UnreservedChassis no.

0126639 French classic car registration documentVehicle sold without a roadworthiness test“A very attractive proposition”  The Renault Floride was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 1958.

Available as a coupé and a convertible, this elegant car, designed by Pietro Frua, was intended to conquer the American market.

Based on the Dauphine, it retained the same chassis and mechanical components. In 1962, in a bid to boost sales, it underwent a number of updates, notably including a new 956 cm³ engine and a synchronised gearbox.

The bodywork was also updated: the side vents were closed off and the rear bonnet was fitted with vents to cool the radiator, which was positioned behind the engine.  In 1963, the ‘Floride’ name was dropped in favour of ‘Caravelle’.

Mechanically, it was fitted with a 1,100 cm³ engine producing 55 ch, as well as four disc brakes – a first for a French car! In total, nearly 117,000 units were produced during its ten-year productio...