Renault Caravelle 1100S Convertible
The Renault Caravelle (known as the Floride in some markets) was Renault's attempt at a sporty, fashionable car aimed at the export market, particularly the United States. Based on the Dauphine platform with its rear-mounted engine, the Caravelle featured elegant coachwork designed by Pietro Frua that was far more attractive than the humble Dauphine on which it was based. The convertible version was the most desirable, offering wind-in-the-hair motoring with a proper folding top. The rear-engined layout gave the Caravelle distinctive handling characteristics — somewhat tricky for the unwary, but manageable at the car's modest performance levels. The 1100S version with its 1.1-liter engine and disc front brakes represented the final and most developed iteration. In the United States, the Caravelle competed with the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia as an affordable European sports car, offering similar performance but with considerably more Gallic charm. The Caravelle was never fast, but it was pretty, reasonably practical, and offered a taste of European sophistication at a fraction of the cost of a British or Italian sports car.
Rust is the primary concern on all body panels, floors, and subframes. The rear-mounted engine is air-cooled and generally reliable but parts are specific to Renault. The swing-axle rear suspension can be unpredictable — not a fast car, so this is manageable. Convertible tops deteriorate. Parts sourcing requires Renault specialist suppliers.
Initially sold as the Floride (1959-1962), then renamed Caravelle for later models. Total production across all variants was approximately 117,000. Based on the Dauphine/R8 platform. Pietro Frua designed the body. Sold in both coupe and convertible forms. The R8 Gordini engine was never officially offered in the Caravelle.