Classic Convertibles for Sale

Amazingly, the original classic convertibles were horse-drawn vehicles. Is this true? Yes, it is. The proof lies in the name. The world ‘convertible’ doesn’t refer to a vehicle, more to a type of vehicle. One with a retractable roof, which can switch from being an ‘open air’ type to a closed type, with a roof on. Driving along in an open roof car with the sun shining signifies the ultimate in freedom. Such scenes, featuring classic convertibles, have enchanted movie watchers for generations.

The Journey of Classic Convertibles

Classic convertibles made their first appearance as horse-drawn ‘phaetons'. The phaeton was a four-wheeled, doorless vehicle with a retractable roof or umbrella to shield travellers from the sunlight or rain. It had seats for just one or two passengers and was driven by the owner, with no separate driver’s seat. Because of the retractable roof, you can say phaetons were the first classic convertibles, as it could easily go from being an open to a closed vehicle. It was common in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Classic Convertibles In Popular Culture

The 1963 Cadillac Convertible driven by Al Pacino in Scarface (1983) adds a touch of classic style to the movie like nothing else you can imagine. As for Dustin Hoffman’s Alfa Romeo convertible in ‘The Graduate’? As classic convertibles go, this one was pretty iconic. And nothing but nothing expresses the sadness and lost hope more than a certain line in the classic Dr. Hook song ‘The Ballad of Lucy Jordan’. The line that tells us how at the age of 37, she realised that she’d never fulfilled her dream of riding in a sports car through Paris, feeling the wind in her hair. Yes, it’s a grim subject, depression. But that line conveys the despair and disappointment of lost hope in a way that registers instantly. Classic convertibles to tend to make a statement.

Classic Convertibles Today

Although some people think that classic convertibles belong to an earlier era, the truth is, they’re still available today. But perhaps they are not seen so often in northern Europe, on account of the fact that the weather here can be changeable. The Mini convertible is the most affordable. It has a nice, classic look and just like any other Mini, has brought fun to generations of drivers. You can get the classic convertible in Mercedes, Audi and BMW as well.