Description Amendment: A 1968 car not 1978 as shown as first registration in the UK; Rare RHD example; few owners; runs and drives but in need of light restoration Launched at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, the Caravelle was Renault’s attempt to cash in on the lucrative American market in much the same way as Volkswagen had done with their Karmann Ghia.

Based on the floorpan and running gear of the Renault Dauphine saloon, the new car had chic French Riviera styling by Pietro Frua of Ghia and was available as a 2+2 coupe, a 2+2 cabriolet and a two-seater convertible.

Initially powered by a rear-mounted 40bhp 845cc engine, this was soon uprated to a 55bhp 1,108cc unit in 1964 with a Weber carburettor in place of the original Solex.

It also gained four-wheel disc brakes and an all-synchro four-speed gearbox.

When tested by Autocar in 1965, the Caravelle managed a creditable top speed of 89mph and could hit 60mph in 17 seconds with 30mpg economy.

At a UK price of £1,296, it was more than...