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Call it what you will -- ragtop, hardtop, droptop, spyder, roadster or cabriolet. But they all mean "convertible," and convertible means one thing: fun. Perhaps it's the exhilarating rush of wind in your hair or the endless possibilities of the open road, but few images are as iconic as that of a convertible speeding down a sun-drenched highway.
From "Rainman" and "Thelma & Louise" to all of James Bond's adventures, drivers have had a longstanding romance with the open top.
In the early days of the automobile, virtually all were open-topped. Less concerned with drivers and passengers than they were with making cars actually move, manufacturers didn't make safety a priority. But according to John Rossetti, a client advisor at BMW of Bridgeport, open-roofed vehicles are now as safe as they are spirited. And they are more popular than ever. Attributing their prevalence, in part, to the onset of warm weather, he said, "Every single day people come in the showroom to look at -- and buy -- convertibles."
BMW offers a profusion of styles and prices, from the 3 series, the most modestly priced of the convertible line, to the well-appointed Z series -- the roadster of choice for the abovementioned Mr. Bond. But Rossetti points out that BMWs, although steadfastly luxurious, are not technically luxury automobiles. "BMWs are first and foremost performance vehicles," he said.
Just who is clamoring to drive with the top down? Rossetti had one word of explanation: "Women," he said. They really love these cars." But men are buying them as well, he added. "Mostly in black."
To schedule a test drive, grab some sunscreen and e-mail Rossetti at jrossetti@bmwbridgeport.com.
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