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The Drop-Top Lives

1976 Cadillac Eldorado
Chrysler Crossfire
Mazda MX5
Ford Focus
Cadillac XLR

If you were around in 1976, you may recall the big deal made by Cadillac when they produced the “final” Eldorado convertible. It was a big deal at the time because it was the last regular production convertible being made in the US. For a time, anyway.

That was when the government started forcing auto manufacturers to make cars safer. And what could be more unsafe than a car without a top? Collectors (speculators?) scooped up the “last of the breed” at above sticker price hoping to someday have something worth a bundle. (The Eldorado in the photo is currently listed on eBay for $28,000. It listed new for just over $11,000. Odds are the original owner paid closer to $20,000.)

As most of you know, in the 1980s, the drop-top made a comeback. A VW Rabbit with a rollbar which resembled a picnic basket handle helped things along. Then Lee Iacocca ripped the roof off of a couple a K-cars—ugh!—and the race was on. Even lowly Renault had a convertible version of its Alliance—double ugh!

Today, of course, the convertible is a much safer car than any of those early models. Stiffer bodies, beefier frames, better seat belts and, in some cases, rollover protection do a much better job protecting occupants in a crash. Here’s a small sample of what’s out there:

Chrysler’s Crossfire is one of the cooler-looking American ragtops. I say American, but it’s actually produced in Germany by Karmann, a DaimlerChrysler partner well known in the past for producing VW’s convertibles. Prices start at just over $30,000. That’s about $15,000 a seat for this sharp two-seater.

If your wallet’s a bit too thin for a Crossfire, how about a Mazda MX5? Formerly known as the Miata, the MX5 is all new for 2006. It’s also one of the best-selling convertibles in the world, and at just under $21,000, it’s one of the most affordable. Alas, family person, it too has only two seats, so you’ll be leaving the family behind while you’re out soaking up the sun.

Ford has a convertible—or, should I say, cabriolet—version of the Ford Focus about ready to hit the showroom. It’s a four-seater with a folding hardtop which disappears into the trunk and looks almost as good up as it does down. And get this: It has an available two-liter diesel engine. Before you get out your checkbook however, be aware that it won’t be available until mid 2006—and only in Europe. Sorry.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Chevy Corvette. So there, I did. If you’d like something along those lines, but a bit more more on the refined side and a bit less on the “boy-race car” side, take a look at the Cadillac XLR. Driving one will announce that you have arrived, as not many of us can afford the payment book that comes with a $77,000 car.

Oh sure, there are other convertibles out there, and as summer approaches I plan on driving a few and reporting back to you. In the meantime, think warm thoughts.