The best cars-cabriolets: photos, brands and prices

A cabriolet, a version of a car, is distinguished by the absence of a roof and low seating. At the dawn of the automobile industry, at the end of the 19th century, cars only had chassis and, in fact, all cars produced could be considered a family of convertibles. With the appearance of the bodywork, the picture changed, the open car was no longer considered worthy of attention and was seen as a substandard mechanical vehicle.

The car without a roof

However, even before the outbreak of World War II, open car-cabriolets began to enter the automotive market (photos are presented in the article), these were models that no one considered incomplete. Fashion sometimes applies to cars. And so, a convertible, a car without a roof, began to be considered a symbol of wealth and success. Fashion for open limousines, spiders and roadsters has not passed to this day. Convertible cars have firmly occupied their niche in the automotive world market, their production is constantly growing, and every major car manufacturer considers it their duty to release during the year several models with a retractable roof.

The roof is only for rain

Cars-cabriolets in their pure form are cars made on the basis of a serially produced model, a sedan or a coupe. Technologically, it is not difficult to remove the roof and develop a module that will, if necessary, cover the car in bad weather and reopen it as soon as the rain is over. Many motorists were attracted to the opportunity to ride with the breeze in an open car, to feel unity with nature. In the 30s of last century, the popularity of the convertible has grown significantly, cars with an open top quickly sold out. Many companies began to accept orders for the manufacture of exclusive models.

American Games

Demand for car-cabriolets in Europe was high, but it did not go to any comparison with the demand for these cars in the US. If a European sat in an open car and went to the countryside to enjoy the scenery, then Americans, especially the younger generation, with the help of the car had fun. In the six-person open limousine could accommodate up to twenty friends and girlfriends. The Dodge cars are the best fit for this purpose, thanks to the width of the chassis. The ride on cabriolets became almost a national American game. However, in the sixties, cabriolets in the United States noticeably diminished, as almost all manufacturers switched to the production of cars with a bearing body. In order to increase the rigidity of the construction, six racks were installed along the perimeter and the roof posts were connected.

Just at that time, the fashion for racing in gigs with loading "under the eyeballs" has passed, the youth has calmed down, and open limousines have smoothly passed into the category of family cars. In addition, one fashion is usually replaced by another, in the US, a security boom on the roads and in the car began. And since the convertible looks far from safe, the demand for it has fallen.

Modifications

However, in the environment of motorists, both European and American, a community of fans of open cars has already formed, and the production of convertibles has continued. There were its modifications, "Roadster" and "Targa". A classic cabriolet is an ordinary car without a roof. "Roadster" also had its own characteristics, the car was produced on the basis of a two-door coupe and in a two-seater version. The roof of the plastic material was retracted into a special luggage compartment niche. "Roadster" is positioned in the automotive market in full, the demand for the car is steadily rising. Impressive high-speed qualities of a two-seater sports car are undeniable.

Third seat

In the late 30-ies of the last century under the name "Roadster" was referring to an open car of a slightly different order. He was considered not a modification of the gig, but a completely independent model. One of its distinctive features was an additional, third seat, usually folding, but in some cases stationary. It was an uncomfortable, hard seat, and it was meant for "casual" passengers. There was not much sense in this seat, but it somehow took root and became widely used. It is because of the third seat, "Roadster" for a long time could not be considered a sports car, because the integrity of the destination was violated, and the balance of the car left much to be desired.

In the US, a triple cabriolet called "Roadster" fell into the yard, Americans like all sorts of ancillary devices: either a folding seat would be fitted, or they would install a plywood box in the middle of the cabin. Practicality comes first, and then aesthetics and comfort.

Umeltsy and "Roadster"

In 1951 in America there were so-called hot-sorts, craftsmen who tried to make a speed racing car from a normal car. And it was "Roadster" that was chosen for such experiments. If the car fell into the hands of the craftsman, all the plumage was removed from it, the engine was accelerated and, most importantly, the rear wheels were set to a huge diameter in order to maximize the engine's power. It was a kind of bigotry, because the calculated parameters of the "Roadster" could not be changed radically, the engine from excessive loads just burned. But the craftsmen continued to bend their line until they finally destroyed the car. It is characteristic that the role of the future record holder was exclusively "Roadster" because of their cheapness. So, innocent open double cars suffered in anything.

"Roadster" at one time called American racing track cars. The wheels of the car were open, roughly like today's car "Formula 1", the engine could be anywhere, even to the right of the driver. Usually these cars were chasing on oval routes.

Season and price

Another modification of the cabriolet, the "Targa" model, as well as the "Roadster", was a two-door with one seat for the driver and passenger. But the car differed from its fellow by the fact that the removable roof was rigid like a hood and cleaned entirely in the trunk.

Both the cabriolet and its modifications give the owner a sense of freedom, emancipation. Fresh clean air, space and speed of movement, reminiscent of the flight. These are the advantages of a convertible.

The disadvantages can be attributed to the fact that the cabriolet car, the price of which is not lower than the cost of an ordinary car, ends the season a few months earlier, the arrival of autumn colds drives the car into the garage for the whole winter, as its salon is not heated. And you can start riding in the spring not earlier than April.

Prices for cabriolets of famous brands and "Roadster" on the territory of Russia fluctuate in a fairly wide range. The most inexpensive car-cabriolet will cost 1 250 000 rubles. Then the price smoothly goes up, slowing down on second-hand "roadster". Depending on the year of production, the cost of a good convertible varies from 1 million 300 thousand to 1 million 850 thousand rubles.

Most Popular Cabriolet

There are car-cabriolets and "Roadsters" from many companies, but there is a list of especially recognized and popular models:

• Alfa Romeo Spider (Italy).
• Bentley Azure (United Kingdom).
• BMW M6 (Germany).
• BMW Z3 / Z4 / Z8 (Germany).
• Dodge Viper (USA).
• Ford KA (USA).
• Jaguar XK (Great Britain).
• Lexus SC (Japan).
• Maybach Landaulet (Germany).
• Mazda MX 5 (Japan).
• Tesla Roadster (USA).
• Nissan 35OZ (Japan).
• Mercedes Benz SLK GTR Class (Germany).
• Mercedes Benz SLK GTR (Germany).
• Mercedes SL (Germany).
• Morgan Roadster (United Kingdom).
• MG F / TF (Great Britain).
• Honda S2000 (Japan).
• Chrysler Crossfire (USA).
• Porsche Boxster (Germany).
• Volvo C70 (Sweden).
• Audi TT Roadster (Germany).
• Fiat Barchetta (Italy).