1965 Renault Caravelle with Hardtop

For a decade from 1958, the Caravelle was made for the English-speaking market by Renault. In France, the model was named the Floride and the idea was conceived really as a competitor to the successful Volkswagen models of the era. The engine was to the rear and in 1964, power was upgraded to 1108cc with a top speed of 89mph, and the Caravelle became a contemporary to the Triumph Spitfire. The Renault is now of course the rarer of the two sports cars, possibly due to the occurrence of the dreaded tin worm, but the retro Gallic styling is as attractive now as it was in the Sixties.

This survivor of the Swinging Sixties has belonged to the current custodian since 1999. We understand that the Renault was the subject of a restoration during a previous ownership and photographs included in the file show the extent of the works carried out. The motor car was fully stripped, the body restored and resprayed, and the mechanics were overhauled. The Caravelle has clearly been loved since but as time has passed, there may now be some areas that could be improved. We understand that the motor car drives well and indeed has just passed an MOT test, so along with its hardtop, the Renault should prove to be a suitable mode of transportation for the autumn.

A large history file is supplied, which contains numerous invoices, the V5C registration certificate, MOT test certificates and a large photograph album detailing the previous restoration.

Auction Date: 24 November 2022