A convertible is a type of automobile of various automobile body styles that can convert from open-air mode to a provisional enclosed (roofed) mode.
Roof designs have varied widely and have evolved from the earliest models, where roofs were demountable and/or detachable. Contemporary roofs are often hinged to fold away, either into a recess behind the rear seats or into the boot or trunk of the vehicle. The roof may operate either manually or automatically via hydraulic or electrical actuators, and the roof itself may be constructed of soft or rigid material. Soft-tops are made of vinyl, canvas or other textile material, while hard-tops are made of steel, aluminum, plastic or other rigid materials.
Convertibles may also be called (drop top), (rag top,) (Roadster) (automobile),(roadster, (cabriolet) or (cabrio). Hard-top convertibles may be called coupé cabriolet, coupé convertible, retractable hardtop or, when equipped with two-seats, coupé roadster/roadster coupé.
Read more about Convertible: Flexible or Rigid Roofs, Descriptions, Folding Textile Roof, Retractable Hardtop Roof, Open Car and Roadster Gallery, Convertible Gallery, Retractable Hardtop Gallery
Famous quotes containing the word convertible:
“Herein is the explanation of the analogies, which exist in all the arts. They are the re-appearance of one mind, working in many materials to many temporary ends. Raphael paints wisdom, Handel sings it, Phidias carves it, Shakspeare writes it, Wren builds it, Columbus sails it, Luther preaches it, Washington arms it, Watt mechanizes it. Painting was called “silent poetry,” and poetry “speaking painting.” The laws of each art are convertible into the laws of every other.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“But every jet of chaos which threatens to exterminate us is convertible by intellect into wholesome force. Fate is unpenetrated causes.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)