Phew! A mini heatwave welcomed in May this year. In the countryside, animals are taking refuge in the shade. Out on the roads, some owners of convertible chariots are taking advantage of the weather and putting their lids down. Even though the UK does have many warm sunny days for the top to be down, there has been a gradual increase of convertible cars on the roads for some time. Convertible offerings from manufacturers have become more sophisticated and user friendly with the availability of powered fold away hardtops. Soft-top fabric maintenance has been removed in some cases. Older sports cars on the road have the removable hard-top, Targa top or T-tops normally storable on the boot or behind the seats.
Whilst embracing the open air experience, wind in you hair (if you have some), is there an element of danger felt ? A air of vulnerability ? A colleague of mine owns a Mercedes E Class convertible and looks forward to the warmer months to engage topless mode. His wife however when travelling with him feels defenceless when on the motorways and swift “A” roads and he has to have the roof up. In theory, the Stuttgart wagon’s reinforced windscreen frame and automatic roll-over bars in the rear head restraints will endeavour to protect you in an accident. If you own a soft top, make the most of it, you never know if we will have a nice summer or not!
