When was the first convertible hardtop car invented?
The first manual retractable hardtop convertible was invented in 1922, although that design was never actually produced. In 1927, manufacturers like Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln, and Chrysler brought multiple convertible models to the eager American public.
What is the history of convertibles?
History of Convertible. The car featured an electric folding hardtop and was a marketed as a 2-seater with a cargo area behind the front seats. Production was 500 units. 1995 The Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder convertible by ASC was marketed in the U.S. [31] The design was further popularized by such cars as the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
When was the last convertible car made in the US?
After the last Cadillac Eldorado convertible was made in 1976, the only convertibles sold in the United States were imported, until Chrysler Corporation introduced 1982 models based on the K-Car. For Chrysler, this was the LeBaron, and for Dodge, the 400.
What was the first Convertible SUV ever?
Bantam and Kurogane may have birthed the idea of a convertible SUV, but those were designed to cope with the chaos of war. The Land Rover, on the other hand, was designed in 1947 after the war had already ended, and its primary target market was British farmers. That earns it my vote for the first convertible SUV ever designed for civilian use.
What is a soft top?
What was the impact of the 1970s on convertible cars?
What is a two door convertible called?
What is a convertible car?
What are the drawbacks of a convertible?
How many convertibles were made?
What material was used in the 1955 convertible top?
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About this website
What was the first car that was a convertible?
The First Convertibles But the early attempts at convertibles were often noisy and challenging to operate until 1934 when auto manufacturer Peugeot released the 601 Eclipse. This vehicle featured a retractable hardtop with a self-storing roof that disappeared into a rear compartment behind the driver's seat.
Who invented the first convertible?
The first retractable hardtop convertible design was introduced by Ben P. Ellerbeck; the hardtop was manually operated on a Hudson coupe yet was never produced. Automaker Peugeot produced the first power- operated retractable hardtop in the 601 Éclipse; the design was patented by Georges Paulin.
Who invented the convertible top?
The version of today's convertible first appeared in the 1920s, with vinyl and cloth tops used, then a decade later steel replaced those makeshift fabric flexible car roofs. In 1922, Ben P. Ellerbeck invented the first manual retractable hardtop system, but a convertible vehicle wasn't produced.
What was the first car with a hardtop convertible?
However, in 1935 Peugeot began offering a vehicle option that would forever revolutionize the automobile industry. The 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse had the world's first powered retractable hardtop in the form of a folding metal roof.
When did US ban convertibles?
American Motors stopped convertible production in 1968, followed by Chrysler in 1971, Ford in 1973 and most of General Motors in 1975.
What is a car with no roof called?
A convertible or cabriolet (/ˌkæbrioʊˈleɪ/) is a passenger car that can be driven with or without a roof in place. The methods of retracting and storing the roof vary among eras and manufacturers.
Was there ever a 4 door convertible?
Introduced in 2004, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the most famous 4-door convertible currently on the market. The Wrangler Unlimited comes standard with a soft-top roof that folds into the rear tailgate, with an easily removable hardtop also available.
Did Ford ever make a convertible?
The Mustang Ii Convertible That You Never Knew Existed. Since April 1964, Ford's original pony car has sold more than 10 million units, making Mustang the world's best-selling sports car.
Why are convertibles called spiders?
While many other open-air carriages sported permanent side windows, the spider offered a true open-air experience. Some speculate that the carriage, with its small body, large wooden wheels, and thin spokes resembled a spider, and the name just stuck.
What was the last car with T tops?
T-Tops went the way of Pontiac and its Firebird in 2002. Until manufacturers come to their senses, car-buyers with discriminating tastes, i.e. those who adore T-Tops, will just have to look to Classic Cars to get their open-air performance fix.
What kind of convertible was in Top Gun?
1958 Porsche 356 SpeedsterCharlie Blackwood's Black 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster The astrophysicist, Charlie Blackwood drove the same stunning 1958 Porsche 356 Convertible in the first Top Gun movie chasing down a miffed Maverick as he flies down the road in his Kawasaki GPZ900R.
Is a convertible faster with the top up or down?
On the other hand, when Best Motoring did an all-convertible battle, they found that the cars were faster with the tops down (the exception was the Boxster S, which was nearly identical).
Why are convertibles called spiders?
While many other open-air carriages sported permanent side windows, the spider offered a true open-air experience. Some speculate that the carriage, with its small body, large wooden wheels, and thin spokes resembled a spider, and the name just stuck.
Why is a convertible called a convertible?
The word simply means to convert and refers to the fact that a vehicle can be converted from one with a rooftop, to one without a top. The word convertible is the more widely used term in the auto industry today.
Did Holden make a convertible?
The fact that Holden never brought a factory convertible to market didn't stop individuals from making their own ragtops over the years. Since the very first examples were built in the 1950s, many more have followed, running the gamut from applaudable to deplorable.
Did Ford ever make a convertible?
The Mustang Ii Convertible That You Never Knew Existed. Since April 1964, Ford's original pony car has sold more than 10 million units, making Mustang the world's best-selling sports car.
Old Convertible Cars: 15 Best Convertibles of All Time - MotorTrend
Thanks to its large round "Bugeye" headlights and "smiling" front grille, the 1958-1961 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I may be the most memorable British roadster of its era.
List of coupé convertibles - Wikipedia
Classic cars. Peugeot 402 Éclipse Décapotable (1935); Chrysler Thunderbolt concept car 1941; Playboy Convertible (1947–1951) Continental Mark II concept car c.1953; Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner (1957–1959); Ford Galaxie Skyliner (1959); Gaylord (1956) Modern cars. BMW Z4 (E89) (2009–2016) BMW 3 Series (E93) (2007-2013) Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible
What is convertible culture?
Convertibles hold a special place in American culture, especially in California. Convertibles are glamorous, driven by movie spies and Hollywood superstars alike. Advertisers use the image of the convertible to sell freedom, glamour, speed, and sex appeal.
What was the roof of cars in the 1920s?
Vinyl or cloth roofs were typical in the 1920s, with steel mostly replacing the fabric roofs in the 1930s as automotive manufacturers worked to make cars sturdier and safer. But people missed the open-roof feeling of those early cars.
What car did Thelma and Louise drive in?
Or the titular characters in Thelma and Louise (1991) in their 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. Convertibles remind us of the open road, sunshine, beaches, and adventure. Convertibles, with their aura of freedom and glamour, are the perfect vehicles for California.
When was the first convertible made?
The first manual retractable hardtop convertible was invented in 1922, although that design was never actually produced. In 1927, manufacturers like Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln, and Chrysler brought multiple convertible models to the eager American public. The first power-operated retractable hardtop came out in 1934.
Who was the driving shot in the 1966 movie The Graduate?
Everyone remembers the iconic driving shots in the 1967 movie The Graduate: Lovesick Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), in his 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto, speeding over the winding roads from Pasadena to Berkeley. Or the titular characters in Thelma and Louise (1991) in their 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible.
What is the history of convertible cars?
The history of the convertible and the early history of the car is actually one and the same. The earliest cars – like the Ford Model T – were essentially modernized versions of the horse-drawn buggy. That meant that these early vehicles were lightweight, minimalist, and open.
Why did people love convertible cars in the 70s?
As all trends eventually do, the love for the convertible found a lull in the 70s as more people craved practicality, safety, and security. Americans needed a car that could take them down the highway at high speeds, and that’s just simply not what convertibles were made for.
When did convertibles become popular?
While convertibles never fully regained their mid-century popularity, they were still quite the iconic fixture in American culture, especially in the 2000s, when modern convertibles got a more sporty, glamorous makeover.
When was the convertible top invented?
In 1939 the first power-operated convertible top was launched, making for a much more convenient and driver-friendly experience. However, the hard top convertible wasn’t what captured the American imagination in the 40s.
Is driving with the top down luxury?
For decades, driving with the top down has been seen as the ultimate luxury in driving. And for many with that luxury, it’s become somewhat of a summer tradition. But as it turns out, convertibles weren’t always seen as the pinnacle of automotive luxury . In today’s Headlight’s blog, we’ll take a quick look at the history behind the convertible car, and where the convertible might be headed in the future.
Who is Claire Biggerstaff?
Claire Biggerstaff is a freelance writer and photographer from Charlotte, NC. Her curiosity leads her to write about a wide variety of topics. On her off days, she enjoys reading Polygon articles, and curling up to a good YouTube playlist.
What innovation saved the convertible from its 1920s nadir?
Another innovation that saved the convertible from its 1920s nadir was the power-operated convertible top, which Plymouth introduced in 1939. The innovation made raising and lowering the top (done manually before) a much faster and less labor-intensive operation. Also, the Plymouth was a relatively inexpensive car, so it helped to expand the market for droptops.
What is the evolution of convertibles?
The Evolution of the Convertible. Summer is officially here, and with it comes dreams of open-air motoring. Whether it's enjoying a lazy drive on a winding two-lane or cruising to a local drive-in, summer and convertibles go together like lemonade and ice tea.
What was the Cadillac body in 1906?
For 1906, Cadillac offered a fully closed body as a made-to-order option . It proved to be an inspired choice. Drivers were spending more time on the roads, and they needed protection from not only the weather but also the primitive driving environment (cars shared dirt roads with horses).
When did the convertible hardtop come out?
Fixed-roof cars of the early 20th century could feel claustrophobic. But convertibles of the time were often leaky, drafty, noisy, and insecure. The advanced solution came from Peugeot in 1934, with the introduction of the retractable hardtop on the 601. The self-storing roof structure disappeared behind the driver's compartment into a space revealed by the reverse-opening rear deck.
What were the early cars?
Early cars—like the Quadricycle Henry Ford is seen tinkering with here—were just derivatives of 19th-century buggies and retained the lightweight, minimalist design that worked for horse-drawn vehicles. But as electric motors and internal combustion engines became more powerful, automobile bodies became more complete. By the turn of the 20th century, cars sprouted surrey-like fabric roofs and primitive folding tops.
How much did Lincoln sales increase in 1961?
Lincoln sales doubled for 1961 and climbed another 20 percent in 1962.
When did Cadillac make the closed body?
The closed body was so popular that Cadillac made it standard in 1910. Sedans grew in general popularity until they became the dominant body style in the 1920s, accounting for approximately 90 percent of the market, up from just 10 percent the decade before. 4 of 11. Stow and Go.
What is the series 2 Land Rover?
It became the Series 2, the Series 3, and eventually the Defender, incorporating new technologies while keeping the same basic style.
What was the first four wheel drive kei car?
Fun fact: it’s weird to see a Jeep with a Mitsubishi badge. In 1970 Suzuki began production of the Jimny convertible SUV (yes, that’s spelled correctly), the first four-wheel drive kei car, with a top speed of 47 MPH. It was so successful that in 1981, Suzuki began selling it in the US as the Samurai.
What was the first Scout convertible?
Little did he know, Ted had just started the convertible SUV revolution. The earliest Scout model, dubbed the 80, could be purchased as either a convertible truck or convertible SUV. They all sold incredibly well, even the strange special editions like the factory RV and the conventional ragtop.
How long have convertible SUVs been in production?
Those were preceded by numerous other convertible SUVs – some iconic, others complete wastes of space – and while today’s buyers usually prefer four doors over two, convertible SUVs have been in production in one form or another for over 75 straight years. First thing’s first: let’s define a convertible SUV.
What was the 181 called?
The 181 was called the Safari, Pescaccia, and Trekker in other markets, but for the United States VW had another novel idea: “Let’s just call it the Thing.”. And it worked. Although very few parts were shared, design-wise the Thing is pretty much the WWII Kübelwagen, seen here flying through a Russian field.
What type of vehicle was the Volkswagen thing?
Volkswagen Thing. This was originally designed as a combat vehicle with the internal designation of Type 181, but those plans fell through. In the late 1960s, amid the rising popularity of Beetle-based dune buggies, Volkswagen had an interesting thought: “What the heck, let’s sell it as a convertible SUV.”.
How much horsepower does a Kurogane have?
Powered by an air-cooled V-twin making 33 horsepower, the Kurogane found an advantage in the colder conditions of China and Russia over its water-cooled counterparts.
What car made the retractable hardtop?
Five years later, car makers such as Buick and Cadillac offered somewhat versions of the modern convertible. It’s only in 1934 that Peugeot produced the first operated power-operated retractable hardtop in the 601 Eclipse model. Chrysler manufactured theirs in 1941 for the Thunderbolt.
What cars were popular in the 50s and 60s?
The open top vehicles were quite popular in the 50s and 60s with models like the Rambler American and Oldsmobile 98. Ford produced the Skyliner from 1957 to 1959, and Lincoln Continental convertible sales doubled in 1961, and increased 20% more the consecutive year.
When was the convertible made?
The version of today’s convertible first appeared in the 1920s, with vinyl and cloth tops used, then a decade later steel replaced those makeshift fabric flexible car roofs. In 1922, Ben P. Ellerbeck invented the first manual retractable hardtop system, but a convertible vehicle wasn’t produced.
When did convertible cars become popular?
In 1982, Chrysler LeBaron rejuvenated the convertible car in U.S. and sold 23,000 cars. Toyota and Cadillac manufactured their own convertibles, which bring us to the mid-90s where the retractable hardtop convertibles became popular with models from Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi.
What are some examples of convertibles?
That means open tops, no windshields or doors for that matter… kind of a convertible, no? Some examples of these open-air vehicles include the Brougham, Landaulet, the Quadricycle, and Phaeton.
Is the 407 Macarena convertible?
The 407 Macarena was never produced though. Convertibles made a splash again, almost a decade later… with the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle convertible and the Corvette Stingray convertible. Today, Florida, California, Texas, New York, and New Jersey have the most convertible sales.
What is a soft top?
A "soft top" is made from a flexible textile material. Common materials for soft tops are: 1 Early convertibles used cotton canvas woven so tightly it is waterproof. However, automakers had problems in securing raw materials to fulfill orders after World War II, including canvas in various shades for convertible tops and limiting their manufacture. 2 A cloth-based material has become more common in recent years.
What was the impact of the 1970s on convertible cars?
During the 1970s, the popularity of convertibles was severely reduced by the increased travel speeds on roads (resulting in more wind and noise for occupants) and proposed vehicle crash safety standards in the United States. Automobile air conditioning systems, T-top roofs, and sunroofs were also becoming popular, reducing the demand for convertibles. After the last Cadillac Eldorado convertible was made in 1976, the only convertibles sold in the United States were imported, until Chrysler Corporation introduced 1982 models based on the K-Car. For Chrysler, this was the LeBaron, and for Dodge, the 400.
What is a two door convertible called?
In the United Kingdom, the historical term for a two-door convertible is drophead coupé, and a four-door convertible was called an all-weather tourer. Nowadays, these names are generally used only for period cars.
What is a convertible car?
For the armchair, see cabriolet (furniture). A convertible or cabriolet ( / ˌkæbrioʊˈleɪ /) is a passenger car that can be driven with or without a roof in place. The methods of retracting and storing the roof vary between models.
What are the drawbacks of a convertible?
Potential drawbacks of convertibles are reduced structural rigidity (requiring significant engineering and modification to counteract the effects of removing a car's roof) and cargo space.
How many convertibles were made?
A total of 500 were produced. Models dedicated to the convertible body style include the Mazda MX-5, Porsche Boxster, and Opel Cascada. Some automakers also include a convertible body style as an available body style in a model range.
What material was used in the 1955 convertible top?
By 1955, the most popular materials were latex and butyl rubber fabrics that each accounted for around 35% of the convertible top's weight, with others included vinyl (12%), jute (8%), along with rayon and acrylic fibers (Orlon), amounting to about 1% each in the compositions. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material was used for many convertible tops. The material consists of two layers: a top layer made of PVC, which has a specific structure depending on the vehicle model, and a lower layer made of fabric (usually cotton).
Overview
History
Most of the early automobiles were open-air vehicles without any roof or sides. As car engines became more powerful by the end of the 19th century, folding textile or leather roofs (as had been used on victoria or landau carriages) began to appear on cars. Examples of early cars with roofs include the phaeton (a two-seat car with a temporary roof), the brougham or a coupé de ville, having an en…
Terminology
Other terms for convertibles include cabriolet, cabrio, drop top, drophead coupé, open two-seater, open top, rag top, soft top, spider, and spyder. Consistency is rare about the current use of cabriolet in preference to convertible. The term cabriolet originated from a carriage cabriolet: "a light, two-wheeled, one-horse carriage with a folding top, capable of seating two persons"; however, the term is also used to describe other convertibles.
Roof types
A "soft top" is made from a flexible textile material:
• Early convertibles used cotton canvas woven so tightly that it is waterproof. Automakers had problems in securing raw materials to fulfil orders after World War II, including canvas in various shades for convertible tops, therefore limiting their manufacture.
Other design features
Folding textile convertible tops often fail to completely hide their internal mechanism or can expose their vulnerable underside to sun exposure and fading. A tonneau cover provides a solution.
Rear windows are often part of the roof assembly. Traditionally, the rear window in a soft-top was made from plastic; however, more recently some convertible…
Variations
Convertibles have offered numerous iterations that fall between the first mechanically simple fabric tops to complex retractable roofs made from hard materials:
Roadster: A roadster (also called spider or spyder) is an open two-seat car with emphasis on sporting appearance or character. Initially, an American term for …
Gallery
• Ford Model T circa 1925, with minimal weather protection
• Bentley 4½ Litre 1929 with luxury snap-on and thumbscrew sidescreens
• Aero 500 from 1929
• Ford Phaeton 1934 open four-door touring car
See also
• Targa top
• NASCAR Convertible Division
• Vinyl roof
• Sunroof