Description
This lot will be auctioned via Classic Car Auctions, The Classic Car Sale at Stoneleigh Park 2024 on Saturday the 28th of September, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG.
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 Karmann Ghia
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 coupé, a 2+2 cabriolet and a two-seater convertible
In March 1962, the Caravelle received a new, five bearing, 48bhp, 956cc engine and additional developments included a sealed cooling system as well as a new front suspension, new rear geometry, new steering, a new gear linkage and disc brakes
This Caravelle was purchased by the original owner in 1963 when he was stationed at RAF Rheinahlen. It was a special order, right-hand drive car in Trinidad Red and was collected from the factory and used extensively for family trips between Germany and the UK until 1964 when it was registered in the UK
The car broke down and was stored in the garage in 1974, it was fixed and then never used again. Full service history and receipts up to 1974.
Purchased by our vendor after 45 years in storage in the hope of bringing it up to Concours condition. Extensive work was carried out and all original parts sourced and fitted but, due to ill health, the car is now offered for sale
There is a little rust bubbling around the headlights but the rest of the car is immaculate and the body is solid and all rustproofed and under-sealed
Supplied with its original green logbook, many handbooks, brochures and charts, all original purchase documents, MOTs and Tax Discs dating from the 1960s to the 1970s. Mileage recorded at 64, 734
