Sometimes the most insignificant spots present their intrinsic beauty in optima forma. And they offer a suitable photo location for a beautiful classic. On a fine Saturday morning, these two worlds collide in a place that few people probably know. And that is the Spangahoekweg in Weststellingwerf, a beautiful commercial and a nice place to put a truly beautiful Renault Floride Cabriolet of Edwin van der Meer in the spotlight.
And that sun, you would say, the Renault Floride Cabriolet is used to that. Because this fine sixties convertible - with the signature of Pietro Frua - is in top condition, and must have made a good impression in Monaco, Cannes or Saint Tropez. Like Grace Kelly and Brigitte Bardot also made a good impression in those parts. Right: they were happy to show themselves with the same type of car, under a sky-blue Mediterranean sun.
Edwin's beautiful Renault probably saw less sunlight, and may have liked to parade along the North Sea coast. This Floride has a completely Dutch owner history. And she still carries the original Dutch registration in full glory. Glory approaches us. Because from afar we see how the crystal clear Bleu Narvik contrasts with the colors of the beautiful surroundings, which at the same time absorb the Renault in an almost romantic way. The weather allows Edwin to fold down the roof of the Floride, the classic cabriolet experience gets extra shrewd. And meanwhile we hear that the Engine Sierra spins nicely with 845 cc, including that typical gurgle that breathes the zeitgeist of the Renaults of yesteryear in everything. Or rather: perform.
The Renault is a true poseur, which also breathes pure historic Riviera romance at that beautiful location behind Spanga. Romance, which was reserved for people with a little more money or Francs in their wallets. The Floride poses, flirts and shows her beauty in a pleasantly discreet way. The car looks beautiful, she reveals details down to the smallest form. And what is striking is the degree to which the trim parts, upholstery materials, handles and other subtle parts are precisely balanced, without only emphasizing functionality. That also makes this Renault a harmonious, extremely attractive, subtle and understated chic appearance. The Floride also shows that the Renault was always taken care of, also because the Floride received a literally original makeover a few years ago. And today you can still see the beautiful result of this, also because the lines in the base already present an ultimate charm.
This is how luxury cars used to drive around. And luckily, even now. It is not for nothing that Edwin van der Meer added this car not so long ago to a larger group of classic Renaults, all cars that he likes to talk about. Renaults, which, so to speak, form the crown within which the Floride is a gem. And everything explains why the prominent people of yesteryear chose this car to parade and stroll along the chic coastal strip of southern France. Or in this case: along the North Sea coast. You don't see the Florida that often. That is also why the photo session takes longer than usual. And that is a blessing. Because this way we can - in a nice spot on the Spangahoekweg - enjoy that typical avant-garde Riviera atmosphere for a little longer, which this Renault from the sixties brings into the present. It is this Renault that once again colors the car life in a fantastic way on a beautiful Saturday morning.
In a while you will read much more about this Floride and Edwin's love for his brand in the magazine.
Many thanks to Edwin van der Meer
Photography: Bart Spijker
Beautiful car. However, it does not contain a Sierra engine. This was only available from the Floride S, which later became the Caravelle. The Floride had a Ventoux engine, which has a 3 x bearing crankshaft. The Sierra has a 5 x bearing crankshaft
Very bad in all areas, please, but wonderfully beautiful at the end of the sixties, my mate and I drove it around Antwerp and proud that we were, but it didn't last long because it just broke through in the middle.
No, certainly not a bad car in every area. One give yourself already: it is a beautiful car. Two: just very strong motor skills. Three: despite 'rust', quite a few have been preserved.
The handling was certainly no worse than most other cars at the time, that also applies to rust sensitivity and maintenance.
The fact that a car breaks in half can of course be faster with a convertible than with a closed car. But it is still a result of poor maintenance (and less good protection against rust).
My first car when I was just 18 years old. White with red upholstery and a red hardtop. Turn on the radio loudly and then proudly drive many laps on the boulevard of Scheveningen. It didn't matter that the chassis beams had rotted through, no one could see that. That was a good time, 55 years ago. If only I still had him. Now more than 25 years an MG-B from 1964.
What a beautiful car!👌
They already rust in the folder.
I can't post the picture,
I knew you would respond to this, we were just talking yesterday about how beautiful you think these cars are. If you send me the picture I can post it for you.
how is it possible? My 1967 Caravelle was the worst car I ever had,
but what I was so in love with, and still am.
A Floride and Caravelle, beautiful down to the smallest details and extra luxurious … .. Only handling left much to be desired ….
A beautiful woman also has no handling. So that's just part of it if you want a beautiful woman 😉
Disclaimer: There are exceptions and a woman doesn't have to be beautiful and have road handling.
Splendid!