Thinking about a convertible or retractable hard top car

[70chall440]

Not necessarily E body or even Mopar related, but I have had an interest in getting a convertible or retractable hard top car (or as my wife would say "top down" car). I've looked at cars such as MGs, Triumph Spitfires, etc. as well as Mercedes SL500, 550, 350. Keep in mind I am not looking to buy new or even near new; however I have only ever had one convertible which was a 61 Impala many years ago.

Looking for comments, suggestions, general comments on the subject. Sure I wouldn't mind a convertible E body but cannot afford it and am not willing to dump anything else to get one.

[73440]

I like the Triumph Spitfire over the MG, but have looked at buying both also for a long time.

https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1256873/1978-triumph-spitfire-for-sale-in-las-vegas-nevada-89141
Nice Spitfire , looks to be a padiddel.

Watch out for Lucas, "The Prince of Darkness ".

https://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/blog/opinion/clash-of-the-classics-mg-midget-vs-triumph-spitfire

[dodgedream]

Having owned convertibles continuously for 25 years my recommendation is to have a black top.The light colors stain much easier and are very difficult to keep looking good for those occasional times you have to put the top up and regularly use some form of protectant/rejuvenator on all of the rubber seals.It will make them last much longer and not squeak when you have to drive top up

[hofilbert]

I've had several ragtops and my one rule I follow is "it must have a power top"   My first convertible was not a power top and I hated it.  I'd get caught in a rain at speed (which hurts by the way) and have to pull over, get out, unlock hold-downs on this side, then run around to the other side to unlock it and then race around to get back in and lock it down on the window frame.  A royal pain.  A power top is effortless (except for window frame locking), the babes like it, and it looks cool watching it go up and down. 
One other thing, I would not recommend a plastic back window.  The sun cooks it turning it foggy, and dust scratches it.  Not easy to keep looking good.
I never had a color top issue as 409 worked great for cleaning and I had a white top car. 
My 2 cents.

[jimynick]

My buddy bought a late 80's Firebird rag and he got it pretty cheap. He says- and he's a life long car guy- that it drives pretty good. Good luck in your quest Mike! 

[70chall440]

Somehow I missed all of your responses...

Anyway, thanks for all of them. I recently was chasing a Fiat 124, it was relatively cheap but needed quite a lot of work (said it ran, but who knows). I decided to use that money and put it into my RR and more tooling at least for now. I am giving up on a convert or roadster but when the time is right one will present itself.

Was recently looking at a Porsche Boxer, they are readily available and relatively cheap but I am a little concerned about gremlins in them, i know that for the stick cars, the IMS bearing is a big deal, don't know about the AT cars.

[Cudaragtop]

Honda S2000
Toyota MR2 Spyder
Mazda Miata
BMW 3 series, Z4 or Z3
MB SLK 320 Roadster


Here's one...
2001 BMW Z3 $2800 OBO
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/756100798165772/