Lap 8: Convertibles

Convertibles

Open-top motoring can accentuate the connection between man, machine and the elements of the open road. They inspire a sense of freedom, and despite the complexity of a folding roof, they often have an inherent simplicity about their design - lightweight, responsive handling and a willing engine sympathetic to the constraints of the chassis. Think MX-5, Alfa Romer Spider or MGB.

Conversely, convertibles can be underpowered, uncomfortable, impractical daily drivers that signal to the world that you have recently retired and thought a convertible equalled sports car. As we all know some sports cars are convertibles, but not all convertibles are sports cars. Removing a roof from a ubiquitous chassis can leave a car feeling more malleable than water.

Getting the balance of engineering just right for a convertible is difficult. Safety, handling, power, some semblance of everyday practicality and of course no leaks isn’t always easy. Just ask Ford how they managed to build the perfect balance of absolute crap with the Capri in 1989. And they had the MX-5 to copy.

Finally, have you ever noticed that it is rare for a convertible to look good in both roof-up and roof-down modes? So without further ado here are my picks for the best convertibles to come to Australia. They offer great driving experiences, influential design and quality engineering.

Mazda MX-5 2000

By now we all know the impact the MX-5 has had on open-top motoring. Selecting a model isn’t really all that easy, as owners are loyal to their generation. Many love the first generation and malign the death of pop-up headlights. One thing is certain, even in the face of increased weight due to safety constraints and modern amenities, the MX-5 has remained true to the central formula - lightweight, responsive chassis, eager engine. My favourite is 2000 Mk2 due to the perfectly balanced proportions. The Mk2 also saw the beginings of improved refinement, build quality, and power output without gaining much weight.

MGB 1965

It wouldn’t be a proper list without including the MGB in convertible guise. A car that remained in production for some 15yrs, personified the ethos of British motoring and established a blueprint for small, lightweight convertibles. The raspy exhaust, responsive handling, precise gear shifts and willing engine belie the meagre 67kw this 4-pot produced. The classic looks inside and out combined with simple engineering render home maintenance accessible to the most humble DIY enthusiast. Just watch out for rust, the penchant for British cars to rust on cue would have one believe that the Brits preinstalled it at the factory

Austin Healy Sprite Mk1 1958-61

The ‘Bug-Eyed’ Sprite is an instantly recognisable, diminutive sports car that has a loyal following amongst a variety of motoring enthusiasts including competitive hill climbs, rally and track drivers. Simple, clean lines, lightweight and a smiling front end make it hard to resist this car. There is strong after-market support for this car and a good body of knowledge on engine conversions.

Alfa Romeo Spider 1970

Designed by Pininfarina, the Spider received a raft of aesthetic alterations and engine upgrades over the years. The pick of the bunch is the potent, rev-happy 2.0-litre twin cam option appearing in the Mk2. A reasonably advanced engine for the time, with a typically engaging Alfa sound, it also included 4-wheel disc brakes and a beautiful valve cover. A stunning Italian car, with the usual Italian interior ergonomics, or lack thereof.

Honda S2000 1999

Perhaps one of the most engaging, visceral driving experiences available today at a reasonable price. Drive it around town without unleashing VTEC, it will seem docile and no more exciting than a Civic. Find a clean bit of twisty tarmac and rev the 2.0-litre twin cam 4-cylinder all the way to its 9000rpm redline and you will know pure driving excitement. In the age of twin-scroll turbos, dual-clutch transmissions and immediate torque, many young drivers may never experience the joy of wringing the neck of a naturally aspirated car to extract every kilowatt.

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 1961

It's almost impossible not to sound trite or cliched when talking about an E-Type. We can all agree that its striking appearance has become prototypical for many elite sports cars with elongated nose and rearward seating position. Malcolm Sayer applied his knowledge of aircraft aerodynamic principles to its design, and E-Type managed to remain beautifully striking from all angles. Was this the first successful amalgamation of form and function, where science complimented art?

Shelby Cobra 1962

Synonymous with Carroll Shelby, spawning countless replicas and kit cars over the decades, the Cobra is beautiful and muscular, at home amongst roadsters, muscle cars, classic meets and on the track. The Shelby Cobra could be seen as the poster child for extreme engine swaps.

Caterham 7 2022

Its predecessor, the Lotus 7 was offered as a kit car enabling potential owners to avoid new car taxes in the UK. The new model now has modern, reliable brakes and a Ford Duratec motor, combined with a basic interior, a lack of general comfort and a useless cloth roof. It may not even be considered a true convertible, but rather an open roadster with an umbrella. Nonetheless the lack of weight and Duratec motor make this car intoxicating and downright scary all in one package.

I haven’t necessarily been a fan of convertibles. I do love having a sunroof open when attacking an engaging stretch of road, but the compromise to performance convertibles make through added weight, and less overall body rigidity, left me sceptical. In researching this piece I recalled many amazing cars, and have come to appreciate the unique, engaging experience a convertible can provide. There are many that I could have written about, so I focussed on some of my favourites.