Once upon a time ... the convertible
02/16/2024
Well, we're probably a little too early with our prophecy of doom. You can still buy new convertibles. However, the stock is thinning out. Volkswagen has just announced that production of the open-top T-Roc is to be discontinued. And this was, after all, the last open-top VW. Things don't look much better for other brands, or then open-top cars can only be found in the top price segment. At least Mazda is (for the time being) still keeping faith with the open-top MX-5, but Toyota, for example, no longer has any open-top passenger cars, and neither does Honda. You will also search in vain for an open-top Alfa Romeo or Fiat in the current range, even though the Italians were the guarantors of affordable convertibles. Now you have to reach for a Maserati or Ferrari ...
There are probably many reasons for the current demise of the convertible. Firstly, open-top cars are less fuel-efficient on paper, and secondly, niche cars are becoming less and less of a business for manufacturers due to expensive homologation costs. And finally, car buyers are also becoming more comfortable and spoiled, preferring to drive in a cooled coupé (or SUV) rather than in a cockpit exposed to the sun.
This development is not an advantage for future classic car and youngtimer buyers, as convertibles often become much more desirable in their "second life". If it's all about pure fun and driving pleasure, then open-top cars are very interesting again, as they allow an undisturbed acoustic driving experience and a closer connection with the environment. But if no new convertibles are built, they will also be missing as youngtimers and classic cars one day. What a pity ...
After all, the vintage years of convertibles are now entering the early age of classic and youngtimers. So there is currently still a large selection of classic open-top cars ... and next spring is sure to come!
