Cabriolets are fun. They make car trips more interesting and adventurous due to the open-air driving experience. Driving in a cabriolet on a perfect afternoon, one can feel the enthralling intensity of the sun and the tingling sensation of the cool breeze on the skin. When the weather condition gets unpleasant, the roof, which could be a detachable hardtop, retractable hardtop, or a foldable construction made of cloth, is simply fitted back in place. These, as well as other great features, have made cabriolets an alluring option to car buyers
However, limited options of this car and the abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion. To this effect, several engineering shops have sprung up in different places helping enthusiasts make their dreams come true by offering conversion services of older cars into cabriolets. We came across some of these cabriolet conversions, and whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive.
10 Good Looking – Mustang Fastback GT 350
The 1965 Mustang Fastback GT 350 was never available as a cabriolet. However, that has changed as a conversion company has done the honors of transforming the muscle car into one of the most aesthetically pleasing modified Mustang cabriolet around.
Just in case the owner changes his mind after the modification, the hardtop component of the car is kept intact.
9 Messed Up – Woody Cayenne
This modification job was neatly and carefully done, nonetheless, it’s a job that shouldn’t have been executed, anyway. The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team.
Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. Converting an SUV into a cabriolet is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldn’t do it.
8 Good Looking – Jaguar XJ6 Series III Cabriolet
The XJ6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built. As a redesigned version of Series II, Series III, crafted by Italian design company Pininfarina quickly became the darling of Jaguar enthusiasts due largely to its beauty and the performance.
Produced between 1979 and 1987, an example of the XJ6 Series III as seen here has been specially converted into an even more beautiful automobile, a cabriolet.
7 Messed Up – Paris Beetle
Cabriolet conversion has become trendy. However, since it’s almost sacrilegious to hack down a relatively new car, a cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars. The cost can also range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000 depending on the customer's specifications.
The conversion of this Volkswagen was done by Paris Beetles, “a Volkswagen conversion specialist,” but the job should be a case study on how not to do a conversion – horrendous.
6 Good Looking – Porsche
This Porsche cabriolet was based on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model. Initially built as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales.
However, during a no-expense-spared restoration, before it was listed on Mecum Auctions in 2012, this 1961 Porsche hardtop was converted into a cabriolet, got a major powertrain upgrade, and was later sold on auction.
5 Messed Up – DIY Volvo
Roadkill.com is an automotive site of gearheads who teach and show people all the wild things that can be done with an automobile. One of these wild things includes a DIY cabriolet conversion.
Unfortunately for this Volvo, it got selected as one of the sacrifices for this automobile mutilation. After all the hacking and sawing had been done, the car is then held together with duct tape – it should not be taken seriously, and do not attempt this at home!
4 Good Looking – Dodge Challenger
Convertible builder LCC performed its magic on this Dodge Challenger and the result is nothing but awesome. Brimming with much confidence from its 2008 “Chrysler’s Design Excellence Award,” LCC built this 2009 Dodge Challenger Convertible for Chrysler to show its engineering capabilities.
The car got the recognition it deserved as it became an instant star at the 2009 SEMA.
3 Messed Up – Roadkill Toyota
Guys, the “Roadkill” crew isn’t done. Here is another saw-carved cabriolet. This time, it’s a Toyota. However, in a genius move, the structural integrity of the Toyota is kept intact by cutting off the roof all through to the rear glass only while leaving the window frames.
This keeps the car relatively solid while allowing the passengers to have full feel of the sunshine and adequate ventilation. These things aside, the car is a complete aesthetic disaster.
2 Good Looking – Viper Targa
The production of the Dodge Viper started in 1991. The car was produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both. However, in 2012, the fifth-generation of the Viper was released without the Targa top version. Compounding enthusiast’s misery, Viper’s production ended a moment after.
But for some respite, Prefix Corporation, a Michigan based automotive shop, built two versions of the Viper’s cabriolet, namely the Medusa convertible and a one-piece Targa.
1 Messed Up – Strange Range
Found in a catalog of super rare cars, this Range Rover, looking all unsightly couldn’t have been anything but rare. Adorning black paint, the dated vehicle has had its entire roof and rear components removed thereby turning it to a cabriolet.
For shelter, a foldable cloth has been used as a replacement. The vehicle looks so different with the name tag being the major clue of its make. From the exterior finishing to the conversion job, this Range looks messy.