Benefits of Convertible Tops for Cars | TopsOnline Blog

You may have heard it said that adventure is a mindset, not a destination. Convertible owners everywhere will probably agree with that philosophy, as they have each chosen to step outside the ordinary with their vehicle choice. Choosing a convertible conveys to the world that you are about enjoying the ride, not just about the destination. 

Convertibles hold a timeless appeal to the adventurer and lover of life. With the top down, your horizons are limitless and you can soak up the sunshine with the wind blowing across your skin. Sensations that you don’t get while in a closed up car are yours in a convertible. There is also a level of attention that you get in a convertible that you don’t get in an SUV, sedan or truck. Convertible cars invite passersby to look inside and see who is passing, so if you are an attention lover, convertibles are for you!

Moment and Memory Makers 

Do you know the market segment of new car sales that has the highest demand for convertibles? Rental cars! When people are on vacation or have a special occasion and want to rent a car to create a memory, convertibles top the list of choices and are in high demand. This is because people instinctively know there is a rush of excitement when driving around in a  convertible with the top down. Whether driving fast on open roads or zooming around town, there is a lot more to experience with a convertible than other vehicles. These experiences are what memories are made of and if you’ve ever been in a convertible car then you can probably still remember moments you had in it that made the memory last the test of time.

Convertibles also live up to the phrase, “See and be seen.” You can see the sights better and people can see you better, as well. For many, this expanded viewpoint is what makes convertibles a way to connect with others and stand out in a fast-paced world. With the convertible top down and the good vibes flowing, the rest of the world will be able to see the joy of the moment all over you. Driving a convertible can help be a memory maker for each ride.

Convertibles Invite Connection

With our worlds becoming increasingly virtual and digital, driving or riding in a convertible gives you one place in life where your barriers to nature are lessened and you can feel the elements. The warmth of the sunshine. The fresh air rushing past you. Even the sight of the environment around you changes, so that you notice your surroundings more. Convertible cars give you the freedom to remove barriers and help you experience life more fully. 

Many convertible owners live in the urban areas and aren’t driving through picturesque landscapes every day, but even in a city, there is a connection that convertibles help you make when you drive with the top down. While at stop lights or working your way through busy streets, conversations with those you pass can be had more easily. Nodding to the person walking their dog, smiling at the woman in the car next to you, lifting your hand to acknowledge a worker at an intersection, all are connections made easier by being in a convertible with the top down. Plus, when you are tired of urban elements surrounding you, you can reconnect with natural elements like sunshine and wind, to refresh your mindset before continuing with the grind.

Versatility and Style

Are you ready for all that convertible life has to offer you? While not as many convertibles are made as in years past, there are still many great options. Plus, the convertible resale and classic convertible market can offer you many choices. Here is a quick summary of the different styles of convertibles on the market:

Soft Tops

Soft top convertibles have a soft waterproof canvas textile or vinyl material that is stretched over a foldable frame, which provides the structure of the roof, and can be folded down and stored while the convertible top is open, like with BMW 3-Series convertibles. Soft tops have been made for decades, like you’d see in classic Cadillac Eldorado and Deville and Pontiac Firebird, GTO and Bonneville models. Convertible soft tops can wear out over time and factory original fit and style replacement convertible tops and accessories are available at TopsOnline to give you the same showroom quality top as the factory, or better. There are also budget-friendly replacement convertible top options. Here are some other popular soft top convertible models, some which have classic and modern models:

• Ford Mustang
• Chevy Camaro, Chevelle, Malibu and Impala
• Mitsubishi Eclipse
• Honda S2000
• Volkswagen Beetle
  
  

Roadsters

Roadster convertibles also have soft tops, but are usually those on performance sports models. Roadsters have two seats and have been produced for decades, originally referring to vehicles that were open, without a roof, but now refer to some two-seater sports car models. An example of a non-performance roadster would be Mini Cooper.

• BMW Z1, Z3, Z4 and Z8
• Jaguar XK120, XK140, XK150, XKE, and F-Type
• Audi TT, TTS and MK-3
• Porsche 356B, Boxster (Should I include 911 and 991, 992, 996 and 997?)
• Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Triumph
  

4-Door Convertibles

4-Door convertible cars also have soft tops, but the frame is more substantial to account for extra length. These models are less common, since most convertibles have a sporty feel, but 4 door convertibles like Lincoln Continental and Buick Special Phaeton and Century Phaeton are proof that throughout time people even wanted family vehicles to have the feel of freedom that convertibles offer.

Targas

Targa convertible tops came to the market with the introduction of the Porsche 911 Targa.   Targa convertibles have roof panels that attach to a roll bar behind the front two seats. They are manually removed and some Targa models have rear window glass that stays in place, while others have glass that can be removed. Targa convertibles still have soft top panels, but they are not retracted into the vehicle, but removed and stored while the top is open.

• Porsche Targa
• Chevy Corvette Targa 80’s and 90’s models
• BMW Baur
  
  

Detachable Hard Top 

Some convertibles have detachable hard tops, like some models of the Ford Thunderbird and Chevy Corvette. These models also made soft top versions, but for some years, the roof panels were rigid, hard tops that are detached and stored when the convertible is open.

Retractable Hardtop

Similar to detachable hard tops, this type of convertible also has a rigid top. However, retractable hardtops have a power-assisted mechanism for folding down and also restoring the top in place, making it a more quickly flexible option. These are less popular and mostly seen in performance cars.

• Ferrari 488 Spider
• Mercedes Benz SL Roadster
• Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to an open top vehicle like a convertible, which means that you have many choices, prices points, styles and options when adding a convertible to your life. If you have questions about convertible tops feel free to reach out to us.