Vehicle Description
In the late 1950s, Renault was locked in a battle with Volkswagen
for superiority in the burgeoning import car market in America.
Affordable foreign cars were just starting to find their footing
among U.S. buyers, who still clung loyally to their large and
luxurious barges from the big three, but even in the 1950s, fuel
efficiency was becoming an increasingly important issue, as was
maneuverability in urban environments, where these compact and
lightweight cars were at their best. Renault had been playing
second fiddle to Volkswagen was looking to up their game in this
competitive and fast-growing new market. On paper, the Renault
Dauphine actually shared many characteristics with the Beetle,
namely the rear engine layout, basic construction, and styling that
leaned toward the quirky and cute. The Dauphine offered perhaps
greater practicality with its four-door body, but Volkswagen seemed
to have a stranglehold on the market thanks to strong marketing and
an ever-growing cult-following. While at a business meeting in
Florida, Renault bosses Pierre Dreyfus and Fernand Picard were
inspired to enhance Renault's image with a sporty little coupe
based on the humble Dauphine. Mimicking VW's own Karmann-Ghia, the
new car was based on a bog-standard Dauphine platform but dressed
in a pretty new two-door coupe and cabriolet body. And just like
their German rivals, Renault turned to Carrozzeria Ghia to design
the new car, which would be called the Floride in Europe and
Caravelle in the US. The actual design was drawn by the young Ghia
employee, Pietro Frua, who did a masterful job of camouflaging the
Caravelle's humble roots. Upon its debut in Geneva, over 8,000
orders poured in and, when the car was shown in the United States
for the first time, a further 13,000 orders would follow. When the
Dauphine was replaced by the R8 at the end of 1963, the Caravelle
continued with subtly reworked styling by the now-independent
Pietro Frua and powered by a new five main-bearing 956 cc inline
four cylinder engine. For 1965, the Caravelle S was offered with an
enlarged 1108 cc version of the R8 engine producing 55 horsepower
and with four-wheel Bosch disc brakes, putting the Caravelle in
line with other compact sports cars like the Triumph Spitfire and
Austin Healey Sprite. Ultimately, the competition from Britain and
Germany proved too much for Renault, and the Caravelle quietly
disappeared from the lineup after 1967. We have long been fans of
these pretty little Renaults, and this 1967 Caravelle S is by far
one of the finest, best restored examples we have had the pleasure
to offer. Quirky, fun and charming, this Caravelle S cabriolet is
beautifully presented in metallic lilac over a black interior. It
has been restored to a standard that is virtually unseen on these
cars, and is surely one of the finest of its kind available. The
attractive light metallic lilac paintwork is applied to an
outstanding body, with crisp and straight panels. The brightwork
has been similarly well-restored and car sits proud on the road on
factory-correct three-lug wheels with tiny 135 x 380 Michelin
whitewall tires. Inside, the outstanding presentation continues
with fully restored upholstery using high quality materials and
patterns that are true to original. Floors are lined with gray
square weave carpet, and details such as the Renault seatbelt
buckles and polished "Caravelle" script door sills show the level
of care that went into this restoration. Front and rear seats are
in excellent order, as is the black canvas soft top and the boot
cover. Even the trunk has been fully detailed with the original
tool roll still in place on the bulkhead. As a whole, the interior
shows little use since the restoration was completed and has been
maintained in excellent condition. Lifting the rear engine lid
reveals the finely detailed 1108 c.c. four cylinder engine. The
paint work and detailing is excellent, and many of the correct
original tags and labels have been restored. It runs well, appears
to have been used only on occasion, and it has been maintained in
top condition as part of a large and eclectic private collection of
cars. Despite the humble economy car underpinnings and modest
output, this outstanding Renault is an absolute joy to drive,
loaded with character and proof that horsepower isn't always a
necessary part of the Fun Factor. Much like the Karmann Ghia that
inspired it, the cheeky and cheerful Renault Caravelle packs
abundant style into a tiny package and we are very pleased to offer
this exquisite example for the next owner to enjoy.
