The Drop-Top Lives
by Jim Corbran
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.
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