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!
In Greece there were almost exclusively known as Caravelle.
Oh our God, this tears it. I wonder how BFs does it? I mean, this is too uncanny, and why I remain a member. This is a memory image I never thought I’d ever see again. Wait until my brother sees this.
Before we had our drivers licenses, while in HS, late 60s, the old man came home with one of these, sans the hardtop. I’m sure it was red. I’m not exactly sure why or how he got it, apparently he had a wild hair we never knew about. I seem to remember a Triumph Herald too, but no German, Italian, or Asian cars were allowed. He had a few French cars, a Peugeot 403, I think a Dauphine, and this car. He never liked foreign cars, but considering what he went through in France( or so the story went ), I think he felt bad for the French.
I don’t even recall riding in it, and shortly after he got it, we had some very close friends, and they were extremely overweight. I bet the father weighed over 400 pounds himself. Well, somehow my dad gave him a ride, and the car BROKE IN HALF!! I remember, we couldn’t close the doors after that. He had it repaired, I think, and never saw it again,,,until right now! Fascinating, Captain,,,
When I turned 16, I wanted one of these sooo bad….I test drove 3 or 4 older used ones but could never make a deal on one – always just a bit more cash than I had. I ended up with a Peugeot 404 that did me well for several years.
Interesting how similar the front headlamp design looks as so similar to the MGB. likely no connection at all ??- as the MG was 1963 through mid 80’s. Yet, who knows about the influence that may have occured? IE, THe Fiat 850 engine and some Renault engines and transmissions were similar.
As a parts restoration facility, I often see cross-purpose in designsd–some so exacting in detail–for instance–that the early Datsun imported (J13?) engine has parts that were directly interchangeable with the 1500 cc MGA engine. And clips and fasteners were traded with 1955 Ford T Bird and Ferrari 330. Who knew Who back then? Then, Platform cars- Peugot and Alfa Milano—ETC, Etc, The apple and the tree syndrom is interesting. In our case- good for alternative parts acquisition. Lambretta scooter seat latch same as :Lamborghini glove box —–Ferari 308 front lamps and Countach-MORE….Searching Google Images is better every day!
I had a 1982 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. Muffler shop put it up on the lift with the top down. It looked like the Saint Louis Arch. We can design cars as poorly as the French any day.
Like Howard’s Dad my had a prediliction for French cars. He first came home with a Dauphine with a push button automatic and commuted into NYC with it. Talk about brave. Being a ragtop guy, he then got rid of that and came home with a Caravelle. He liked shifting the gears and car was more comfortable for his 6’2″ body.
I was in charge of maintenance as all Dad did was put gas in it and drive. It was easy to work on for this teenage motorhead, but I remember thinking how lightweight and tinny it was. Riding in it confirmed that it was more show than go….even with a manual it could barely get out of it’s own way.
Lasted 2 years in our driveway before giving way to a much larger American car.
That’s got to be the most solid unrestored example I’ve ever seen. They’ve usually been sitting in the weeds behind someone’s garage for decades before they are offered for sale as “projects”.
Really enjoy seeing this! there was a Green Caravelle outside Atlanta listed on FB 2 months ago – and I believe was also on Barn Finds. The price of this seems inline with his semi-restored example ($8500). Early summer I visited a barn find 60 Renault 4CV (4 door Beetle like) in rural NY that tempted me. The engines of that model – and the Caravelle are very similar – part are more available than many would think. I know there is a Caravelle in PA near Me advertised (sitting in a field, surprise!) on FB for a year – looks like a good parts source. I appreciate the stories associated with this or any BarnFinds cars! Keep them Coming!
Years ago, I saw a hardtop in my neighbor’s trash, so I asked if I could have it. Took me years to figure out it was for a Caravelle. Took even more years to sell it, to a guy in Mexico who was restoring one.
Got a chance to drive one top down a couple years ago in chilly Normandy; pleasant drive, roomy enough interior, nice lines, good road manners at a reasonable speed, felt solid and they are easy to work on, parts are available and inexpensive according to its owner….what is there not to like?
First years in college I dated a pretty girl who had one just like this. She made the car look pretty and it made her look even prettier.
Bobhess, your comment made me smile. 50 years ago in my first years in college I knew a pretty girl who owned a Morgan. It was the most exotic thing this boy had ever seen, and she was an art student. I started me on my life-long love affair with Morgans. And as for Caravelles I must admit that the only ones I’ve ever seen have been derelcts.
I had a ’61 4CV with a Caravelle trans axle rigged for Gymkhana events. It had major rust. I “sistered” the main spars with 1’X1-1/12X1/`6″ WALL rectangular tubing which was also a good match for it’s rocker panel sections that I formed with a torch over an old starter. Don’t know why I lavished so much work on a basically parts car but did and drove it for the better part of 12 years. Last I heard it was in Ohio, the state from which my presently owned Citroen Dyane. hails from. Six of one…….
I had one of these in the 70’s and my future sister in law had one as well. drove my daily for a couple of years and it was a lot of fun. Sadly traded it for and Austin America, but that’s another story. Sister inlaw wrecked hers in a minor accident. We couldnt find the parts to fix it so it was sadly junked. If I didn’t just buy another project this would be in my garage.
I love reading the comments and stories from the BF crowd! A few years ago I bought a ’61 Dauphine and got taken to the cleaners…but it was my own fault for not either hiring a pro to take a look at it or spent the $$ on a flight to California. My YouTube channel goes into the tale of woe “How to Get Screwed Being Kissed”.
Long story short, I ended up rebuilding the engine and tried my best to document the process. The humble 845cc engine in mine originally made 27 hp, and hopefully with my minor upgrades I might see a 10% increase to 29.7 hp!
To all the collectors out there: Your collection is incomplete unless you have a French car in it. To all the tinkerers out there: You will appreciate the relative simplicity of the older Renaults. Sure, the build quality is not up to VW (classic air-cooled, not new plastic junk) standards, but you are unlikely to see another one at the local car show.