Essential Guide Explaining Convertible Car Types

By Author: Jeremy Allston
Total Articles: 5
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In a nutshell, a convertible is the type of vehicle that has a retractable or removable roof, allowing it to transform from a closed to an open-air car. The majority of convertibles are sports cars, which means they have only two seats. That being said, convertibles are mainly distinguished by their roof types and body styles.



Modern convertibles are named and marketed under several different names due to a convergence of body styles over the years. A convertible with a soft-top roof is also known as a cabriolet, cabrio, or spider; while two-seater soft-tops are often called roadsters because of their body style. A hard-top convertible is also variously known as a coupé cabriolet, coupé convertible or simply retractable hardtop, while their two-seater versions are most commonly called roadster coupés.



The following guide will look at the main features that define different types of convertibles.



Roof Design



Convertible roof designs vary alot, but they all have a few characteristics in common:

Their ...
... roof is attached to the body of the car with hinges that allow it to be folded away into a recess behind the rear seats or into the boot. Convertibles roofs are not generally detachable.
The roof operates either manually or automatically using hydraulic or electrical actuators.
Soft-tops are made of vinyl, canvas or other types of textile material, while hard-top convertibles have roofs made from steel, aluminium, carbon fibre or plastic.

Canvas Tops



Also called classic tops, this type of convertible soft-top is designed to visually resemble and feel like canvas. They are typically manufactured from synthetic woven fibres, such as polyester, acrylic and olefin or another blend of hybrid material. While all canvas tops are treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process to make them resistant to water damage, you’ll need to maintain them every year or so with a specialised chemical as the original treatment will wear off.



Vinyl Tops



Vinyl is actually a synthetic plastic that is predominantly derived from PVC or polyvinyl chloride. Unlike convertibles with a canvas roof, soft-tops made from vinyl are thick and rigid. Manufacturers will often stamp the vinyl with subtle lines and depressions so that it has the classic look of canvas. It must be said that the biggest drawback of having a vinyl roof instead of canvas is that it dries out over time, making it prone to cracking and splitting.



Hard-Tops



In sharp contrast to canvas or vinyl soft-top convertible roofs which are prone to driving wear and tear, not to mention damage caused by dirt, bird droppings, rain and snow which can cause unsightly stains, rips and cracks, hardtop convertibles are far more durable. They are made of impact resistant, water-proof materials such as aluminium, stainless steel and high grade plastics.



Hardtops are generally designed to fold inwards and feature much more rigid frames than soft-tops. Instead of resembling cloth, the roof is usually designed to blend in seamlessly with a car's body, much like a closed car.



Body Style & Seating



As mentioned above, the majority of convertibles are sports cars which only have two seats. These days however there is a wider variety on the marketplace to choose from that allow for more room space while experiencing the exhilaration of being exposed to the elements – this includes models such as full-sized, four door sedans and coupe convertibles.



Conclusion



Convertible cars have always been synonymous with luxurious fun and sporty style – driving down a stunning coastal road or palm-tree lined boulevard with the summer wind blowing through your hair. The above information will help you decide which convertible will best suit your needs, preferences and budget.



About the Author: Jeremy Allston is a vehicle repair business owner and fan of convertible cars.