Fresh-air motoring for 2008

Mustang WIP

It’s that time of year again... almost. Even though I’ve seen convertibles driving around town with their tops down on and off for weeks now, most of those instances were during freakishly warm weather pockets. After living in Western New York just about all of my life, I realize true convertible season doesn’t usually start until around Memorial Day. Which makes it time for my (sort-of) yearly look at my favorite drop-tops.

This year, what with gas prices now upwards of two-arms-and-a-leg for a gallon of regular (premium will now cost you your firstborn), many people are driving less (or at least trying to). So, I say, why not drive less and enjoy it more with an open-air car? After all, people in Europe have been dealing with higher gas prices for decades — higher years ago than what we’re just starting to see now, and they’ve gotten along just fine with smaller cars that aren’t quite so thirsty. So you see, this isn’t the end of the world as we know it. Although some say you CAN see it from here. All of these choices aren’t necessarily the most fuel-efficient, but until the US auto industry gets the hang of this fuel-saving concept, it’s what we’ve got to work with.

So let’s start with something almost practical as far as convertibles go. For $26,145 you can put yourself into a Chrysler Sebring just like Peggy drives on King of the Hill. Not overly flashy yet still attractive, you have your choice of three tops: cloth, vinyl, or a body-colored steel top which retracts itself into the trunk. For seven of the past 11 years the Sebring has been America’s top-selling convertible, so they must be doing something right.

Something a little sportier? How about a limited edition Mustang WIP? That would be the Warriors in Pink model, designed in support of the 25th anniversary of Susan P. Komen for the Cure® breast cancer research. The WIP edition includes pink ribbon and Pony fender badge, Pink Mustang rocker tape stripe, charcoal leather seats and steering wheel with contrasting Pink stitching, and a unique grille.

Smart Fortwo Cabrio

If your goal is to be noticed in traffic, here are a few more choices: the Smart Fortwo Cabrio which I reviewed back in February. Although many still expect the gas mileage for this tiny two-seater to be higher than it is, it’s still better than most convertibles out there. Or you could go for the other “cute” drop-top, the Mini Cooper. This one seats four, but don’t expect the four of you to bring much else along other than a brown bag lunch. Luggage space is minimal; pricing starts around 22 grand.

If you’ve got a bit more to spend, and want to REALLY be stared at, go out and get yourself a new Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé. Pricing starts at about — well, let’s just say you could buy almost 20 Mini Cooper convertibles for the price of one Drophead. Edmunds.com lists the starting price at a cool $407,000. And yes, you’re seeing the photo correctly — the doors are hinged at the rear, suicide-style. Suicide may not be necessary once your mate gets a load of what you spent on ONE car!

Now git out there and drop those lids!!