from www.Renault.com :-
Launched in 1959, the Floride was a car with instant appeal. Its attractive body colours and pure, flowing lines, designed by Italy’s Ghia and Frua, gave it a sophisticated look. It was driven by a number of stars of the day.
A symbol of its times
At the end of the 1950s, France was prosperous and enjoying life once more. Originally presented as the ”Dauphine GT” at the Geneva Motor Show in 1958, the Floride took on its definitive form on the Renault stand in Paris in October of the same year. It was a car that truly embodied this gay, carefree era.
The Floride also had a “fairy godmother” in Brigitte Bardot. “The wind in your hair, the sun on your face and a bright smile when you head for the sunshine and open air... Get away from it all with a young, sparkling, sophisticated car...” The lighthearted tone of this advert underlined the carefree mood of the 1960s, the heyday of the Floride.
Prize-winning elegance
The Floride also had a “fairy godmother” in Brigitte Bardot. “The wind in your hair, the sun on your face and a bright smile when you head for the sunshine and open air... Get away from it all with a young, sparkling, sophisticated car...” The lighthearted tone of this advert underlined the carefree mood of the 1960s, the heyday of the Floride.
Prize-winning elegance
In 1959, elegance was embodied by flowing lines, bright colors, and American cigarettes.
Particular attention was paid to the bodywork. A Floride badge decorated the front wing. A long side molding emphasized the waist line. "White sidewall" tires, an ultimate touch of sophistication, were available as an option, and the first models could be recognized by the air intakes on the rear wheel arches.
The Floride's colors were part of its style and extravagance. In shimmering or pastel shades, red, light yellow or pale blue, they expressed summer days and joy of living. It's no surprise that all the stars of the time wanted to be seen at the wheel of a Floride!
Three versions... and still gorgeous
Particular attention was paid to the bodywork. A Floride badge decorated the front wing. A long side molding emphasized the waist line. "White sidewall" tires, an ultimate touch of sophistication, were available as an option, and the first models could be recognized by the air intakes on the rear wheel arches.
The Floride's colors were part of its style and extravagance. In shimmering or pastel shades, red, light yellow or pale blue, they expressed summer days and joy of living. It's no surprise that all the stars of the time wanted to be seen at the wheel of a Floride!
Three versions... and still gorgeous
Between 1959 and 1966, the Floride was launched in three versions: coupé, cabriolet and convertible (cabriolet with a hard top). Continuous improvements were made to the vehicles. The last models were given a new name: the Caravelle.
The original Floride was fitted with an 845 cc engine. From 1962, the new Floride S gained a more powerful 956 cc unit and adopte disc brakes on all four wheels, a first for a car in this category.
The body design also changed. The coupé version gained a longer roof and a straighter rear window, thus increasing interior space. This made it possible to accommodate two adults in comfort at the rear. This modification to the bodywork was a major success, since it did not spoil the balance of the original design!
In 1963, the Floride was replaced by its twin sister, the Caravelle, also available in coupé and cabriolet versions, and which continued its career until 1968.
A commercial success
The original Floride was fitted with an 845 cc engine. From 1962, the new Floride S gained a more powerful 956 cc unit and adopte disc brakes on all four wheels, a first for a car in this category.
The body design also changed. The coupé version gained a longer roof and a straighter rear window, thus increasing interior space. This made it possible to accommodate two adults in comfort at the rear. This modification to the bodywork was a major success, since it did not spoil the balance of the original design!
In 1963, the Floride was replaced by its twin sister, the Caravelle, also available in coupé and cabriolet versions, and which continued its career until 1968.
A commercial success
The Floride was also a remarkable commercial success. For some versions, sales were equal to 10% of those for the popular and less luxurious Dauphine. But the success of the Floride is measured first and foremost in drivers' memories! Even today, at motor shows, it is not unusual to hear "What a great-looking car it was!".
No comments:
Post a Comment