LexLaw

I know I'm late to the party and I'm not sure how I missed this one. But this thread is so epic. Very nicely done! I recall seeing the MB SLK while in college back around '97 and falling in love instantly. Everyone at my school was in awe. Girls were losing their minds. Anyway that was definitely the first time I saw a hardtop convertible. From that day forward I knew I had to own one.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

Thought I would add to this since it was one of my most time consuming posts with lots of information that obviously is continuously changing.

Update in case you have not been following: The SC430, SSR, G6, Sebring and XLR are all now cancelled. Saab cancelled plans for a 9-3 HT.

The much anticipated Cadillac ATS Convertible was scrapped. A good call? I think it would have been a hit personally. Opel may be doing something special with a Buick based concept called the Calibra.

The Infiniti G37 convertible has been trailing the ISC since launch and Infiniti has changed the body in 2010 and 2011 to be more sporty and compete more with the IS-F and IPL versions of their own coupe/sedans. The anniversary edition is very appealing with a luminous "Malbec Black" exterior that resembles the Twilight Amethyst Pearl of the SC430 and a nice Monaco Red interior. http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/30/p...he-ipl-workup/

BMW has plans to continue the 6-series convertible with a hard top. Only bad mule pics available right now.

Several well known custom shops have done both Mustang and Corvette Hardtop convertible versions at car shows but they have yet to confirm anything official with the mfg if they will ever come to fruition.

MBZ launched the new CLK (now just the E-Class) in a soft top as well despite rumors it too would come out in a hard top.

Sebring now is a Chrysler 200 with new Fiat Ownership and appears to have a rear and front bumper refresh from it's older version.

Maserati also passed on a GranTurismo HT version that was also a rumor.

The EOS, C70, SLK, Z3, SL, IS, G37, 3-series all continue as hardtop drops.

Some nice imports we don't see are still out there with Renault, Peugeot even Ford Focus overseas has a nice HT convertible. Daihatsu as well.

2012 Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar HT convertibles? No, sorry. Aston Martin will stick with a soft top despite some rumors on their forums too.

The much anticipated Camaro Convertible is confirmed NOT to be a hardtop, although Chevy has been clever not to show it with the top UP yet!

Here is a nice link I found on hardtop convertibles.

http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.co...y/hardtops.htm

A question to ponder: Now that we have seen many hardtop convertible disappear, have we seen the BOOM of the HT convertible and now is it over and no longer, "in vogue"? Possibly to keep hopes alive Ford will bring the sharp Euro Focus Convertible to the US? Or Chevy will do the Cruze Conv?

No matter what...the Ferrari California will always be HOT!!!

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

some more future potentials to hope for...

2013 Jaguar XE Roadster (God this is SEXY!!!)

2014 Honda S3000? Mix between a S2000 and a Fit-smaller roadster

2013 Mazda 7 or RX-7

2013 Audi TT?

2012 BMW 1 Series?

2013 Buick-Opel "Calibra"?

76210Guy

That was AWESOME!!

huy33

I wanted a Honda S2000 when I was in high school but the parents said no. The only thing that stopped me from buying one before the SC430 was because it's a soft top. Now if they come with an automatic hard top... Wow...

I would love to see the Mini Cooper get a hard top but the weight would take the fun away from it.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

I was looking at this old post and reviewing the 2012 incoming freshman to the hardtop convertible class and we have a few more:

2012 Golf Cabriolet
2012 Eos Cabriolet (new bodystyle)
2012 Peugot 308CC (sharp...only overseas as well?)
2012 Renault Megane (UK only? maybe us???)
2012 MBZ SLK (new bodystyle as well)
2012 Infiniti G37 IPL Convertible (new skin on an old mule)
2012 Z4 gets a mini refresh, so does the Miata nothing substantial

***can we call the Fiat 500C a hardtop or softop? mmmmm???? Maybe just a soft targa top? bikini top I think the Jeepsters call it.

Rumor Mill
And after SEVERAL reports and even leaked pics of both a hardtop camaro and mustang pony car convertible, I'm sad to report that there is not one in mass production for 2012. Sorry Bimmer fans, but the new 6 cabriolet donns a soft top.

Perhaps the most exciting thing in 2012 for hardtop convertibles is the Infiniti G37 IPL convertible which appears to be pretty awesome.

http://www.southinfiniti.com/blog_in...nvertible.html

2013 may be a different story. Refreshes possible for Lexus IS-C and G37 should be interesting and sources say that BMW is due as well for a mini refresh.

Here is also a cool link on hardtop convertibles:

http://www.onlyconvertiblecars.com/c...fm?Top=Hardtop

barncat

This needs to be seen again! Excellent!

Emackny

iTrader: (6)

Great read... thanks for the bump Barncat.

73446

Droptop, your research is a real labor of love...and quite a contribution to the forum!

Many thanks from all of us!

Do you or anyone know if there's a cofee-table type book with information and quality photos of the droptop? If not, you ought to consider such a product.

Bravo!

MIke

Solman

It seems that we have friendships that really grow out of our common love for the SC. Therefore, we worry when some folks who post frequently, suddenly drop from sight. In particular, I've really appreciated the contributions of SCDroptop, who last posted in march and AZKaty who last posted in November of last year. Please tell us you are OK guys!!! On the other hand, if you no longer have your SC, we would like to know that, so we don't think the worst. I am hoping this finds you both in good health.

John (solman)

Harold57

I exchanged an email with AZKaty last fall and she was doing fine and still loving her '10 SC. I guess that she has lost interest in the forum or just has too many other things taking up her time as I haven't heard from her since.

I exchanged an email with scdroptop recently and life has just overtaken him this year. I would guess that he still glances at the forum but he mainly just doesn't have the time that he did in the past for it. He is still driving his '05 SC also.

Solman

Thanks for the update, Harold.

LexF

I had no idea there were this many and that the idea isn't a new concept. Great read.