Description
Renault Caravelle S | 1966
Highlights:
– 1.0-Litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with manual transmission
– Cabriolet with soft top and removable hard top
– Restored with strong focus on originality and correct finishes
– Mechanical overhaul carried out in 2023
– Valid technical inspection, ready to drive
The seller offers for sale a Renault Caravelle S from 1966. This cabriolet is powered by a 956 cc four-cylinder petrol engine combined with a manual transmission. The car was acquired in 2022 from a previous owner who had kept it since 1980. Although restoration work was required at the time of purchase, the structure proved sound, showing only surface corrosion and no structural damage, a known weak point on this model. The body was dismantled, treated, and repainted in its original factory colour using official Renault references, with photographic documentation available. Mechanically, the engine was rebuilt in 2023 with renewed internal components, revised cylinder head, new cooling parts, water pump, and clutch. The gearbox retains its original internals with renewed seals and shifts smoothly without unusual noises. The engine starts easily, produces no blue or white smoke when warm, and runs without abnormal sounds. The braking system and running gear were renewed, and the car is described as ready for road use.
As a cabriolet, the Renault is equipped with a fabric soft top that is present and described as being in strong condition, with smooth and quiet operation. A removable hard top is also included, finished in body colour, showing normal signs of use consistent with age. Both roof options allow flexibility between open and closed driving, enhancing the car’s usability.
The Renault Caravelle was introduced as a stylish, compact open car aimed at combining French elegance with relaxed touring comfort. Closely related to the Floride, the Caravelle S benefitted from mechanical improvements and refined detailing. Its light weight, rear-engine layout, and balanced handling made it enjoyable on winding roads, while its elegant lines appealed to style-conscious buyers. Today, the Caravelle S is appreciated as a charming French classic, valued for its design, approachable driving character, and growing appeal among collectors of 1960s European cabriolets.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Occitanie region, France.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a French registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
