The Rapido Saga

The catalogue started to be published in 12 different language versions, including Greek. Indeed by this time almost half the caravans produced were for the export market.
From the day of their creation, RAPIDO caravans have never ceased to improve and to adapt to the new materials and equipment that have appeared over the years. Made originally from wood, the RAPIDO caravans were now made from pre-lacquered aluminium, using the latest sandwich board techniques, and fitted with a BOOSTER so that the caravan could be unfolded with hardly any effort and by one person alone : the MATIC range was born and from then on MATIC was added to the names of the previously existing models : the CONFORT became the CONFORT-MATIC, the RECORD the RECORD-MATIC and the EXPORT the EXPORT-MATIC.

By this stage more than 170 people were involved in the production of RAPIDO caravans and 20 caravans were leaving the 3 production sites daily. The number of caravans produced and sold in its recent history raised the RAPIDO CARAVANES Company to the rank of No1 MANUFACTURER OF RIGID FOLDING CARAVANS.

Its export results also made the RAPIDO Company the 3rd largest exporting SME at department level, ranked 399th at National level. These results were encouraging and marked the Company's determination to prepare itself for the wider EUROPEAN market.

At the Bourget trade show RAPIDO unveiled yet another innovation with its "MOTOR HOME". RAPIDO had again produced something new to set itself apart from the competition: "The RANDONNEUR 410".
The model consisted of a low-slung Living Area, able to accommodate between 4 and 5 people, built on a TRAFIC RENAULT base. It came with the retractable hard top that had already been tried and tested for several years on the "GOLF caravans". A closer look at the vehicle revealed many other new features (an extendable toilet cubicle, multi-position passenger seats, a ski storage compartment, and so on) as original as they were ingenious.

All the caravan models were reworked. The exterior colours and decoration were completely changed, while inside the harmony of the colours and the furniture was totally rethought.
The GOLF range was redesigned to make it more streamlined and modern, producing its replacement: the very up to date "CLUB" range.
Thanks to their dimensions, which meant they could be towed by less powerful cars, and the ease with which they could be stored in the winter, RAPIDO Caravans were increasingly popular with buyers in France and abroad, where sales were extended to new countries

Once more RAPIDO made a very important innovation in Rigid Folding Caravans with its ORLINE range.
As soon as they went on show, these (patented) Caravans were given an enthusiastic reception. By fitting them out with overhead cabinets, lights permanently secured to the roof and shades, double-curtains, blinds and pelmets that came ready-attached to the walls, the effort needed to assemble and fold the models in the ORLINE range was kept to a strict minimum.
In the same year, RAPIDO continued its expansion in the Motor home field for the 5th season in a row, thanks to the RANDONNEUR, with exports now being made to Great Britain and Belgium. The new RANDONNEUR 710 also made its debut.

RAPIDO yet again ensured that it stood out from the rest with the creation of the new ORLINE 33E model. This caravan's width could be adjusted thanks to its polyester shell to transform it in a matter of minutes for customers wanting the safety of towing a caravan no wider than the vehicle towing it, but who also wanted a large dinette that could remain as a ready-made bed and a smaller area for mealtimes.

Backed by its influential image built over the years, both in France and abroad, on its reputation as an innovator and the acknowledged quality of its products' finish and reliability, and with the know-how it had already acquired in the motor home field, RAPIDO dedicated this season to expanding its range and offered no less than 7 models (5 low profile vehicles and 2 with overhead cabs) to the Public.