[Car And Classic, thanks to Justice Loverman for the tip]

[Youtube.de]

Chrysler and GM’s decisions to respectively kill and delay the ultimate poser’s cars, convertible muscle cars were made for the same reason: money. The unibody Challenger is, unbelievably, not originally engineered to lose its top. So engineering a model capable of retaining its rigidity is, due to the financiapocalypse, now considered wayyy to expensive. Speaking to Motor Trend, a company insider described the Challenger convertible as, “dead as a doornail.”

Bankruptcy-imminent GM simply can’t afford to roll out its 2010 Chevy Camaro convertible, even though plans for it were built in from the beginning. It’ll need to wait until the company either secures a massive loan, gets bought by the Chinese or sees significant profits from other products that have already been postponed before it can afford to put the Camaro convertible into production.

All this leaves the 2010 Ford Mustang sitting pretty. In addition to the convertible, they’ll show glass roof and coupe versions in LA, all of which go on sale next year. [via MotorTrend]

BENTLEY AZURE T

• The world's most elegant four-seat convertible now with 500bhp Azure T model
• Azure T delivers exhilarating, class-leading performance
• Unique Bentley 'T' styling cues reinforce the sleek, sporting stance of the Azure

INTRODUCTION

Stylish and powerful, the new Bentley Azure T is the world's most elegant convertible and destined to become a future classic. With unique Bentley 'T' styling cues reinforcing its sporting stance, the 500bhp Azure T delivers driver-focused performance with the ability to transport four adults in first-class, open-top luxury.

The new Azure T, specified with the high performance version of Crewe's iconic 6¾ litre V8 engine, is the latest in a line of Bentley models to bear the 'T' legend. The 1996 Continental coupe was the first modern Bentley 'T', followed in 2002 by the Arnage T, both flagship models with a distinctive sporting character and thunderous performance.

The Azure's already striking form is now enhanced by 20-inch 5-spoke wheels and tyres, 'Le Mans' front wing vents, dark tint matrix grille and a sculpted, retractable Flying 'B' mascot.

For the performance-oriented Azure T, the twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 500bhp and 1000 Nm of torque – an 11 per cent increase in power and a 14 per cent increase in torque over its 450bhp/875 Nm Azure stable mate.

The famous Bentley wave of torque is even more prodigious than before and performance is significantly raised with a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec). Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing, Stuart McCullough comments:

"The new Azure T reflects our passion for creating the world's most exhilarating and prestigious convertibles that, true to the Bentley T tradition, blend sophistication with a powerful presence."

BENTLEY AZURE T – NEWS IN BRIEF

• Exterior design styling changes, as standard, include:
20-inch five-spoke 'Bright Finish' alloy wheels
Retractable 'Flying B' bonnet mascot
Dark tint matrix upper and lower grilles
'Le Mans' lower front wing air vents
Bentley 'Jewel' fuel filler cap
Twin exhaust tail pipes
Choice of 42 exterior paint colours
• Interior design enhancements, as standard, include:
Diamond quilting to seats and door panels
Drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals
'Engine-turned' aluminium finish to fascia
Instrument faces in black
Embroidered 'Bentley' emblems to front seats and rear seat centre
iPod/USB interface
Choice of 8 unbleached veneers and 25 hides from full Bentley range
Knurled finish to: organ stops, mirror adjustors, door handles (interior and exterior), light switch and seat lumbar controls
Knurled & chromed gear knob
• Further enhancements to the standard Azure T specification include:
Large display audio head unit with Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot
Hide covered boot rail
• Further enhancements to the Azure T optional specification include:
'Naim for Bentley' premium audio system delivering the world's best in-car sound stage and featuring 10 speakers, a dual channel sub-woofer and an 1100 Watt amplifier, plus eight individual Digital Signal Processor (DSP) modes to reproduce true emotions and a 'live' concert-like experience.
• Arnage T powertrain with 6¾ litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 500bhp and 1000 Nm of torque – increases of 11% and 14 % respectively
• Top speed raised to 179 mph (288 km/h).
• 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds).
• Acceleration to 100 mph cut to 12.1 seconds (0-160 km/h in 12.0 seconds).
• Six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sophisticated locking torque converter provides fast yet ultra-smooth gearshifts
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) logic system improves dynamic response and handling with less intrusive intervention when a reduction in grip is detected
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System fitted as standard

A UNIQUE OPEN-TOP MOTORING EXPERIENCE

Based on the Azure, the Azure T offers a range of discreet exterior cues that further enhance its powerful stance and hint at its increased performance potential. Key ingredients of its distinctive appearance include design features 20-inch five-spoke, two-piece alloy wheels and 'Le Mans' lower front wing air vents.

Further distinguishing points from the Azure are standard features such as dark-tinted upper and lower grilles, 'jewel' fuel filler cap (made from billet aluminium) and door mirror mountings finished in body colour.

Like the Bentley Brooklands, the Azure T sports the iconic Flying 'B' mascot, which can retract neatly into the grille surround. Originally designed by motoring artist F. Gordon Crosby, the 'B' was first used on the 1930 Bentley 8-Litre.

With exterior lines that echo visual elements of the Bentley Mk.6 from 1946, the Azure was enthusiastically received on its original debut as a concept car at the Los Angeles Show in January 2005. Now, as the Azure T makes its own 'debut' at LA, Raul Pires, Manager of Exterior design for Bentley Motors, notes:

"The Azure's proportions provided us with the ideal platform to work with when creating the new Azure T. The prominent haunches and 'supermodel' body inspired our designers to create a new interpretation of a Bentley convertible with the accent placed on a more muscular, sporting stance."

Bentley's designers highlight the 1955 Park Ward S1 Drophead Coupé and 1995 Azure as the main influences for the current Azure and Azure T. Like the '50s convertible, the car has a deep body with a single feature line that runs along both flanks and rises at the powerful rear haunches before spearing off at the rear of the car. Similarly, the Azure T's fast and flowing roofline is echoed in its seven-bow canvas roof that gives the car a visible sporting profile when raised.

Prominent wheel arches grace a slender, narrowing boot that results in a 'horse shoe' trailing edge. This elegant shape is reminiscent of the first Crewe-built Bentley, the Mk.6, and the overall effect is a subtle hint at the power and performance that lies beneath the Azure T's bodywork.

Delicate brightware detailing accentuates the flowing lines of the Azure T and this includes rear tail-lamp bezels, exhaust finishes and slender strips that run the length of the car.

Significant time and effort has gone into making the Azure T's folding roof attractive as well as highly functional. Operated hydraulically at the touch of a switch, the impressive, three-layer canvas roof is elegantly stowed beneath the rear parcel shelf in a matter of 25 seconds. Because the roof is held in a separate well area, there is no impact on the generous boot space which was designed to hold two sets of golf clubs and hand luggage.

EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE FROM MIGHTY V8

The engine and transmission of the Azure T are identical to those already employed in the high-performance Arnage T and Arnage Final Series saloons. In this specification, Bentley's remarkable all-aluminium 6¾ litre V8 engine produces 500 bhp (507PS/373kW) and 1000 Nm (738lb ft) of torque – with over 90 per cent of that torque available between 1,800 and 3,800 rev/min – figures that ensure the signature Bentley 'wave of torque' delivers effortless performance for a unique open-top convertible driving experience.

Each of these hand-made V8 engines comes with a black-finish air intake manifold bearing the signature of the team leader who oversaw its construction by Bentley technicians in the Crewe factory. The six-speed ZF automatic transmission ensures optimum flexibility, response and refinement. Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Manual) allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful 500 bhp V8 engine.

A sophisticated electronic management system provides fast yet smooth gearshifts regardless of how the car is being driven. Another important feature of the latest Azure T is the separation of the sports suspension and sports gearbox settings, allowing the driver to select their preference for each system independently – via a 'Sport' switch on the dashboard for the suspension and by positioning the gearlever for the transmission's Sport mode.

Bentley's V8 guarantees outstanding performance levels. From standstill, acceleration to 60 mph is achieved in just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h 5.5 seconds), 100 mph reached in 12.1 seconds (160 km/h in 12.0 seconds) and a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) is possible.

DYNAMIC HANDLING, SUPERB RIDE AND AWESOME BRAKING

The Azure's double wishbone front and rear suspension is carried over to the Azure T unaltered. Set-up and fine-tuned to give a refined ride that best suits the character of this convertible Bentley, the system features coil springs with computer-controlled, adaptive electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control with auto-load compensation.

The Azure T's suspension delivers impressive body control in all driving conditions, while the new five-spoke, two-piece 8.5J x 20-inch Sports alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres further improve handling and road holding.

As an option, Azure T owners may specify an upgraded braking system with carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled brake ventilated discs. Measuring 420 x 40 mm (front) and 356 x 28 mm (rear), these discs are the largest fitted to any production car on sale today. With eight-piston callipers, the brakes provide impressive deceleration and also give an 8 kg reduction in unsprung weight, benefiting steering response, ride suppleness and acceleration.

This lightweight braking system ensures virtually fade-free use, time after time, and superb resistance to disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal use, the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car and pad life is doubled compare to the standard system.

For Azure T and its Bentley stable mates, the Traction Control system is calibrated with the aim of avoiding all unnecessary reductions in engine torque. The ESP logic system, which is set up to allow spirited handling without any reduction in stability or safety, monitors the car's overall stability rather than simply loss of grip to the wheels. This reduces the amount of intervention required and restores power earlier and more progressively, allowing the power of the Azure T's V8 engine to be fully exploited.

The Bentley Azure T enjoys an 11 per cent power and 14 per cent torque increase compared with Azure and the strength and stiffness of the original chassis are such that no changes were deemed necessary, as Brian Gush, Director of Powertrain and Chassis, explains:

"The Azure chassis has always had an immense potential and this enables us to offer the extra power of our 500 bhp V8 engine and the driver-focused qualities of a true Bentley T without compromising ride comfort."

Compared with the Arnage, the Azure T benefits from significant stiffening members. These strengthened steel parts lie in the sill section of the car and extend into the A-pillars that form the windscreen frame. Beneath the front and rear of the Azure, carbon fibre cross-bracing members reinforce the whole bodyshell, while adding far less weight than steel.

Strengthening has also been applied to the body structure behind the rear seats where an advanced rollover protection system is fitted. This immediately detects if the car is in danger of inverting and deploys two hoops that are integrated within the rear headrests. In conjunction with the strengthened front windscreen frame, these are capable of supporting 2.5 times the entire weight of an over-turned car.

EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP

Befitting its role as a new Bentley flagship convertible, the Azure T embodies a range of standard features that were previously unavailable or only available as cost options on the Azure. The seats and door panels have Diamond Quilting, the fascia features an 'engine-turned' aluminium finish (reminiscent of 1920s racing Bentleys), and the instrument faces are finished in Black rather than Parchment.

Bentley emblems are embroidered on the front seat backs and the rear seat centre, an iPod/USB interface is provided, while the full range of Bentley's premium veneers is available, a knurled finish is applied to several handles and switches and a knurled, chrome gear knob is fitted.

The new Azure T will have a strong appeal to Bentley customers, as Trevor Gay, Personal Commissioning Manager at Mulliner (Bentley's specialist commissioning department), explains:

"The Azure has always stood apart from the rest of the Bentley range and the higher-performance Azure T will allow customers the opportunity to use the Mulliner service to create a bespoke convertible to their exact specification."

Although many of the most desirable Mulliner options are included in Azure T as standard, Bentley anticipates that the majority of buyers will request additional enhancements. Inside, the Azure T is everything customers would expect of a bespoke Bentley, offering the highest levels of hand-craftsmanship to a small, discerning audience. The interior offers a spacious, luxurious cabin to provide the ultimate in first-class, open-top travel for four adults.

As in every Bentley, craftsmanship and bespoke finishing are to the fore. Every item of trim, be it veneer, hide or chromed bezel, uses authentic materials.

Azure T is available in the full Bentley range of 42 exterior colours, 25 interior hides, and the full range of premium veneers, plus the comprehensive line-up of Mulliner options and its bespoke colour-matching service that enable Bentley owners to create a uniquely personal car.

Of course, the nature of a convertible means that its interior is often on display as much as its exterior and Bentley's design team knew that the Azure T's spacious cabin should make a strong a statement. Consequently, warm and inviting leather hide extend past the seats and onto the parcel shelf and this emphasises the dimensions of the rear compartment.

A new audio head unit with larger display screen and an SD (secure digital) memory card slot instead of the single CD slot is fitted. At the rear, a new hide-covered boot rail with coordinated leather trim and a chrome strip along the top edge gives the load area a tidier, premium appearance.

All Azure T models come with an iPod Interface linked to the Infotainment system, enabling customers to play their favourite music through the car's audio system. The system is supplied with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and a 3.5 mm AUX jack and includes a 12 volt power outlet for charging purposes.

As an option, Azure T buyers can specify the Naim for Bentley premium audio system. Created in partnership with Bentley by Naim Audio, a UK-based high end hi-fi manufacturer, this system features 10 speakers, a dual-channel sub-woofer and an 1100 Watt amplifier, plus eight individual DSP modes to reproduce true emotions and a 'live' concert-like experience.

In Azure T the sub-woofers are located in the rear passenger footwells and contained within a special enclosure to ensure the sound of this pure music remains within the open cabin.

Thanks to Chris for the tip! [Craigslist Denver; go here if listing disappears]

Priced at about $16,000 on top of the cost of a Challenger, the conversion nets you hidden chassis bracing and a power hydraulic top with extra sound insulation, an integrated headliner and heated rear window. Body kit and engine package pricing hasn't been determined yet, as the company is still finalizing details. But with production slated to start November 15, if you want one, you'd better get Coach Builders Ltd. your deposit quick — apparently they're already putting buyers in the que. Sure, the price is steep, but where else are you going to get a Challenger convertible? [Edmund's Inside Line]

This may be the best yellow-on-black California license number we've seen so far in this series. Memorable!


This car's block has seen plenty of DOTS cars, though most of them seem to depart after a few months; I suspect the owner has a business buying and selling classic cars. So far we've seen a '64 Studebaker Avanti, a '69 Buick Electra 225, a '65 Ford Ranchero, and a '74 Buick LeSabre.


The '69 Coupe De Ville convertible came with a steep $5,950 price tag when new. You got a lot of car for your money, not to mention a lot of cubic inches under the hood (472); a Mercedes-Benz shopper could only get a lowly 280S for that kind of cash back then, and a '69 Jaguar XJ sold for $6,270.

As an American living in the Spanish part of the Basque Country, I have a certain curiosity about classic European cars that locals don't usually share with me. Cars like the Renault 5, Seat/Fiat 600, etc. are not head turners over here, so they're not really appreciated, but when I came across this thing in a small city named Zarautz I knew I'd hit jackpot.

This Citroën Palm Beach convertible was parked in front of a hotel and it had french plates, so its owner must be a French bon vivant who's not afraid of making a road trip with a classic and very rare French car.

For what I've read on the net, this Palm Beach is a model coach built by Henri Chapron, one of 32 made between 1964 and 1971, so it's pretty shocking (and great) that somebody has driven this thing on a long trip, and still managed to keep it in great shape.

As I said, this car was in excellent condition and it seemed to be either restored or obsessively well kept (I guess it was restored because the interior leather looked new).

Options for the car include a lift-off hard top instead of the folding soft top. And, if you aren't interested in that crushing performance, there is the SV-R WRC, which is the same car but with a 420 HP, non-supercharged v8 that'll do 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and top out at just 185 MPH. Booooring. If the idea of a supercar wearing the MG moniker has your heart racing, you had better start saving your pence, as the SV-S WRC will ring in at £87,000, or around $153,000 USD. [Auto Express]

The Luxus was the high-end LeSabre for '74, and it came standard with a snazzy steering wheel, special hubcaps, and a vinyl notchback seat. The convertible sold for $4,696, about 50 bucks less than the '74 Caprice Classic convertible. Yes, the big Chevy convertible cost more than the big Buick convertible!


This example is in great shape, either a low-miles original car or a good restoration. Given that this is Alameda, I'm betting on the former; you see a lot of original-owner cars of this era on the island.

Once you're done looking at the photos of this car, you can vote for your favorite Alameda convertible. I'm not including homemade convertibles, roofless customs, or vehicles with removable hardtops- just cars with true convertible tops.

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While this soft top Fiat 500 is significantly less gay than the Castagna Tender Two, like all modern retros, it’s still extremely limp-wristed. The coup de grace, in the form of a Mini Convertible-rivaling full-convertible 500 is expected to arrive some time next year. If you’re comfortable with your sexuality and you want people to know it, or you’re just a cute young girl, go for it. Just watch out for Audi Q7s headed in your direction. [via Next Autos]

The next-generation Mustang prototypes have begun running around without their prior heavy vinyl camouflage. The latest Mustangprototypes are disguised only with a graphic tape, providing a very clean view of Ford's revamped Pony Car. We just caught a prototype for the next Shelby GT500 convertible in this more revealing state of undress, giving us our best look yet at the one of the range-topping models in Ford's future Mustang lineup. In addition to the new grilles and headlight designs, we can clearly see a series of new hood ducts toward the front-third of the hood.

That top looks pretty smooth to us, sacrificing little in the way of style and interior room. And dare we say it, it may actually have better lines than the hardtop. Also differing in the convertible, we see the wheels are of a different design, though obviously that means nothing on a mule car. In addition to a terrestrial antenna there's also a shark-fin antenna resting in the middle of the trunk lid for satellite and OnStar duties. So, a Camaro Convertible with a possible SS badge on the nose: A pony car convertible not just for teenage girls — what a concept. [WheelsMag via GM Inside News]

No. We don't like the nav system. It looks terrifyingly like a repainted Chrysler unit. Also...umm...well...actually, that's pretty much it. Hmm, well, anyway — let's just get back to the awesome, shall we?

The briefcase shelf in the back even folds down for trunk pass-through action. What's that? Those are seats? Oh. Ouch. We also get a peek under the hood at the direct-injected 4.3-liter V8 that'll be making the well-heeled sing the praises of it's 424 horses of goodness. Anyway, take a peek for yourselves folks, 'cause that right there is how you make a damn fine-looking automobile. [AutoMobilsmo.it (translated)]

The Skylark Custom came with the luxury trim package, including fender skirts and plush padded vinyl interior. The standard engine was a 250-inch six, but just about all buyers opened their wallets for the 230-horse Buick 350 (and some went ahead and paid for the 300 horsepower 400).


Mmmm, padded vinyl! This car listed at $3,098 new, which was 97 bucks more than the Fairlane GT convertible (and 700 bucks less than the '68 Lotus Europa).


These photographs date from more than a year ago; it was actually one of the first cars I shot for this series, but I saved it "for a special occasion" for so long that I forgot the photos even existed.

The clip shows "Gibby," obviously inebriated, releasing a pretty pathetic stream of urine onto the side of a 360 Spyder, apparently left overnight in a mall parking lot after its owner lost his keys. Upon discovering the video, members of FerrariChat were able to locate the culprit's Facebook page and subsequently his full name, contact information and contact details for his employer, who they've since harassed with late night phone calls. Forum members now intend to "show up" at a wedding Gibby is supposedly attending.

Speaking to the St. Catherine Standard, a spokeswoman for the Niagara Regional Police called the footage, "a gift-wrapped investigation." The NRP is now attempting to locate the boy in order to charge him with urinating in public.

Various threats of revenge have been made against Gibby (unfortunately not the Butthole Surfers' singer) by members of FerrariChat and in the clip's comments on YouTube. Not helped by Flickr photos that show the teen in Joey Carrera-style outfits and poses, those comments tend toward the elitist, suggesting that by being unable to afford a Ferrari, Gibby is somehow worth less to society.

The entire thing is so ridiculous that it's reduced our opinion of the kind of people that own Ferraris to an all time low (reduced from track-suited Sopranos wannabes to internet dweebs). That a group of enthusiasts is so unsure of themselves that they act out by trying to harm some idiot teenager is just pathetic. And as true Ferrari cognoscenti know, the 360 deserves to get peed on anyways.
[FerrariChat and The St. Catherine Standard]

This tester seems to be using the same style of breadvan-inspired camo used to disguise the Ferrari California. While we can enjoy a good convertible on a nice sunny day, we'd actually rather have something with the long roofline of this testing mule. But it doesn't really matter, since we won't be able to afford one until that power-folding roof has become a manual folding hardtop, and then someone drives it into an overpass.
[AutoExpress]

Not clear is whether there are any more places to put gills, as there seems to be a ventilation war raging between MG and TVR. Also interesting are plans for a "green" SV-R, an all electric version capable of 0-60 MPH in a mere 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 150 MPH. Maybe Tesla is onto something. AutoExpress

The '73 Mustang convertible, while based on the same chassis as the original 64-1/2 model, weighed in at a hefty 3,198 pounds. That was 584 pounds more than the first Mustang convertible, and matters weren't helped by the Malaise engine selection for '73: the base six groaned out a miserable 88 horses (versus 101 for the '64-1/2 six), while the 302 V8 didn't do much better at 135 horsepower. Should we talk about the weight of the '09 Mustang? Hey, at least the power is there!


But who cares? It's a red convertible with a luggage rack- head to the beach!


I sure hope that's a temporary vinyl sticker slapped on this pony's flank, because that paint job looks pretty good. OK, now on to our poll; you can click on the name of each entry to see more photos:

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The California definitely looks like it fits in with the rest of the current Ferrari range. But depending on who you ask, that's not necessarily a good thing. Now that we can see real-life lighting on the red-painted surface, the lines don't look quite as exaggerated as they did in the studio...but we're just not sure if we like those lines or not. The car's certainly not as subtle as a Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but you'd be hard-pressed to call it downright ugly. Perhaps just a bit over-styled. But that's just us; what do you think?
[autobild via carscoop]

Still, it's a convertible and the top still looks intact, so it will stay on the road. Perhaps some ambitious owner will get the bodywork done at some point... or use it as a parts car for a nicer Dart convertible.


The "GT" badging means this was the top trim level for the Dart in '69; the GT came standard with a Slant Six, though the dual exhausts on this example suggest the presence of a V8 under the hood.


The '69 Dart GT with optional 273-inch V8 listed for $2,976 new. That was 39 bucks more than the 302-equipped '69 Mustang convertible and $330 more than the '69 Corvair convertible. Yes, you could still buy a Corvair in 1969, though hardly anyone did so; actually, the 327-equipped $2,941 Camaro convertible is a better comparison.

Here we go again — first it was the 2010 Chevy Camaro coupe getting the official "leak" by Bob Lutz and Ed Peper, now they've gone and slipped out pictures of the drop-top. There's one shot of the 2010 Chevy Camaro Convertible up above and one more over at GM's little blog project via the link below. [via GM FastLane]

While this model looks to be merely an A5, we wouldn't be surprised if we're also going to see an Audi S5 Cabrio show up at some point as well, and perhaps — if our dreams become reality — an RS5 Cabrio eventually. So, with this drop-top and a potential A5 Sportback model, it looks like the A5 may spawn quite a few variants. [AutoExpress]

They made some wonderful cars in Czechoslovakia back in the day, but that darned ol' Iron Curtain kept all but a tiny handful of them from making their way to North America. Still, Skoda took an ill-advised shot at importing Felicias back in the early 60s, which means that you might be able to find an affordable one over here. As a matter of fact, you can get this convertible (go here if the ad disappears) for 500 bucks or best offer. How can you resist? The seller sums up the car quite aptly with this no-punctuation-needed statement: "basket case little rust mostly there what you see is what you get." See, it's mostly there! Just make a few calls to Prague and you'll have the missing stuff faster than a man can turn into a giant cockroach! And don't worry about the running condition of the Skoda engine, because it's already been proven that you can put an Audi V8 in the back! Yeah, there's rust... but how bad can it be?

You see quite a few garden-variety WW2 Jeeps just driving around these days, but what if you want one of the super-rare Ford GTB 1-1/2-ton trucks, popularly known as the Burma Jeep? Normally you'd have to pay boo-koo bucks for such a veteran, but we've got a line on this genuine Burma Jeep (go here if the ad disappears) for only $500. We'll readily admit that this truck has something of an oxidation problem, but we know you'll be as relentless as George S. Patton himself when it comes time to replace and/or fabricate the components that are too far gone to fix. Hey, there must be something on this vehicle that won't disintegrate into a cloud of red dust when you stare hard at it! The seller doesn't offer any description (other than "RARE!"), but it looks like an engine is visible behind the grille and you even get the axles. No sweat!

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Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: Yes
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: Yes
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Also Consider:
• VW Eos
• Mini Cooper S Convertible
• Mazda MX-5
• Volvo C70
• A well-sorted 1992 325i convertible with Eibach springs and shocks, Yokohama AVS Intermediates, AP Racing brakes, a K&N filter, Borla exhaust, performance chip, a sweet 5-speed manual and performance driving lessons.

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: BMW
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $33,100
• Price as Tested: $33,100 plus a Suzuki ($47,395)
• Engine type: 3.0-Liter DOHC I6
• Horsepower: 230 @ 6,500 RPM
• Torque: 200 @ 2,750 RPM
• Transmission: 6-Speed STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission
• Curb Weight: 3,571 lbs
• LxWxH: 171.7" x 68.8" x 58.0"
• Wheelbase: 104.7"
• Tires: P205/55R17
• 0 - 60 mph: 7.0 Seconds
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 18/27 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: NA

Also see:

• 2008 BMW 128i Convertible, Part One
• 2008 BMW 128i Convertible, Part Two

Those who wanted to buy a new Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster back in 1958 had to come up with $5,020, about $1,400 more than a new Corvette and about the same as a '58 Lincoln Capri hardtop. We're talking about quite the high-buck machine (though you had to spend twice as much to get its mighty 300SL sibling), and much in demand today. It's got some German notoriety, too, being known as the Nitribitt-Mercedes after the murdered Frankfurt call girl who drove one. If you've got $27,800 to spend on your next project- or even if you don't- why not blow it all invest it wisely in this '58 Mercedes-Benz 190SL (go here if the ad disappears)? Look at it! Sure looks nice... so nice that you shouldn't fear that "light rust on the floor," because the seller says right in the ad that it's an "easy restoration." Right! It's even got a rebuilt engine "that is bolted in the car," yet for some reason it's not running. Maybe a few turns of some carb screws, perhaps some futzing with the distributor, and it'll roar to life! It looks like most of the trim is still there, and maybe the interior is good enough, which leaves you plenty of time to puzzle out the drivetrain problems.

What are you, some kind of cheapskate? Only 28 grand, and for a German car? Where's the fun there? What you need is a super-rare Jag, say one of only 32 1956 XK140 dropheads with automatics and left-hand drive (go here if the ad disappears). Not only that, the seller wants to make it perfectly clear that this car was once ARBOUR GREEN, and that you'll need to get up off of $49,000 if you want to take it home. Whew, almost 50 grand! That's perfectly understandable when you learn that the seller estimates that "the car is 90 to 95% complete as to parts." Skeptical types might try to rain all over your parade by pointing out that 5% or 10% of an automatic-equipped 52-year-old Jaguar is a helluva lot of parts, but we'd counter by saying that maybe the missing stuff is the easiest 5 or 10 percent! Don't try to lowball this savvy seller, though, because it says right in the ad (twice) that "THE PRICE IS FIRM!!!" Thanks to htrodbldr for the tip!

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Acceleration: ***
In the sportiest of modes, which requires nudging the shifter to the left and pushing the button on the dash, the heavy convertible manages to trot to 60 mph in a reasonable 7.0 seconds, slightly faster than the 328i Convertible. Unfortunately, the whole process is, and I feel strange saying this about a car, a bit mechanical. There's no rush of speed, no woosh of sound, just a car competently completing the task it's presented with.

Braking: ***
The one place where the BMW doesn't feel as heavy as it is, is when it comes to stopping. There are a variety of electronics involved, including automatic Brake Fade Compensation, but in this instance there's no loss of feel. Step on the brakes and all that heft comes to a fulfilling stop.

Ride: **
If you were to drive the BMW 128i along a straight, bumpy road you'd be excited. All that jostling must indicate there's some so