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French engineering with Italian flair
On display for a limited time at the Motor Museum of Western Australia
This 1964 Renault Caravelle is one of the most elegant small sports cars of its era. Manufactured by Renault from 1958 to 1968, the Caravelle combined French mechanical practicality with graceful Italian styling by Pietro Frua of Carrozzeria Ghia.
It was originally introduced at the 1958 Paris Motor Show as the Renault Floride. In the United States and Canada it was marketed as the Renault Caravelle, and from 1962 the Caravelle name was adopted more widely outside North America and Britain.
Designed for sunny days and stylish travel
The Caravelle was offered as a 2+2 coupé, a 2+2 cabriolet and a convertible with a removable hardtop. This example is the latter: a convertible with a removable hardtop, giving owners the flexibility of open-air motoring in fine weather and a more enclosed, refined profile when conditions changed.
Its low, wide body, restrained chrome detailing and clean lines reflect the optimism of early-1960s European design. The Caravelle was not a brute-force performance car; instead, it offered approachable performance, everyday usability and genuine continental style and has become a fast favourite among the Motor Museum volunteers.
Rear-engine practicality
Mechanically, the Caravelle shared its floorpan and engine architecture with the Renault Dauphine. It was rear-engined and rear-wheel drive, a layout that helped create a compact cabin and gave the car a distinctive driving character.
For 1964, Renault introduced an R8-derived 1,108 cc four-cylinder engine producing 55 hp (41 kW). The Caravelle could reach a top speed of 89 mph (143 km/h) and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 17.8 seconds.
Those figures may sound modest today, but they suited the Caravelle’s purpose perfectly. It was designed for enjoyable road touring, coastal drives and stylish everyday transport—not track records.
On Display For A Limited Time
Please note that many of the vehicles displayed at the Motor Museum of Western Australia are on loan to us from private collectors and enthusiasts.
Our displays change regularly to showcase a wide variety of vehicles and motoring history, so if you want to experience these rare and extraordinary cars in person, we encourage you to visit us soon.
Whether you are a passionate car lover or simply curious about automotive heritage, the Motor Museum offers a unique and engaging experience that evolves throughout the year.
Visit Us
For more information about visiting the Motor Museum of Western Australia, including opening hours, ticket prices, and current exhibitions, please visit our Visitor Information page or contact us directly.
We are open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM (closed Christmas Day) at Whiteman Park, 233a Drumpellier Drive, Whiteman, WA 6068.
Tickets can be purchased online for your convenience or directly at the museum entrance.
For enquiries, group bookings, or special events, please call us on (08) 9249 9457 or email manager@motormuseumwa.com.au.
We welcome visitors of all ages and motoring interests and look forward to sharing Western Australia’s rich automotive history with you.
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