1968 Renault Caravelle Convertible. Factory hard and soft tops. Full and half tonneau covers. Light Blue metallic with black leather upholstery. Launched at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, the Caravelle was Renault’s attempt to move 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 which makes this right hand drive model a very rare find. The car has been with its last keeper for 4 years and has only been sold sadly due to a lack of use having covered just over 1000 miles in their tenure. The Renault was subject to a body restoration in 2019 with a copy of the invoice in the history file. Now presented in lovely condition both aesthetically and mechanically it is performing very well and was great fun out on our local lanes. All of the original dealer handbooks and manuals are still present as well as a large folder of bills, invoices and old mot certificates which would appear to show the 78,000 miles as correct. Although now tax and mot exempt a fresh mot will be applied for your own peace of mind. Full of character and French chic, this quirky yet practical little Caravelle really stands out from the throng of Spitfires and MGBs, is a real head turner and is sure to create a great deal of interest wherever it goes. Absolutely any inspection welcome. All major debit and credit cards accepted. Part exchange considered. Finance arranged. Free U.K mainland delivery. Please contact us for any further information. Lots more pictures and a video on our website and Facebook pages.