The UK's fascination with convertible cars

[fraser]

A little known fact is that the UK has more convertible cars per head of population than any other country in the world.
Why, when we have shit weather?
Personally, I have 2! I had to nip out this morning, the sun was shining, so I dropped the roof down and drove through Edinburgh in 5 degree temperatures.
Maybe it started with the old triumph and MGs?
My first foray into convertible driving was when I realised that I could take the roof of off my triumph herald with 6 bolts and it became a convertible. We used to dump the roof in the front garden, then go on adventures around Kent. We did get caught out a couple of times when it rained though.
Who else has the convertible bug?

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[Eddie Honda]

Mrs Nergle has got that Ford Fungus

[mercrocker]

Never owned one but would like to. Regarding the UK vs. weather I think their popularity is precisely because the weather is shit. We as a nation take every opportunity to enjoy whatever limited time it is pleasant to be out in. I hired a ragtop in Vegas for a week and barely dropped the roof as it was too fucking hot......

[Grizz]

Yup.

I have two.

Love them both, but more for the owning than driving.

One a hard top 206 CC 2.0 that goes very very well

And the Rezin Rockit that has all MX5 inside. Built by me.

Both are for sale, for completely different reasons.

206 because Sally refuses to drive it, sticking to her 12.5 Fiesta.
Rezin Rockit because all the fun was in building it and getting the look I wanted and a full honest MOT to prove it was a good build.

206 is a great, practical car and occasional 4 seater if you have a pair of 8 year old gymnasts to shove in the rear.

Rezin Rockit conversely is an out and out toy and grocery getter.

For Sale ad in For sale section.

[panhard65]

I have had quite a few convertibles over the years and have come to the conclusion that I hate convertibles. They are pretty shit in the UK as it is almost always raining, then when it is hot you end up getting burnt. I found driving in France in the Maserati with the hood down drank more fuel than running with the hood up and air con on. They look cooler than the saloon / coupe versions even though they make no sense at all.

[paulplom]

I've had at least ten that I can think of and I love them. Nowt better than open top motoring.
My favourite was my c70 t-5. It even had a detatchable towbar and I used to pull my caravan with it topless. It was excellent condition and I won it on ebay for £1300 iirc.

[NorfolkNWeigh]

Currently, the ratio of convertibles to saloons is 4:3 at my house. I had the roof down on the Boxster this morning as it was ( still is) a lovely bright sunny day. Daughter No1 has just come home in the E Class with the hood down, but that’s no hardship with its volcanic heater, heated seats and Airscarf.

[LynehamHerc]

With my MGB any rain goes over my head if I'm doing 30 mph or more.

The plan is to also get a convertible Fiat 500C or similar that my missus would drive, she won't drive the MG, so that I can have a few beers when we're out in it.

I'm suffering from LBF itis as this has been the plan for about 3 months now but all I've done is look at adverts. I really need to get my finger out.

[Eddie Honda]

I'm suffering from LBF itis as this has been the plan for about 3 months now but all I've done is look at adverts. I really need to get my finger out.

it does sound like it, sadly LOL

[LynehamHerc]

Unfortunately (?) I won't get outpourings of sympathy and offers of money from you lot, I'd have to stand on my own two feet.