Renault

Renault entered the growing market for stylish compact sports cars with the Floride, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1958. Designed by Pietro Frua and based on the Renault Dauphine, it was available as a coupé, cabriolet and convertible with a removable hardtop. In North America and the UK it was marketed from the outset as the Caravelle. Power came from an 845 cc rear-mounted engine producing 37 hp, while a Gordini-tuned version offered 40 hp. The bodies were built by Brissonneau & Lotz, as Renault lacked sufficient production capacity. For the 1960 model year, the Floride received Renault’s new Aérostable suspension, significantly improving ride comfort and handling, helping the model achieve much stronger sales.

From 1962 onwards, the Floride was renamed Caravelle in all markets. At the same time it received a new 956 cc engine from the Renault 8, a standard four-speed gearbox, improved suspension and four-wheel disc brakes - the first French mass-produced car to feature them. A more powerful 1,108 cc engine followed in 1964. Despite these upgrades, increasing competition gradually reduced demand, and production came to an end in 1968.