Renault Caravelle Convertible

Launched at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, the Caravelle was Renault’s attempt to cash in on the lucrative American market in much the same way as Volkswagen had done with their hugely successful Beetle. Based on the floorpan and running gear of the Renault Dauphine saloon, the new car had chic French Riviera styling by Pietro Frua of Ghia and was available as a 2+2 coupe, a 2+2 cabriolet and a two-seater convertible.

Initially powered by a rear-mounted 40bhp 845cc engine, this was uprated to a 55bhp 1,108cc unit in 1964 with a Weber carburettor in place of the original Solex. It also gained four-wheel disc brakes and an all-synchro four-speed gearbox. When tested by Autocar in 1965, the Caravelle had a top speed of 89mph and could hit 60mph in 17 seconds with 30mpg economy. At a UK price of £1,296 it was more than double the price of a comparable Triumph Spitfire or Morris Minor Convertible which made it a rare sight over here, although some 117,000 were sold worldwide before production came to an end in 1968, the vast majority in left-hand drive.

This particular right-hand drive convertible dates from 1964 and is one of only 35 Caravelles still in use on Britain’s roads, according to DVLA figures. As shown in photographs in the history file, the car was fully restored about 10 years ago including a repaint in attractive light metallic blue. A new soft top was also fitted and the car retains its original and snug-fitting steel hardtop with glass windows which makes it a really practical year-round driver.

The current vendor acquired the car about two years ago and states that it is in “good overall condition but now showing some minor rust bubbles on the nearside front wing and doors”. He also states that the car drives very well with low gearing and a rev happy engine which make it easily capable of keeping up with modern traffic – “it will cruise happily at 60mph and will achieve well over 70mph if you push it up to the 6,500rpm rev limit. The two seats are properly sprung and upholstered and are very comfortable on long journeys.”

Apart from the rear-mounted engine and gearbox, other quirky touches include proper tinted sun visors, a floor-mounted choke lever next to the gear stick, glass receptacles for the expansion bottle and brake fluid reservoir and a spare wheel hidden in a drop-down flap behind the front number plate. It is also fitted with electronic ignition for improved starting and running.

Full of character and French chic, this quirky yet practical little car really stands out from the throng of Spitfires and MGBs and is sure to create a great deal of interest wherever it goes. With an MOT until October and freshly taxed before the sale (free, of course, on a vehicle of this age), it is ready for immediate use and comes with a large collection of spares (including a spare engine, gearbox, door, cross member and boxes of smaller items), although these will need to be collected from the vendor’s home in Hereford.