Classic four-seater convertibles

There’s a lot to be said for owning a four-seater classic convertible, as opposed to a two-seater. Above all else, they offer an element of practicality – so if you want to go away for the weekend, there’s room for luggage as well as three passengers.

It depends on the age and condition of the classic convertible, of course, but this added practicality means you take it to pick the kids up on the school run, for example, or to do the food shop. Who said a classic car just had to be for the weekends?

Some people might argue that four-seater convertibles lack the same appeal as their two-seater siblings, but we’ve come up with a list to politely prove them wrong. We think there’s a classic four-seater convertible to suit all tastes and budgets.

If you find one to your liking, just make sure you do your homework first which includes getting all the paperwork in order – think classic car insurance and checking whether it needs tax or an MOT – remember, it may well be exempt.

So, what’s the cream of the crop when it comes to practical open-top classics?

BMW E30

The BMW E30 convertible has been in demand for years, being something of the perfect blend between practicality and performance. Launched in 1986, it was the fastest production four-seater convertible that you could buy at the time, thanks to a 170bhp 2.5-litre straight six engine.

With looks that hark back to the convertibles of the 1960s, it’s not hard to see why the E30 was – and remains – such an attractive proposition for classic car enthusiasts. However, finding one in its original form can prove tough going today, with many having been modified, sometimes tastefully and other times less so. They hold their money well, and prices for well maintained originals are on the up. Now might be the time to invest!

Peugeot 205 CTi

We’ve spoken a fair bit about the Peugeot 205 GTI on this blog – we even dedicated a whole article to it, in which we dubbed it a modern classic. Check it out if you’re as much of a fan of the hot-hatch as we are!

The Peugeot 205 CTi proved to be a winner, too. Designed and built in Italy by Pininfarina, it was one of the prettiest four-seater convertibles of its time, whilst also being one of the most rewarding-to-drive cars in its class. Simply put, it added some open-air fun to the GTI’s power (105bhp) – a formula which meant it sold in good numbers.

Saab 900 Convertible

The 900 had been selling in decent numbers eight years before Saab decided to whip the top off in 1986, creating the long-running and extremely popular 900 Convertible. What set it apart from other family soft-tops from the likes of BMW or Audi was its eccentricities. As Autocar notes, “the clam-shell bonnet, the boot’s curious droop and a strange, collar-like spoiler at the base of the roof all gelled in a package that was rather appealing”.

From the cockpit, sat in Saab’s trademark tombstone seats, you can get quite a tune out of the 2.0-litre 16 valve motor (or a turbocharged version of the same twin cam producing 175bhp). It’s a shame that the 900 Convertible is now such a rare sight – if you find one in good condition that hasn’t been overrun with rust just yet, snap it up would be our advice!

Vauxhall Astra MkII Convertible

Vauxhall was another manufacturer who was desperate to get in on the four-seater soft-top party of the 1980s, eventually releasing its convertible three years after the launch of its 1984 second-generation Astra. However, it was worth the wait, having been designed by Gruppo Bertone.

Buyers had the option of a regular 1.6-litre version or a 2.0-litre GTE-based convertible, the latter proving to be a fair bit more expensive than its rivals, but significantly more powerful and quicker. Given how much fun they were to drive, it can be tricky to find one today that hasn’t been thrashed with excessive mileage on the clock. But you never know your luck.

Audi A4 Cabriolet

The Audi A4 Cabriolet was one of the most photographed cars of the 1990s, thanks in no small part to Diana, Princess of Wales, owning one. Diana's ownership of the A4 Cabriolet is said to have helped Audi double its sales – with marketing that good, it’s no surprise.

Diana might have only had her A4 Cabriolet for a six-month period, but at a recent auction, the car sold for £58,000. The plush green vehicle was in immaculate condition, as you’d expect, and many believe it was money well spent by the buyer.

The Audi A4 Cabriolet remains well sought after to this day. Coming in a range of engines from 1.8 to 2.8 litres and spanning four and six-cylinders, it offered just as much oomph as its rivals but with an added layer of poise.

As it grows older, Audi's extensive corrosion proofing and excellent build quality has ensured that most A4 Cabriolets remain in good condition. You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a very presentable model for little more than a couple of grand. When you fold the top down on a sunny day, we assure you it’ll feel like a bargain.

Land Rover Freelander Softback

The Land Rover Freelander Softback is a bit left-field when sat next to the other convertibles on our list, but for some people, it will tick all the boxes. Its roof is more like a tent than it is a hood and only really opens up the back two seats, but what other soft-tops can say that they’re comfortable on all kinds of terrain?

OK, maybe we’re trying to convince ourselves somewhat here, as in truth the Land Rover Freelander Softback didn’t really take off like its manufacturer hoped it would. As a result, Freelander Softbacks are rare today. But if you find one, you’ll have little trouble finding spare parts – the Mk1 Land Rover Freelander sold over 520,000 units over its nine-year lifespan.

Rolls-Royce Corniche

In keeping with this esoteric list, let’s take things up a notch now with the daddy of four-seat convertibles, the Rolls-Royce Corniche. Produced for a whopping 24 years, they are immaculately made, as you might expect from Rolls-Royce. The high quality build means that they can go on forever but when work is required, it can cost you a pretty penny.

Fitted with a 6.75-litre V8, Corniches were among the most desirable cars to have at the time – as reflected in its price tag: it cost about the same as five E-types in 1970. Owners would say it was well worth it for all the admiring glances wherever you went.

A Corniche today will set you back about £50k – just make sure your pockets are deep enough to be able to pay for some expensive restoration costs.

Bentley Azure

The Bentley Azure has had all manner of celebrity owners including Simon Cowell and Mark Wahlberg. When the drop-top dropped in the mid-nineties, it was hailed as the first truly comfortable, luxury four-seater convertible and fawned after by anyone who’s anyone.

As the Gentleman’s Journal explains, by 1996, the Azure had become a cultural icon: “The cars were drop-top symbols of excess and glamour, cruising confidently around cosmopolitan cities, coastal resorts and the sunny European countryside in both style and comfort. If you were spotted behind the wheel of an Azure, people would know that you’d made it.”

However, its bubble burst soon after, which seemed to coincide with Rolls-Royce debuting a new Corniche in 2000. The Azure only just made it into the new millennium and was discontinued in 2003 before it returned in 2006 in the shape of the second generation. But the second-generation Azure couldn’t live up to his predecessor.

But Bentley wasn’t done with Azure just yet. It adopted the Azure name for its cologne, which is described as “a citrus woody fragrance, inspired by seacoast air that is crisp, spicy, vibrant and invigorating”.

It’s much easier finding the cologne than it is an Azure car. If you’re intent on experiencing the luxury of an Azure, we’d suggest speaking to a specialist dealer.

Peugeot 306 Cabriolet

From the brilliant to the bargain basement, the humble Peugeot 306 Cabriolet – styled by Pininfarina – might not be able to compare to the Bentley Azure, but it was still a cut above its rivals at the time.

The classy 306 Cabriolet was the drop-top of choice for many in the mid-nineties with its promise of affordable practicality.

Pininfarina got just about everything right with the 306 Cabriolet – particularly the electric hood mechanism which operated with just the push of a button. Given the unpredictable climes we enjoy here in the UK, it’s reassuring to know that you’re not going to get wet when the rain clouds descend. The performance is worth speaking about, too. Powered by a 123bhp 2.0-litre engine, the 306 Cabriolet was no slouch.

Peugeot were warned that they would have trouble trying to replace the 306 Cabriolet – and anybody who has seen the 307 Cabriolet would agree that those predictions were bang on the money.

Caring for your classic convertible’s hood

If you are tempted into buying a four-seater convertible, it’s essential that you care for its hood from day one. Here are some tips on ensuring your classic convertible’s hood remains in tip-top condition throughout your time as owner.

1. Take care when bringing it out the garage come Spring

Many classic car owners choose to put their vintage motor away for the cold winter months. If you wish to do the same, it’s a sensible idea to leave the hood of your convertible in its folded position for the winter months so that the car’s interior gets constant circulation of fresh air.

However, when it comes to bringing it back out of the garage in the Spring, the hood will need to be eased out of its folded position, so as to not split the material when it's stretched.

If your convertible is fitted with an electrically operated hood, consider unfolding it manually so that you can manage the pace at which it unfurls.

The same rules apply if your hood has been in the raised position for the winter months. The first time you want to recline it, take great care, as the hood needs to be ‘reminded’ how to fold again.

2. Lubricate the mechanism

If you’re intent on restoring your hood back to its best, before you get the sponge out, spend some time lubricating the operating mechanism and rubber seals.

Avoid aerosol-type lubricants if possible, you could end up with some on the hood material. A few drops of light machine-type oil will work just as well; cover all the hinges, catches and so on.

Any adjuster mechanisms on the hood frame should also be suitably lubricated, and check all rubber seals around the hood edges for signs of damage – replace where necessary.

3. Clean and reproof

Try to regularly clean and reproof your convertible’s hood – at least once a year ideally, but more often if you regularly expose it to the elements.

Specialist cleaning and re-treatment products should be used, and NEVER be tempted to use washing-up liquid – just look online for why not if you’re curious…

Buy products which are specially designed for your type of hood and apply it with a suitable brush – do not use a standard sponge or cloth as you’ll only end up with some of the sponge particles trapped in the hood.

Check out our other recent blog for more tips on caring for soft tops.

Tips on choosing classic car insurance

If you’ve decided to splash your cash on a classic four-seater convertible car rather than a newer model, there are a few things you’ll need to do first.

Whatever classic car you choose to invest in, you’ll need to protect it with the right classic car insurance.

The team at Lancaster has more than 35 years’ experience working with carefully selected underwriters to offer classic car enthusiasts both comprehensive and bespoke insurance packages.

Our experts are able to quote for almost every classic car available – even the models that are hard to insure.

Get a classic car insurance quote today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.