Last Call: The problem with convertibles

Colby Buchanan

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I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to convertibles. The idea of removing the top from a car seems great in concept and when you see most cars without that top it looks great, especially the Vantage. However, the tradeoff of a car looking great when the roof is down compared to how bad it looks the roop up is enough to deter me from ever wanting one.

Now, the Aston Martin Vantage is arguably one of the best looking cars at the moment but my opinion still stands when you see it with the top on. I feel like the smooth lines are ruined by a cloth cover. On top of this, you almost always add more weight and often end up paying more for it. The wind in your hair and the extra engine sound is nice but not worth it in my opinion. What do you think?

Last Call indicates the end of Hooniverse’s broadcast day. It’s meant to be an open forum for anyone and anything. Thread jacking is not only accepted, but it’s also encouraged.

About

Colby Buchanan

Colby Buchanan

My name is Colby Buchanan and I love all things car-related all the way from rusted 240sx’s to McLaren Senna’s and of course I have a soft spot for American Muscle. You can spot me in my bone stock ’06 350z named MackenZ.

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15 responses to “Last Call: The problem with convertibles”

  1. Wayne Moyer Avatar
    Wayne Moyer

    See most of your complaints don’t apply to those of us who understand that the world is flat and that engines belong in the rear of the vehicle. Sure my Corvair vert has engine noise but its behind me and it’s other peoples problems. I have my two speeds of goodness to just enjoy nature while my flat six does its best to keep me entertained.
    The sedan version of my ’65 looks really nice but the convertible looks REALLY nice. I don’t take a weight penalty because GM didn’t care enough to think about that. Fifty years on and I have doors that sag. Thanks GM! I’ll get that fixed and continue to enjoy it.

    Reply
    1. 0A5599 Avatar
      0A5599

      I think you interpreted the engine sound comment as a drawback instead of a positive. Of course, it’s nice to listen to the burble of your engine, but I don’t believe Colby remembered to factor in the social experience aspect; with convertibles you constantly enter into conversations that last for the duration of a red light.

      Convertible roof up doesn’t have to look bad. It can improve the looks of the car if it’s part of the design.

      https://notoriousluxury.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/1940-lincoln-continental-2.jpg

      Reply
  2. Batshitbox Avatar
    Batshitbox

    The intrigue and drama surrounding Norton Motorcycles right now puts Carlos Ghosn in the minor leagues, and is just short of John DeLorean.

    A CEO who fails to appear at a hearing on the handling of pension funds. A factory not just closed, but surrounded by 24 hour security and concrete barriers across the access points. Aston-Martins and Range Rovers seized from the parking lot. MPs looking for millions in public funding invested in British Industry. Thrills! Chills! Keanu Reeves!

    There’s a fair bit about it in The Guardian, but I’m reading the SuperBike Magazine multi-installment series. The writer had me at, “He [Norton CEO Stuart James Garner] sounded like a posh schoolkid that had hidden his marbles in his bag and then blamed me for stealing them.”

    https://www.superbike.co.uk/article/norton-was-it-a-fraud-from-the-start

    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/feb/13/norton-motorcycles-owner-fails-to-show-up-at-pensions-hearing

    https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/production-stops-norton-motorcycles-potential-3844378

    #twowheelwednesday

    Reply
    1. smalleyxb122 Avatar
      smalleyxb122

      Shit, man. The 961 has been a dream bike of mine for quite some time. This doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy. It’s still a beautiful machine. Kenny Dreer’s design looks as good today as it did a decade ago.

      Reply
    2. SlowJoeCrow Avatar
      SlowJoeCrow

      Damn!, i lost track of Norton after Kenny Dreer’s Commandos. Taking out Norton and Spondon is horrid.

      Reply
  3. salguod Avatar
    salguod

    You solve the awkward looks with the top up by putting it down as often as possible.

    In my opinion two of the most satisfying experiences in a car are hitting the perfect apex and a warm summer evening drive with the top down. Nothing melts the stress of the day away quite like it.

    Whatever compromise is required to achieve it is worth it.

    Reply
  4. Sjalabais Avatar
    Sjalabais

    Hi, my name is Sjalabais and I have never driven or been a passenger in a convertible.

    #wetsideoftheocean

    Reply
    1. ghosty Avatar
      ghosty

      *in chorus* “Hi, Sjalabais”

      Reply
    2. ghosty Avatar
      ghosty

      I wish I could upvote this twice.

      Reply
    3. dr zero Avatar
      dr zero

      Hei Sjalabais. I’ve been a passenger exactly once in a convertable, in a dry country, but unsurprisingly it was raining.

      Reply
    4. dead_elvis, inc. Avatar
      dead_elvis, inc.

      I’m going to assume you mean convertible > helmetless downhill bicycling, in order to justify upvoting.

      Reply
  5. William Byrd Avatar
    William Byrd

    100% worth it.

    Reply
  6. GTXcellent Avatar
    GTXcellent

    The only problem with convertibles: it was a balmy -15 degrees Fahrenheit this morning, and that kind of defeats the purpose when you have to go full snowmobile attire to enjoy the open air. But hey, June is coming…

    Reply
    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      Number one, don’t live in areas unfit for human habitation.
      Here I can enjoy a convertible 10 to 12 months out of the year.

      Reply
  7. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    I don’t perceive any benefits to removing the top of a vehicle. Wind noise/turbulence, compromised structure, exposure to rain, UV, bugs, etc… I’ve never understood the point. If I wanted that much environmental openness, either walk or drive a motorcycle. My only “convertible” was my CJ-7, and 99% of the time I left the hardtop on.

    Reply