Racing Convertibles (Pic Request)

I'm really pushing the point here, but this is a convertible

The 307 WRC was based off of the retractable hardtop 307 CC not the hard top

Jaaaag E1A

Chris_V wrote:

nicksta43 wrote: In reply to PHeller: What makes a convertible more fun?

If you have to ask, you really won't get it. Take a vintage sports car out for a fall eveining run through a twisty canyon road and you WILL get it. The smells of the outside, the sound of the car echoing off the valley walls, the wind in your hair, and the visibility all combine to make magic.

It doesn't need to be a classic. I loved my Miata, I've loved our last two Mustang Convertibles. Even Modern cars are great as convertibles. As long as it's not too cold or raining it's always better with the top down. The daily grind is just more pleasant with the top down when the sun is out, even in a straight line at 30mph in traffic. We've just had to turn in the Mustang and as the youngest is now taller than her 5'8" mom we just don't fit any more.

Chris_V wrote:

nicksta43 wrote: In reply to PHeller: What makes a convertible more fun?

If you have to ask, you really won't get it. Take a vintage sports car out for a fall eveining run through a twisty canyon road and you WILL get it. The smells of the outside, the sound of the car echoing off the valley walls, the wind in your hair, and the visibility all combine to make magic. A coupe or sedan isolates you from the outside world. A convertible invites it in and makes you part of the world around you. it simply is more fun, because it's just more of everything.

I only ask because I've never driven or even ridden in a convertible. Except for a ride along in a Miata at an autox once. I've never even considered buying a convertible until recently.

One thing that bugs the E36 M3 out of me though is people who have the top down but all the windows up??? If you didn't want the wind in your hair why the berkeley did you put the top down in the first place??

nicksta43 wrote: One thing that bugs the E36 M3 out of me though is people who have the top down but all the windows up??? If you didn't want the wind in your hair why the berkeley did you put the top down in the first place??

Top down is great, but once up to highway speeds the buffeting from behind can really wear on you, especially with long hair, it get's whipped around. Many modern 2 seaters have a wind blocker behind, older cars and larger cockpit cars like the Mustang don't. The side windows up doesn't do much to reduce the wind in your face, but makes a big difference to the back of the head. Much appreciated by my wife. It really doesn't reduce the feeling of freedom or openess.

Westfield Se7ens

Not a racer, but still plenty of performance:

I will open this up to non-racing convertible cars, as long as they are of sporting nature. Bonus points for aggressive fitment and flares.

Mr_Clutch42 wrote: In reply to Chris_V: I hope you don't think that and at the same time, dislike or hate motorcycles.

I prefer convertibles to motorcycles for a number of reasons. Helmet hair is one. ;) Not having to carry a helmet for a passenger is another. Lack of weather protection if it starts raining. Car drivers don't see you even with headlights and brightly painted helmets only 10 feet away from them (ask me how I know). Motorcycles are lazy creatures and will take quick naps on the ground of you aren't careful... etc. Convertibles can still be practical all weather vehicles.

Mind you I've only had 3 motorcycles, so I may not be up on them, I love the IDEA of them, just not the practcal aspects.

Adrian_Thompson wrote:

Chris_V wrote:

nicksta43 wrote: In reply to PHeller: What makes a convertible more fun?

If you have to ask, you really won't get it. Take a vintage sports car out for a fall eveining run through a twisty canyon road and you WILL get it. The smells of the outside, the sound of the car echoing off the valley walls, the wind in your hair, and the visibility all combine to make magic.

It doesn't need to be a classic. I loved my Miata, I've loved our last two Mustang Convertibles. Even Modern cars are great as convertibles. As long as it's not too cold or raining it's always better with the top down. The daily grind is just more pleasant with the top down when the sun is out, even in a straight line at 30mph in traffic. We've just had to turn in the Mustang and as the youngest is now taller than her 5'8" mom we just don't fit any more.

Agreed. I loved my Mustang GT convertrible and would like an XK-R Convertible next.

Time to whore out my old Mustang again:

Chris_V wrote: I prefer convertibles to motorcycles for a number of reasons.

I love going for a rip around the neighborhood on a bike. Or out to hardware store. Or on a quick ride after work. If I lived within a few miles of work I'd probably be interested in another motorcycle.

...but a convertible is all the fun of a motorcycle without the constant worry of being flattened, broken, beaten, and left for dead on the side of the road. I can wear all the gear on a motorcycle and still not be as protected as I would be in a Miata (which people still have a habit of not noticing.)

Motorcycles are great.

I don't WANT a passenger and I never hear "are we there yet?"

DeadSkunk wrote: In reply to captdownshift: Toyota had a teardrop wheel that looks much like the VW ones.

They were OE on the Supercharged models.

You guys have completely missed some very fine $20XX Challenge metal:

Special honors on the last 2.

The one I've been running for several decades:

Another one I ran a couple of times (diabolical handling)

PHeller wrote: I will open this up to non-racing convertible cars, as long as they are of sporting nature. Bonus points for aggressive fitment and flares.

Double bounus points for aggressive driving?...Like coming into the last turn a little hot.

In reply to nicksta43:
We've had our Miata out on autumn tours when it has been below freezing in the mornings. You put the top down, windows up and the heater on and drive in comfort. We are the Borg, resistance is futile, just go buy a Miata and you will understand.

[URL=http://s265.photobucket.com/user/derekrichardson/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image-47.jpg.html][/URL]

I consider myself pretty dang lucky that I talked my parents into a convertible as my first 'real' car (that I had a title to, that ran, and that I actually drove all over the place in). Also kind of lucky that I lived through it considering how often I lost control. If it was a Miata I probably would have died because it would have encouraged much more shenanigans.

I have a convertible right now and love it. In fact, i'd like to own another concurrently and i do keep my eyes out for the right deal on one specific thing.

My avatar. No as impressive as some of the pics, but it counts.