"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." A simple statement, but still as true as it's ever been. Beauty is very subjective, although often bolstered by acceptable trends in the broader community. This is the case for the automotive industry just as it is for super modeling and all other businesses.
To us, the most gorgeous cars were those that mimicked their race-purpose alternatives; boasting aggressive lines and a sleek shape. Up until recently, we believed this form would be ruined by misshapen proportions of a convertible top. It felt 'off' to us. As if a flimsy vinyl top didn't belong on a performance car.
However, our opinions change over time. With new information and fresh designs, we've started to warm up to convertible sports cars.
In fact, there are even a few instances in which we would choose the drop-top version over the normal coupé!
8 Mazda MX-5
For a miniature sports car that's affordable and fun to drive, the Mazda MX-5/Miata remains one of the best choices for entry-level drivers or racers. Usually, the MX-5's feature a convertible roof from the factory, but there are still other options.
Seen above with the latest Mazda MX-5 ND, a version of the Miata can be bought with a different roof layout - Closer to a 'Targa' than a convertible. It doesn't look bad by any means, it just isn't as good as the classic vinyl top. Even though we mentioned our distain for most vinyl/soft tops, we'll make an exception for a couple of 'em (the Miata included).
7 Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Speaking of a good soft-top convertible, we've got another example of how to do vinyl tops right! Who would have thought that, out of all brands, it would be Jaguar that continually impresses us? More specifically, their F-Type.
Our favorite T.V. personality, Jeremy Clarkson, opened our eyes to the benefits of a convertible F-Type. During his review of the original F-Type, he showcased how amazing the popping exhaust and open roof combo was, particularly when you can really let it loose. Now, with the redesigned front-end, our excitement from 2014 has been revitalized.
6 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Convertible
"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." This is something that the heads at G.M. clearly took to heart, as evidenced by the creation of the new Corvette C8. Rather than sticking to muscle car tradition, Chevrolet took a page out of the European's book on how to design sports cars. Both in regards to the mid-engine layout AND the new convertible style.
Taking after Ferrari in more ways than one, the C8 Corvette is more of a standard European sports car than an American muscle. Still, it looks good, albeit not like any Corvette we've witnessed before. We are just happy to see G.M. finally embrace hard-top convertibles and ditching the vinyl.
5 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster
Yet again, we find an exception to our rule against soft-top convertibles. Like the Mazda Miata and Jaguar F-Type, Mercedes has their own special sports car that looks even better without a roof. We present the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster!
As great as the coupé GT C and GT R are, the Roadster trim has an allure to it that's not found in those versions. Perhaps it's because of the egg-shaped rear-end - Limited thanks to the removal of the large rear window for the convertible top. Also, who doesn't love being able to put the top down anyways?
4 McLaren 600LT Spider
Besides the Ferrari Spider models, the Corvette C8 also appears to have taken inspiration from another European supercar producer: McLaren. To be precise, the rear-end layout of the McLaren 600LT Spider.
As you'll see in more of the later entries, the hard-top convertible style of flat rear tonneaus and declining slopes behind the driver's head is becoming more and more popular. We're happy to see it, too, since this type of look leaves little room for error. Plus, due to the removed engine-cover, visibility is greatly improved, too.
3 Ferrari 812 GTS
Where there's opportunity there's money to be made. And where there's money to be made, you'll usually find the vast majority of successful brands. Ferrari, for one, has discovered a handful of money-making avenues, namely the implementation of convertible/'Spider' trims on more models (along with the move towards SUVs).
The newest addition to Ferrari's ever-expanding list of Spider models is the 812 GTS - A Targa-convertible hybrid of the baseline 812 Superfast. Beyond the removable roof, not much is different from the Superfast. To be completely honest, though, nothing needed changes. Just leave what works and add onto it from there!
2 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
Now, as far as maintaining the same level of performance is concerned, few carmakers can produce a convertible version of a coupé that either doesn't lose straight-line speed or suffer from the added weight. Lamborghini, on the other hand, breaks the mold once more!
Astonishingly, the Roadster versions of the Lamborghini Aventador's have always been just as fast as their hardtop alternative - Mentioned by Richard Hammond in his initial review of the Aventador Roadster LP700-4.
Needless to say, Lamborghini has continued to make their Roadsters up to par, including the SVJ's; capable of keeping up with (if not surpassing) its siblings.
1 Ferrari F8 Spider
Before 2011, every Ferrari model we would drool over was a hard-top/coupé. As we've stated a couple of times now, the soft-top layout doesn't work with every car, especially not Ferrari's like the 360 Modena, F50, or F430. However, all of that changed when the 458 Spider hit the scene.
With the 458, Ferrari transitioned from soft-top convertibles to hard-tops. This made for a much nicer appearance; one that wouldn't upset the overall form or aerodynamics of the car. This design choice has continued on since then, going from the 488 to the brand new F8 Spider. Hopefully, they continue this for the foreseeable future.