Soft Tops History: 5 Interesting Convertible Makes and Models
Convertible cars are synonymous with luxury, elegance, and the excitement and exhilaration of the open road. Soft tops in particular have their own advantages, including flexibility, ease of operation, and the fact that the convertible roof sports less weight when compared to a hard top. These elements combine to result in greater efficiency, yet the finished vehicle retains all the luxury and comfort of any other convertible car.
As convertible enthusiasts, we are always interested in sharing information about these vehicles with you, which is why we have put together this list of convertibles throughout history. Join us as we discover facts about the cars, from the Nash Rambler to the Roadster, that preceded the convertibles we know and love today.
The Peugeot 601 Eclipse
This Peugeot model is often regarded as the first convertible with an automatically retractable roof. The 601 Eclipse did indeed feature a retractable roof, and even though the roof was of the hard-top variety, it laid the groundwork for the state-of-the-art soft tops that have followed since.
Initially released in 1934, the Peugeot 601 Eclipse was seen as the height of luxury at the time. One of the main drawcard features of this vehicle was that the roof was self-storing, meaning that when retracted, it folded in on itself and into a compartment behind the passenger seats. This feature provided the basic blueprint for the convertible models that would follow in the 1950s and 1960s.
The 1950 Nash Rambler
This two-door convertible was produced by Nash Motors, a division of the American Nash-Kelvinator Corporation. Introduced in 1950, the Nash Rambler was a type of convertible that had a retractable fabric roof. The Nash was originally dubbed a landau, a term which is derived from the carriage of the same name. Both the Nash Rambler and a landau carriage feature a similar foldable fabric roof. The Nash came into the market at a slightly lower price point than comparable convertibles from competitors and had a number of included features at that price point, such as an electric clock, and an AM radio.
The Roadster
Also known as a spider or spyder, the name Roadster originated in the US and was first used to describe horses that were able to travel distances. By 1916, the term roadster came to describe an open-roof car. While roadsters in the UK were typically known as an open two-seater, this name still referred to the convertible cars we know as a roadster.
As their UK moniker suggests, these vehicles were two-seater cars, and they were typically designed to be sporty in appearance. This is due to the fact that roadsters also used to be used as racing cars in the United States Auto Club Championship Racing contests such as the Indianapolis 500. Though the roadster was initially simply an open-air convertible, by the 1970’s, the term had evolved to encompass any two-seater convertible. The Mazda MX-5 is a modern-day roadster that has been incredibly popular since its release in 1989.
The Cabrio Coach
Also known as the semi-convertible, this type of vehicle is known for its retractable fabric roof, which makes it very similar to a traditional cabriolet, or convertible. The thing that makes a cabrio coach stand out is that these vehicles still have all of their bodywork, such as the door and window frames, and the only open section is the roof itself. While convertibles often retain the pillars known as B-pillar and C-pillar, the cabrio coach has more bodywork or retains more of its metal structure. This is what gives the car the alternate name of the semi-convertible because it is different in structure than a traditional soft top.
Landaulet
This is a type of convertible that is characterised by a convertible roof that covers only the back seat of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the driver and front passenger of a landaulet are covered by a traditional roof. Also known as a landaulette, the origin of these vehicles is the type of horse drawn carriage called the landau, which, as mentioned above, were known for their convertible roofs. By the mid 20th century, landaulets were built for a specific use – for royalty, heads of state, or other public figures to use in events like parades so that they may be seen easily by gathering crowds.
Looking for Soft Top Experts?
Has this article got you thinking about your own treasured convertible? Do you need a soft top replacement or installation? Look no further than Prestige Soft Tops! We understand and share your passion for your car, and we are experts in helping our customers to maintain and preserve both the beauty and functionality of their roofs. Backed by years of industry expertise, we are proud to offer exceptional customer service alongside professional replacement and installation services.
So, when you’re in need of convertible roof experts, don’t hesitate to email us at sales@prestigetops.com.au or fill out our online contact form and we will happily get back to you.