Floride
The Renault Floride, unveiled at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, is an elegant sports car designed to appeal to the American market. Based on the Renault Dauphine, it features a rear-mounted 845 cc engine producing 40 horsepower. Available in coupe and convertible versions, the Floride is distinguished by its flowing lines and design inspired by American cars of the era. In 1962, the model was renamed Caravelle in European markets, while retaining its Floride name in France. (theoriginals.renault.com)
Variants by year
1958
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Renault Floride, unveiled at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, is an elegant sports car designed to appeal to the American market. Based on the Renault Dauphine, it features a rear-mounted 845 cc engine producing 40 horsepower. Available in coupe and convertible versions, the Floride is distinguished by its flowing lines and design inspired by American cars of the era. In 1962, the model was renamed Caravelle in European markets, while retaining its Floride name in France. (theoriginals.renault.com)
History
In the mid-1950s, Pierre Dreyfus, then president of Régie Renault, dreamed of exporting French cars to the United States. To compete with the Volkswagen Beetle, Renault decided to create an affordable sports car. Thus, the Floride was born, unveiled at the 1958 Paris Motor Show. Designed by Italian designer Pietro Frua for Carrozzeria Ghia, the Floride is built on the technical base of the Renault Dauphine, with a rear-mounted 845 cc engine producing 40 horsepower. Available in coupe and convertible versions, it appeals with its elegant lines and attractive price. In 1962, facing the growing success of the Caravelle in the American market, Renault decided to rename the Floride as Caravelle in European markets, while retaining the Floride name in France. The total production of the Floride and Caravelle reaches approximately 117,000 units between 1959 and 1968. (theoriginals.renault.com)
Generations
The Renault Floride was produced in a single generation between 1959 and 1968. Initially, it was available in coupe and convertible versions, both equipped with the rear-mounted 845 cc engine producing 40 horsepower. In 1962, the model was renamed Caravelle in European markets, while retaining the Floride name in France. This single generation underwent several evolutions, including the introduction of the 956 cc engine in 1962, offering an increased power output of 48 horsepower. In 1964, a 1,108 cc engine producing 56 horsepower was offered, enhancing the car's performance. The total production of the Floride and Caravelle reaches approximately 117,000 units between 1959 and 1968. (theoriginals.renault.com)
Key differences
The Renault Floride underwent several technical evolutions during its production. In 1962, the 845 cc engine was replaced by a 956 cc engine, offering an increased power output of 48 horsepower. That year, the model was also renamed Caravelle in European markets, while retaining the Floride name in France. In 1964, a 1,108 cc engine producing 56 horsepower was offered, enhancing the car's performance. These changes allowed the Floride to remain competitive against the growing competition in the affordable sports car market. (theoriginals.renault.com)
Photo recognition
To identify a Renault Floride, look for a compact sports car with flowing and elegant lines, inspired by American cars of the 1950s. It features a rear-mounted engine and is available in coupe and convertible versions. Early versions have specific design features, such as round rear lights and a distinctive front grille. Later models, after 1962, can be identified by Caravelle badges in European markets. (theoriginals.renault.com)
Important versions
Among the important versions of the Renault Floride, the 1962 model stands out, introducing the 956 cc engine offering an increased power output of 48 horsepower. This evolution enhances the car's performance and meets the expectations of drivers seeking more power. In 1964, the introduction of the 1,108 cc engine producing 56 horsepower marks another significant step in the evolution of the Floride, strengthening its position in the affordable sports car market. (theoriginals.renault.com)
References
- Renault Floride - The Originals MuseumRenault
- https://theoriginals.renault.com/pt/floridetheoriginals.renault.com
- https://theoriginals.renault.com/es/floridetheoriginals.renault.com
- https://theoriginals.renault.com/floridetheoriginals.renault.com
- https://theoriginals.renault.com/de/floridetheoriginals.renault.com
- https://www.renault-veteranerne.dk/renault-floriderenault-veteranerne.dk
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Renault Floride produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1958.
- How many Renault Floride examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 1 published scan from 1 member, with the latest photo added in July 2026.