In addition to not thinking much about Peugeots, a Renault, such as this 1967 Caravelle hardtop convertible never as much as registers a brain wave. Perhaps it should, it’s a neat-looking little car and I don’t believe I’ve ever been introduced to one. So, that being the case, let’s examine this example that was discovered by Sam61. It’s located in Columbus, Ohio and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,250, OBO.
Looking around, I have learned that the Caravelle was produced for eleven years (’58 – ’68) and production totals exceeded 100K units. Interestingly, the Caravelle moniker was only used in the U.S. as it was badged as the “Floride” at home and in other export markets. Offered as a cabriolet, a 2+2 coupe, or a convertible, with a removable hardtop, our subject is in the latter category. The seller suggests that his Caravelle could use a paint job but honestly, I think it presents pretty well. The finish is faded but the body panels align and there’s no evidence of rust or rot. The chrome plating is fair but definitely shows signs of age. As for the folding convertible top, no mention is made of its condition and it is not photographed.
Considered potential competition for the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, and like the Ghia, the Caravelle is rear-engined with a 57 HP, 1.1 liter, in-line four-cylinder powerplant. Unlike the VW model, the Caravelle’s engine is liquid-cooled. There are four gears to row in the manual transaxle and the seller adds, “This car starts runs and stops 100%. Very fun to drive especially with the top off.”
The interior is an exercise in simplicity and is reminiscent of the Karmann Ghia. The two large circular instrument pod gauges (speedometer and tachometer) are a nice design touch and draw the driver’s eyes, easily, to a logical place. The two-spoke steering wheel is a cool touch and the flat floor probably provides a feeling of a more open and spacious environment. I cannot attest to the condition of the black vinyl upholstery, so interested buyers will need to inquire.
The seller claims, “Tons of work done and NOS parts installed to make this car great” and that’s good to know as I wonder about parts availability for a model long out of production and marque not sold, domestically, for over 30 years. I must admit, I see different brand styling cues in the Caravelle and it all blends well – it works. I usually don’t get too excited at the thought of a Renault, but in this case, I’ll certainly make an exception. And that leads me to this question; show of hands please, has anyone owned a Caravelle (or a Floride) and if so, how was the ownership experience?
I have owned a Caravelle, a ’66 model. As I’ve mentioned before on this site, the Caravelle isn’t a real car.
Sure, I’d love to cruise around the streets of Paris in one, that would be fun. After a trip to Paris in 2012, I decided I had to buy a French classic car, so I ended up with a Caravelle. Long story short, it’s a quirky tin can you’d never survive the most minor of crashes in. I would joke that you could just bury me inside the car.
Oh, and they folded in half on the lift if the doors were not completely shut. Kinda like if Harbor Freight made a car.
Rex…. I love that last line, Kinda like if Harbor freight made a car. I needed a good laugh. Thanks.
Well, I have owned two, but never driven one. Both of my cars were basket cases that I had visions of restoring but where I was too optimistic about my perseverance. This one looks surprisingly good, but man these cars could rust so taking a close look in person is well justified before parting with the money.
Being a 1967, I’m not sure if this is an 1100S or if it is powered by the 1300 engine which actually makes it quite peppy. I have owned R8 and R10 with that engine, and it’s making a bit of a difference. The steering wheel and round dials make me think it’s a 1300, but I’m not sure if late 1100S also came with that interior?
One thing that I am sure of is that the write up here is incorrect about the name. The history was pretty complicated. First came the original Floride, sold as Caravelle in the US. While looking almost the same (can be recognized by cooling intakes in front of the rear wheels) it used a completely different chassis and drivetrain from the Renault Dauphine. In 1962 there was an intermediate model Floride S and from 1963 all cars were named Caravelle. The Floride S/Caravelle were based on the Renault 8, and underneath the body they were substantially different from the original Floride. Other car companies change the design but keep the technical bits the same, here it was completely the opposite. Only the French!