Renault Caravelle Floride 1300 Hardtop extremely rare Matching Numbers (1968)

Vehicle description

Building on the same technical basis as the Dauphine, Renault presented the elegant Floride (also with rear-engined and rear-wheel drive) in 1959. Unlike its 4-door counterpart with rounded lines, the Floride proved to be a brisk 2-door model. In the US market and also in Europe, this Renault received the name Caravelle. Pietro Frua, one of the well-known Italian coachbuilders, had designed the design this time – but the Floride/Caravelle was manufactured by the French company Chausson. In addition to the 2+2-seater coupé, Renault also offered the car from the outset as a 2+2-seater convertible, the last Floride/Caravelle models left the factory halls in 1968.

The Renault Floride/Caravelle 1300 offered in this auction is a convertible from the year of construction 1968. This Caravelle was first registered for traffic in Germany in April 1968, an exact number of owners is not known to the current owner, as there is no longer any history of the car. The seller only knows that the last holder is a collector. 1 vehicle key is still available to the Renault with the chassis number 0136124, H-approval already has the Caravelle. At the moment, this Renault has no TÜV, the last main inspection was valid until July 2012. Worth mentioning are the matching numbers given according to the seller statements.

Although there are externally a few minor paint defects on the body of the Renault Caravelle to complain about, but is partly also to speak of age-related patina. The Renault has already undergone a repainting in the color light blue metallic, accidents are not known to the current owner. All trim elements on the cabriolet are complete and in good condition preserved, the chrome is in acceptable condition. The soft top of the Caravelle presents itself in dark blue color, which on the whole gives a good impression. The mechanics of the soft top also work well and without major problems.

135 SR15 tyres of the Michelin brand are mounted on the original steel rims. The condition of the tires is stated by the current owner as good, the original rims are a used condition. New came the brakes, in the area of the chassis apparently no deficits can be found.

When entering the interior, you are greeted by black faux leather seats, which are in crack-free condition. The entire interior of this Renault can be attributed a very well preserved condition with only a few age-related weaknesses. Damage or even missing parts cannot be removed from the interior of the Caravelle. In addition to a contemporary radio, there is also a dark blue hardtop for the cabriolet. Furthermore, there is a cover for the vehicle interior and a cover for the soft top. All instruments in the interior of the Caravelle can be attested to a flawless function.

Combined in an instrument cluster are the Renault's speedometer and rev counter: 63,690 kilometres can be read from the 5-digit odometer. Although the overall mileage of this convertible can no longer be traced, the healthy overall substance of the Caravelle makes this mileage seem credible.

In the rear, a 1.3-liter four-cylinder in-line engine works, which ensures a power output of 48 hp and passes this power on to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. Recently, a new large service was done, according to the seller, there are no defects in the technology of this Renault.

The underbody condition of the Caravelle can be classified as good. A Renault Floride/Caravelle is not only a unique design classic, but is also perfect for a summery jaunt in which the pure 1960s arise. This well-kept Caravelle is visually and technically in good shape and is just waiting for a new TÜV so that it can be released on the road. With the accompanying hardtop, you can also transform this Caravelle offered here into an elegant coupé.

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