In 1958, on the basis of a Renault Dauphine sedan, Pietro Frua from Carrozzerie Ghia designed an elegant coupé roadster called Renault Floride. In the United States, the Floride took the name Caravelle, in order not to offend people from Lousiana, Georgia, California or any other state. Frua’s drawing for the Floride was exceptional and quite convincing as to the proportions even today.

Apart from the Simca Plein Ciel and Océane, the Floride was the only affordable convertible of the time. It was 25 per cent more expensive than the Dauphine sedan.

There are two distinct periods for this model. From 1958 to 1962, the Floride is equipped with the slightly improved 845 cc, 40 hp (30kW) engine of the Dauphine. It is proposed as convertible or coupé. In 1959, the rear suspension is changed and becomes « Aérostable » but turns out to be unreliable. In 1962, the car is renewed and becomes Floride « S » receiving the new 1100 cc engine, one of the the best created by Renault in 30 years and offering 48 hp. The suspension is then replaced and adapted to the new performances. The « S » presents all the accessories of the new Renault « R8 » unveiled in 1962: disc brakes on the four wheels (for the first time on a French car), new gearbox and cooling circuit.

As from 1962, the Floride becomes the Caravelle, that is a 2+2 coupé, its passenger space is modified with true rear seats, a new roof streamline on the coupé and new rims. The car is in fact completely different from the former version, it is more steady thanks to the studies made on the « R8 » and much more capable of sustaining high speeds. In 1964 a new 55 hp (41kW) engine, also derived from the « R8 » is proposed on the Caravelle whereas the Floride « S » is no longer on the range. In 1966, an even more powerful engine appears as well as a new dashboard and new steering wheel. Production finally ends in 1968.

The success of the Floride in France was huge, 45 000 units were sold in three years. Its pleasant and exclusive look played a lot in its favor to hide its chronical deficiencies, namely its road-holding qualities and accelerations. The Floride was not intended to be a sportscar. Renault wished an elegant and economic car and indeed perfectly fulfilled the contract. It should be driven with prudence though. Like the Dauphine, it was famed not to be very steady. It still has a lot of fans today.

Renault Floride 1958

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Renault Caravelle Convertible 1965

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Renault Caravelle, convertible, 1964

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Renault Caravelle Coupé 1968

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