My Life in Convertibles – A Love Story in 12 Cars

Convertible Adventures: Embracing Sunlight and Freedom

Convertible [adj. & n.] Capable of being turned into something else… [Oxford English Dictionary]

With the glorious UK spring sunshine showing no signs of retreat (for once!), my mind has wandered to all things convertible. There’s just something magical about driving with the roof down—blue skies above, sun on your face, and the gentle roar of the engine behind you.

The Joy of Sunshine and Driving

There’s something quintessentially British about making the most of the sunshine when it appears, especially when it means hitting the road in a drop-top. Whether it's a leisurely cruise through the countryside or a cheeky city sprint, convertibles add a certain magic to motoring that’s impossible to replicate.

Exploring Different Types of Convertibles

Before we take a nostalgic ride through my collection of convertibles, let’s take a quick tour through the different types of convertible cars you’ll find on UK roads:

• Convertible – The umbrella term for any car with a retractable roof.

• Cabriolet / Cabrio – The European term for a full convertible.

• Roadster – A two-seater sports car that focuses on fun.

• Spider / Spyder – A lightweight, open-top sports car; the term dates back to horse-drawn carriages that resembled spiders with their spindly wheels.

• Drophead Coupe – A classic British term, often used for luxury models.

• Targa – A semi-convertible with a removable roof panel.

• Soft Top / Hard Top – Refers to the roof material (canvas or metal).

  
  

My First Convertible Experience

I’ve always had a soft spot (or should I say soft top) for convertibles. My first ever car? A 1959 Morris Minor 1000 convertible, black with a grey roof—a real head-turner in its day. From there, my collection grew. Not chronologically, but alphabetically, here are a few highlights:

The Abarth delivers between 145 and 180 bhp, depending on the version, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.9 seconds. With a fun factor of 4 stars, it's not a full convertible, but its huge retractable roof gives a great “almost open-air” feel. Nippy, noisy, and full of Italian attitude. I’ve owned three—each one more grin-inducing than the last. The Abarth is like a double espresso on four wheels.

Premium Performance Convertibles

A rare and refined powerhouse, the Audi A4 RS Convertible packs 420 bhp from its V8 engine, hitting 0–60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Fun factor? A full 5 stars. However, let's just say its running costs score a humble 1-star. Performance this good doesn’t come cheap. Understated yet lightning-fast, it’s beautifully balanced thanks to quattro all-wheel drive. The timeless design, coupled with exhilarating performance, devoured tyres and petrol but delivered endless class—worth every penny!

The BMW M3 Convertible is a modern classic. Powered by a 3.2L inline-six engine delivering 338 bhp, it sprints from 0–60 mph in around 5.0 seconds. With four seats and everyday usability, it scores a solid 4 stars for practicality. It blends performance and comfort effortlessly, looking amazing and sounding even better. It still turns heads today - one of BMW’s finest, especially with the roof down and sport mode activated.

Pure Driving Pleasure

Based on the legendary Lotus Seven, the Caterham is, without a doubt, the most fun I’ve ever had behind the wheel of a proper open-top roadster. Stripped down to the essentials, it offers raw, unfiltered driving joy. Power ranges from 80 to over 310 bhp, with a 0–60 mph time between 3.0 and 6.0 seconds. Driving thrill? A solid 5 stars—nothing else comes close. A proper open-top, track-day toy that makes any drive feel like an event. You don’t own a Caterham; you experience it. No roof, no radio, no nonsense. Just you, the road, and a loud exhaust.

The Citroën 2CV is a full soft-top convertible with loads of charm—just not much speed. Power? A modest 29 bhp (on a good day). Top speed? You’ll get there… eventually. But with a charm factor of 5 stars, it’s impossible not to smile while driving it. Iconic, quirky, and utterly lovable. Slower than a sleepy Sunday in Suffolk, it's full of charm and French flair.

Italian Passion on Wheels

Technically a Targa, the Ferrari 348TS boasted 300 bhp from its V8 engine, reaching 0–60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The roof-off experience paired with the unmistakable roar of the V8 offers sheer Italian passion on wheels. A badge that made people swoon, the soundtrack raised hairs. The handling was engaging and full of character. The emotional value? It delivered passion and presence in equal measure, and I still miss it.

From Classics to Modern Luxury

From classic convertibles to my current SL 400 AMG, these cars have been a constant in my motoring journey. With power ranging from 170 to over 430 bhp (depending on the generation) and a luxury factor of 5 stars, the modern SL, with its retractable hardtop, transforms into a grand tourer. It offers refined elegance and top-tier performance. With the top down? Pure sunshine motoring—a perfect blend of luxury and performance for UK roads.

A rare gem, the 1991 Mini Convertible is one of only 75 ever made. With around 60 bhp, its collector's value is rated at 3 stars. So pristine, mine won a Concours d’Elegance! I still have the trophy and photos somewhere in the loft. It may not have been the fastest but oozed charm, character, and rarity in spades.

The Quirky Urban Convertible

Is it a convertible? Is it even a car? The jury’s still out on that one. I’m talking about the Smart Fortwo Cabrio. Answers on a postcard? This compact soft-top has around 70 bhp and a practicality rating of 3 stars. Essentially a motorised rucksack, it’s technically a convertible and can park literally anywhere. Quirky? Yes—but not exactly thrilling. It’s the perfect fun urban runabout for those who don’t take themselves too seriously.

Finally, the VW Golf Convertible has a certain cool factor, but it tends to lack the thrilling experience of the GTI. It’s the only full soft-top convertible I didn’t truly bond with—soft, wobbly, and leaning more toward posing than performance. It didn’t last long in my garage—probably for good reason.

Honourable Mention: The Karmann Ghia Restoration

One car I almost forgot, though I’m not sure it fully qualifies as part of my convertible legacy, is the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. Back in 1995, I imported a classic coupe with convertible variants from California. The car featured a 1.6L flat-four engine (~50 bhp) and held a classic value of 5 stars. Rust-free but a little worn, I spent 18 months restoring it from the ground up. Italian design by Ghia and German craftsmanship by Karmann—a rare beauty to behold.

After rallying it from London to Monte Carlo and Brussels to Prague with my son, he eventually claimed it as his own. It is still one of the most admired classics I've ever driven!

Conclusion: The Magic of Convertibles

There’s something magical about convertibles. Not just cars—they're experiences. They connect you to the road, the weather, and the joy of driving. So with the sun still shining over the UK, I’m off to the garage to take the SL 400 AMG for a spin. Here’s to open skies, winding roads, and that irreplaceable feeling of freedom you only get with the roof down.