1961 Renault Floride – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

Sun, chrome, and rear-engine engineering defined the 1961 Renault Floride. Conceived as a stylish export model—particularly for the American market—it combined compact French mechanics with a body styled by an Italian design house. The Floride was Renault’s answer to the growing demand for affordable open sports cars at the dawn of the 1960s.

Technical Details

The 1961 Renault Floride was produced by Renault and mechanically derived from the Renault Dauphine platform. It featured a rear-mounted, water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine. In 1961 specification, displacement was 845 cc, with output typically around 34–40 PS depending on carburetion and whether the car was equipped with the standard or “S” configuration.

The engine drove the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. Like the Dauphine, the Floride used a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which allowed for a low bonnet line and compact front compartment. Suspension consisted of independent front suspension and a rear swing-axle arrangement, with coil springs providing ride compliance. Braking was handled by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.

With a kerb weight under 800 kilograms, the Floride achieved a top speed of approximately 125–135 km/h. Although not a high-performance sports car, its light weight and responsive steering gave it lively road manners within its displacement class. The mechanical concept prioritized economy and ease of maintenance rather than outright power.

• Manufacturer: Renault
• Model Name: Renault Floride
• Year of Manufacturing: 1961

Design

The Renault Floride’s body was styled by Carrozzeria Ghia under the direction of Pietro Frua. The design reflects late-1950s transatlantic influence, with modest tailfins, chrome trim, and a wide, horizontal grille. Compared with the more utilitarian Dauphine, the Floride presented a distinctly aspirational image.

The car was available as a convertible and later also as a coupé with a removable hardtop. The proportions were compact but elegant, with a gently curved beltline and a short rear deck covering the engine compartment. The rear-engine layout allowed the front luggage compartment to remain unobstructed, enhancing practicality.

Inside, the cabin was brighter and more refined than Renault’s economy models. The dashboard featured a centrally positioned speedometer and chrome-accented controls, while the seating offered improved comfort for two occupants. The overall design emphasized leisure and lifestyle rather than minimalism.

Historical Significance

Introduced in 1958 and continuing through 1961 before evolving into the Renault Caravelle nameplate in many markets, the Floride represented Renault’s effort to expand into the growing sports-convertible segment. It targeted younger buyers and export markets, particularly the United States, where compact European cars were gaining popularity.

The Floride also marked Renault’s collaboration with Italian design studios, reinforcing a trend among European manufacturers to blend domestic engineering with Italian styling expertise. Although based on the modest Dauphine platform, the Floride demonstrated that Renault could produce a lifestyle-oriented model alongside its mass-market offerings.

By the early 1960s, the model transitioned toward the Caravelle name, with incremental technical updates including more powerful engines and the introduction of disc brakes in later variants. The 1961 Floride therefore stands at the midpoint between initial launch and later refinement.

Quirks and Pop Culture

The Renault Floride’s name was chosen to evoke the image of Florida, aligning with its export ambitions and leisure-oriented character. In several markets, particularly North America, it was marketed as an affordable European convertible with continental flair.

Its modest engine output sometimes drew criticism in performance-oriented comparisons, yet its light weight and distinctive styling ensured steady interest. Today, the Floride appears at classic car gatherings as a representative of early-1960s French optimism, bridging economy-car practicality and aspirational design.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion

The 1961 Renault Floride combined rear-engine engineering with Italian-styled bodywork in a compact convertible package. Powered by an 845 cc inline four-cylinder engine and built on Dauphine mechanical foundations, it offered economical yet stylish motoring. Historically significant as Renault’s entry into the lifestyle sports segment and as a precursor to the Caravelle, the Floride remains a recognizable symbol of early-1960s European automotive culture.