Convertibles are an open car and hardtop in one. It is wonderful to be able to put the top down on a car on a warm summer day and feel the breeze rushing past with these cars. Want to know more about convertibles? Read on if that’s the case!
Advantages of Convertibles
Convertibles are great because they allow drivers to easily transport large objects. They also allow the driver to have more outward visibility than they would otherwise. While you are in a convertible you won’t have to worry about air ventilation being a problem, either. You are getting fresh air in the time all there, so if cars can get stuffy for you then you may really want to consider purchasing a convertible for your next vehicle!
Their Evolution
1896: Everything was a convertible
The first cars manufactured, did not have side glass, windshields, doors or even roofs. They were based on the designs of the carriages of the day and many had buggy-like designs.
1905: Hardtops come about
Henry Leland introduced the first fully enclosed car with the 1905 Osceola Couple Concept vehicle. The invention came at a great time, because people were now spending more time on the roads than in prior years and needed protection from the elements.
1908: Phaetons
Convertibles further evolved from the “phaeton,” an open vehicle without glass side windows. These phaetons were basically open automobiles or carriages that were lightweight yet did travel fast on the road. Many Model T Fords were sold as phaetons because those were cheaper than enclosed versions of the same vehicle.
1939: A Power-Operated Convertible
1939 is when Plymouth introduced a power-operated convertible. Instead of needing to raise and lower the top manually, such as was mandatory on earlier convertible cars, that wasn’t required on this one! The 1939 Plymouth convertible just needed the press of a switch. That vehicle was also affordable and easy for people to buy who were on budgets.
1982: Convertible Rebirth
Convertibles fell out of popularity for a few decades but in 1982, Chrysler purchased them back with the LeBaron convertible.
Modern-Day Convertibles and Where They’re Going
It has taken over one hundred years for convertibles to get to where they’re at today. There’s no doubt that convertibles will continue to be popular in the coming years because they are just so much fun to have. There might even be new innovations to appear. One thing that has recently happened is the invention of big sliding-glass-panel roofs that run from the rear of the windshield header to the backlight’s top and from side rail to side rail. We think that retractable hardtops will become quite popular soon enough!
Essentially, convertibles are only advancing; they will not disappear anytime soon because they offer so much! There will always be plenty of convertibles out there for you to choose from for a vehicle. And that will be the case regardless of whether you would like either a two- or four-door model because they are really widely available. Check out what Kayser Ford Lincoln, a full-size car dealership in Madison, WI, has to offer!
Tags: A Power-Operated Convertible Convertible Rebirth
