets. But not for the reasons you might think—it wasn't about style or engine performance. It was all about the name!

Rewind to the 1970s when Renault was making waves with their sleek and sporty coupes, the Renault 15 and 17, born from the more mundane Renault 12. Picture this: the 1971 Paris motor show, and these two stunners are just stealing the show. The Renault 17 was particularly eye-catching with its quad headlights and those oh-so-cool side louvres that just screamed '70s flair.

Now, the Renault 17 wasn't just a pretty face. It packed a punch with a 1.6-litre engine and came in a TS model that was a real treat with electronic fuel injection, a robust 79kW power output, and a top speed that could push 185 km/h. It even had parts from the Gordini racing pedigree and sporty yellow headlamps that made it look fierce on the road.

Fast forward to its world tour, the Renault 17 even showed off in the World Rally Championship in 1974, proving its mettle and leaving a mark in rally history. It was loved everywhere—well, almost everywhere.

Enter Italy, and things get a bit tricky. You see, while many of us dodge the number 13, in Italy, it's the number 17 that's wrapped in superstitions. Blame the Romans for this. Their numeral system turned 'XVII' (17) into 'VIXI' by rearranging the letters, which translates to 'I have lived' in Latin—a phrase ominously synonymous with 'my life is over.'

So, imagine trying to sell a car named 'Renault 17' in a place where the number practically whispers 'death.' Not the best marketing strategy, right? Renault's quick fix? Say hello to the Renault 177. Just a slight tweak to the name, and the car was ready to cruise the Italian roads without scaring anyone off.

Isn’t it fascinating how a little superstition can steer big decisions, even in the car world? It just goes to show, when in Rome—or anywhere in Italy for that matter—best to keep an eye on those numbers!