Miguel Sánchez
The US market has always had its own very well-defined characteristics. In fact, most of their vehicles could even be defined as “global cars”. That is to say, like those who, with their versatility and simplicity in every way, are called to be sales successes throughout the world. Thus, it is curious to see how, at the same time, that has been a permeable market for models very far removed from their approaches. Something especially visible in the case of European compacts. Which were recurrent in the United States since the mid-fifties.
What's more, the VW Beetle became a benchmark in urban matters. In addition, in the field of sports cars, the small and light English roadsters also found an excellent commercial panorama in America. In fact, its exoticism compared to local cars -heavy and with great displacement- paved the way for the subsequent massive landing of Porsche with its 356 and 911. At this point, when the Dauphine was presented in 1956 Renault did not underestimate its possibilities beyond the Atlantic. What's more, from this moment on the French company never hid its desire to enter the US market with its own voice.
A fact that reached its peak with the control of AMC already in the eighties, coming to produce specific versions of their European passenger cars for that country. However, there was a problem. A problem related to the brand image released by Renault in the United States. Too bland and sober to break through in the face of competition from other European models. Something that was transmitted by the company's distributors to the Renault headquarters, therefore demanding a striking and seductive design capable of breaking through among the media and buyers.
In short, something similar to what today would be a “halo vehicles”. Able to synthesize the image of the brand putting all the spotlights on him. Put in this position, Renault knew that nothing could impact as much as an economical and casual convertible. Besides, such a project would not cost you too much Well, not surprisingly, it could be based on the platform and mechanics of the Renault Dauphine. However, the truth is that his design department had obvious limitations in those years for recreational or sports vehicles. So, what happened to make the Renault Floride possible?
RENAULT FLORIDE, A SALES BOOST FOR THE DAUPHINE
One of the best commercial formulas in the automotive industry is based on making niche versions of mass models. In this way, from a global design of segment B or C, it is possible to cover leisure, family, sports or industrial segments without too many investment costs. From then on, a multitude of independent coachbuilders produced hundreds of prototypes with the idea of seducing brands with a view to mass production.
In this sense, one of the most interesting examples was the Peugeot 104 by Pininfarina signed by Aldo Brovarone. Or, in a less disruptive tone, the 504 Break Riviera. With all this, although most of those prototypes were rejected, others did manage to pass the sieve to the point of becoming vehicles with great commercial success. In fact, one of them was the Renault Floride. Initially devised by Ghia -under the signature of Pietro Frua- to, in 1958, be taken as its own project by the French state house.
Thanks to this, Renault finally presented in its range a recreational vehicle based on the popular Dauphine. And not only that, but it also turned out to be especially attractive. With clear coastal resonances in its line designed for a summer on the Costa Azul, California or Florida. In addition, all that differentiating aesthetic towered over the mechanics of the utility launched two years earlier. Equipped with a block of four cylinders in line and 845 cubic centimeters that, in the case of the Renault Floride, reached up to 40CV thanks to the action of a more generous carburettor.
Of course, later -it was in production until 1968- its mechanics evolved to 1108 cubic centimeters. What's more, a multitude of units came to mount the Ventoux engine created by Gordini. Just the one that was mounted on the Alpine A-106 and 4CV 1063, the interesting and award-winning sports variant of the popular utility. all of it topped off with a steel body in which two versions alternated. The convertible with a canvas roof and the one that included a rigid closure of the passenger compartment. Another among the interesting qualities of this model designed not only to enjoy a quiet route under the open sky, but also to enter the United States with some force.
Photos: Renault Classic / Artcurial
