Here is a beautiful reproduction of the Renault Floride brown, from the prestigious collection "The Blue Road". This 1/43 scale miniature perfectly captures the timeless elegance of this legendary convertible that embodied the French art of living in the 1960s.
This collectible miniature car faithfully represents one of the most beautiful convertibles in French automotive history, with its pure lines and refined style that charmed an entire generation of freedom-loving motorists.
Miniature Specifications
- Model: Renault Floride
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1959-1968
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Brown
- Protective case included: Yes
History of the real model
The Renault Floride was born in 1959 under the leadership of Pierre Dreyfus, then president of Renault, who wanted to equip the diamond brand with a prestigious model capable of competing with Italian convertibles. Designed by Pietro Frua, this exceptional automobile was developed in collaboration with the Italian coachbuilder Ghia, giving birth to a convertible with perfect proportions.
The original vehicle was distinguished by its Gordini engine of 845 cm³ developing 40 horsepower, allowing it to reach 140 km/h. Its monocoque steel body and electric hood made it a technically advanced model for its time. The Floride also offered a coupe version called "Caravelle" starting in 1962.
With nearly 117,000 units produced, the Floride enjoyed respectable commercial success, quickly becoming a symbol of Renault's revival in the luxury and prestige segment of French automobiles.
Renault in the 1960s
At the time of the creation of the Floride, Renault was undergoing a period of intense modernization. Nationalized since 1945, the Régie Renault sought to diversify its range beyond the popular 4CV and Dauphine. The company was investing heavily in research and design to conquer new markets.
This era marked a strategic turning point for the diamond brand, which was simultaneously developing the Renault range towards the high end while maintaining its popular vocation. Collaboration with Italian designers perfectly illustrated this desire for aesthetic excellence that would characterize Renault's greatest successes in the following decades.
A movie star on four wheels
The Renault Floride owes much of its fame to its appearance in numerous French films of the 1960s. It quickly became the car of choice for young leads in New Wave cinema, perfectly embodying the spirit of freedom and carefree nature of this golden age.
Brigitte Bardot herself was photographed at the wheel of a Floride, helping to firmly establish this convertible in the French collective imagination. The model was also highly sought after on the Côte d'Azur and in Saint-Tropez, where it naturally blended with the glamorous setting of the yéyé years.
A delightful anecdote recounts that during the commercial launch, Renault organized a spectacular advertising operation by transporting a Floride by helicopter to the summit of Mont Blanc. This technical and marketing feat perfectly illustrated the boldness and innovative spirit that Renault sought to associate with its new convertible.
The Floride also impressed with its presence in automobile elegance contests, where it competed with the most prestigious European creations, proving that the French automotive industry knew how to combine technicality and aesthetic refinement.
Complete your miniature collection
This brown Renault Floride naturally fits alongside other iconic models from The Blue Road collection, which celebrates the golden age of French automobiles. It harmonizes perfectly with other collectible convertibles and beautifully enriches any collection dedicated to 1960s automobiles.
Passionate collectors of French automotive history will appreciate linking it with other French miniatures from the same era, thus creating a true gallery of the most beautiful tricolor successes. This miniature is particularly aimed at enthusiasts of classic vehicles who wish to preserve the memory of these exceptional creations that marked their time.
