Convertible cars are a joy that should be experienced by any motoring enthusiast, especially in 2023, as the numbers great internal combustion engines dwindle. No they're not the most dynamically capable, but there's something very special about being open to the elements and closer to the sound of a great engine. Having the roof down also gives you a better sense of speed and puts you more in touch with your environment. Yes, a GT3 RS might slay Anglesey circuit but arguably, a Targa or Cabriolet will be a nicer way to enjoy Wales on the way there. So, now we've established that you should be in the market for a convertible, here are our picks...
The eight best convertible cars to buy in 2023
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Caterham Seven – the minimalist one
It’s testament to the Seven’s appeal that such a simple car can offer so many twists on the same core values. True, they’re all undeniably basic and, roof up or down, on the draughty side. If you want luxury and creature comforts look elsewhere. If you want intensity and an experience that strips driving down to its thrilling and life-affirming basics there are few better choices out there. Variations on the theme include the retro-styled Super Sprints channelling the spirit of privateer racers of the type you’d have seen at Goodwood back in the day, the recently announced ‘70s style Super Seven 1600 or more modern varieties up to and including track-day tuned R models.
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Mazda MX-5 – the answer to everything
Born of a team of Californian-based car nuts who somehow infiltrated Mazda’s ‘80s product planning strategy, the MX-5 was inspired by the European roadsters the guys working on it loved so much. Realising the MGs, Fiat Spiders and Austin Healey Sprites they loved were on the verge of extinction they managed to bottle that spirit into a neat, minimalist modern roadster many credit with saving the breed entirely. Four generations and three decades on the modern MX-5 successfully captures that original spirit, albeit with modern looks and running gear.
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Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 – the best handling one
Inspired by the minimalist Speedsters and Spyders of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, the Boxster’s mid-engined layout and relative affordability gave Porsche something of a headache, given in many ways it’s objectively a superior product to the more senior 911, especially as a convertible. That sense of untapped potential has recently been lifted as the 911 has matured and moved further upmarket, not least with the new GTS 4.0 version and the return of classic six-cylinder power in place of the turbocharged four-cylinders in the rest of the 718 range. Also available in the Cayman, this stellar engine is best enjoyed in the open air where the evocative sound and perfect handling combine for a fantastic driving experience. It might actually be the best car in the Porsche lineup, a bold statement, but driving it fitted with the PDK only convinced us more.
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Maserati MC20 Cielo – the exotic one
The Maserati MC20 was a surprise favourite supercar last year and with the arrival of the open-topped Cielo, its talents are now available alfresco. That 630PS punch shouldn't be spoiler by the open roof either, as the carbon tub should aid the retention of stiffness without having to add too much weight. Stylish, rediculously fast, beautifully-calibrated and a relative bargain compared to an equivalent Ferrari, the MC20 should be atop anyone's supercar shortlist, as should the Cielo be atop anyone's super open-top shortlist.
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Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet – the genre mash-up
Blame the short-lived Range Rover Evoque Convertible for this one. Derided by serious-minded reviewers but nailing a niche for fashion conscious buyers eager to combine a love of SUVs with the glamorous image of convertibles, Land Rover grasped the nettle and gave them what they wanted. There’s no successor in the new Evoque range but Volkswagen has decided there is still a market for such cars and pressed ahead with a convertible version of its T-Roc crossover to put a 2020s spin on the popular Golf convertibles of a few decades back. Don’t expect serious car fans to be impressed but there’s a certain marketing pragmatism in the mash-up and VW will be hoping for a summer hit.
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Rolls-Royce Dawn – the wafty one
Back in the early days of Rolls-Royce its models were all open topped so there’s a decent heritage for the Dawn to draw upon there. Modern-day Rolls-Royce is a very different brand of course, the Dawn following its Wraith and Ghost brothers in using BMW running gear and interior fittings and combining traditional styling with modern tech. Spotters will identify a few of the BMW bits inside but, fear not, in character and style the Dawn is pure Rolls-Royce and a beautifully stylish cabriolet that looks as good roof up as it does with it down. Effortlessly powerful and gracefully rapid, the Dawn is a successful modern twist on Rolls-Royce values and fancy enough to make even that S-Class Cabriolet look a bit ordinary.
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Lexus LC500 Convertible – the noisy one
The Lexus LC500's looks do write sporting cheques the driving experience can't cash. It is a proper uncompromising GT, just in next-gen LFA-aping sportswear. That being said, it is possessed of one of the most charismatic engines still on sale. Dropping the top, gets you even closer to the action. We refer of course to the 5.0-litre 2URGSE V8 engine, which Yamaha engineered to sound as good as it goes. With 477PS it's not exactly going to light your hair on fire if you're used to modern turbo shove but it'll melt your eardrums like belgian chocolate, in a good way.
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Morgan Plus Six – the retro one
Technically only Morgan’s fourth all-new model, the Plus Six combines all the traditional charm of this most English of brands with a bang-up-to-date handling, engine and control systems. Like the Rolls-Royce, power for the new Plus Six comes from BMW but you’ll fear few complaints about the turbocharged straight-six or the way it delivers its 335hp against a kerb weight less than your typical supermini. The fact you can only get it with an automatic is one modern intrusion into the otherwise artfully contrived retro ambience but this is car intended to appeal to a broader, more global audience who will appreciate the style but want something easier to drive. It’s one small concession to modernism but in all other respects the Plus Six is a fabulous interpretation of the traditions and craftsmanship Morgan stands for.
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