“Hats-Off” to High-End Convertibles
by Gigi Cowell
America’s appetite for convertibles has come fullcircle,
from its heyday in the 1950s and ’60s, through
the category’s near-death in the ’70s. Now, discerning
drivers have a healthy selection of classy, luxurious convertibles
from which to choose.
America’s appetite for open-air driving has come a long
way since the Ford Mustang showcased shortly after the
Beatles first appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.
Selling more than 28,000 during that abbreviated model
year, Mustang was well on its way to being one of Ford’s
coolest cars. Ford recently introduced its 2008 Bullit
Mustang, which includes side air bags and an engine that
has been boosted to 315
horsepower. Offered at
an affordable price, Automobile
Magazine states
that this car “defines topdown
motoring in America.
This vehicle is a
visual trip back to the
sixties.”
The Swedish Saab 93 two-door, front-wheel
drive convertible is considered
the safest based
on innovations such as
passive rear wheel steering
and active head restraints.
Tom Toler, general
manager of George’s
Imports in Kansas City,
points to the car’s 2008
“Top Safety Pick” designation
as a primary selling
point. “In addition to
acing the test, this car
gets more than 30 miles to the gallon as well,” Toler says.
Fully redesigned in 2007, the Volvo C70 now includes an elaborate airbag system and a retractable hard-top. Rick Ulin, general manager of Superior Volvo in Kansas City, says the Volvo “really is one of the more practical convertibles on the market due to its excellent rear seat leg room and tremendous ride quality.” He also points out that this convertible “performs well in all types of weather, due to its front wheel drive turbo engine.”
Semi-automatic transmission, leather interior and
navigation system are all standard on the Lexus SC430.
With a power-retractable hardtop, this two-door convertible
“makes the transition from roadster to convertible in a
mere 25 seconds, simply at the touch of a button,” says Ken
Newman, general sales manager with Superior Lexus in
Kansas City. The Lexus is also available in the Pebble Beach
Edition Package, which includes several premium extras.
The 2008 BMW 335i convertible Sport Package now includes 18-inch wheels and performance tires, keyless ignition and sport seats. Additionally, every upscale amenity is available, such as SIRIUS Satellite Radio, iPod/iPhone, navigation system and Bluetooth Wireless. Al Hanson, client advisor with Baron BMW in Merriam, notes that the 335i “is the perfect fit for the person that loves performance and handling, as well as those that desire a fun, affordable and stylish way to get from here to there.”
Enthusiasts of the Chevrolet Corvette will appreciate the 430 horsepower and 190 mph capabilities of the 2008 3LT package, which includes a power-operated soft top. The car’s dual-cockpit heritage enhances this luxury performance vehicle as well. Additional standard features of this year’s model include an improved short-throw six-speed manual transmission, and the On Star system with one-year plan.
As the sixth generation S series, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 was introduced in March at the Geneva Motor Show. With a new front end and a 3.5L V6 engine, this powerhouse has come a long way since its first production model debut in 1954. For true speed lovers, Mercedes offers four additional SL series, including the SL65AMG, a 604 hp, biturbo V-12 driving machine. Forbes magazine calls it “one of the sleekest-looking and best-performing luxury roadsters this side of a Ferrari.”
With winter in the rear-view mirror, it’s the perfect
time to get behind the wheel of one of these classic,
classy convertibles and experience springtime in the city
in a whole new way. 
Return to Ingram's May 2008