One of the joys of the brief period of 2021 when most lockdown conditions were lifted, was that the glorious summer weather allowed us to get the roof down and the wind in our hair at last. For 2022, we hope that one day that experience will return, and to get ready for that, here's our pick of the best convertible cars to buy.
Updated 17th March 2022.
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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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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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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 late last year only convinced us more.
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Aston Martins are hardly known for being shy and retiring but the sheer excess of the DBS Superleggera Volante is boggling. Costing the best part of a quarter of a million pounds it’s the open top version of the DBS Superleggera coupe, itself an extreme evolution of the DB11 that announced the brand’s ‘second century’ reinvention. With 725hp, 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed well over 200mph (roof up or down) the Superleggera Volante is intended as a luxurious GT but has the raw performance to chase hypercars too.
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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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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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Audi’s ownership of Lamborghini and supply of the platform and engines for the Huracan range gifts it foundations for its own junior supercar in the shape of the Porsche 911-chasing R8. And it’s a very Audi car, packed with technology, stylish, well made and astonishingly easy to drive for something so potent. That high-revving, naturally-aspirated V10 engine is something very special in this turbocharged age, too. Given the only criticism you could make of the R8 Coupe is that it’s possibly a little remote the Spyder – and the opportunity to drop the roof and really hear that engine in all its magnificence – is arguably the one to have. The kind of car that begs to be driven a gear down from what you really need, just because, the Spyder shows a fun side to the R8 you just don’t get in the regular one.
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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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