he history of cabriolets begins much earlier than you might imagine. As early as the end of the 19th century, models quite similar to what we currently identify as cabriolets began to be seen.Who has never dreamed of owning a cabriolet? Cabriolet cars and luxury are equal. This type of vehicle with convertible bodywork offers, in addition to the driving sensations already present in a conventional car, a set of emotions that can only be achieved when driving on the road under the open sky. The feeling of freedom is incomparable.

However, the first cabriolets as such were manufactured as early as 1910 by the American brand Cadillac. Later, the other automakers of the time also wanted to produce their own cabriolets, such as the Morgan Roadster, the Jaguar XK, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ferrari, Citroën, and many others. From this moment on, the competition in this field began.
A necessary evolution took place at the end of the 20th century. Until then, cabriolets had tiny trunks, limited seating capacity, excessive noise – even at moderate speeds – and prices that were unaffordable for most people.

Cabriolet vs. Convertible

Cabriolets are vehicles whose roof can be removed and stowed in the boot (or trunk). The other name given to convertibles is convertibles, especially when the roof is a canvas top. A distinction is also made between convertibles with two doors and convertibles with four.

The Evolution of Cabriolet Cars

● Benz Parsifal – 1902
It was at the end of the 19th century when cabriolets and the freedom of the open road were born. However, this was the first model that already looked enough like a car as we understand it today. It had a steering wheel and folding hood, and a two-cylinder, 2,250 cc engine, which delivered 12 hp of power.
● Peugeot 402 Eclipse – 1937
With the Eclipse, Peugeot became the first manufacturer to put into production the principle of the retractable steel sheet roof in the rear trunk of a car, initially electrically operated, but abandoning this system in favor of a manual one the following year, as it was more reliable and less energy-consuming.
● MG TC – 1945
This was an English range of convertible sports cars on a frame. The T Series was a two-seater with a folding hood and side curtains. In addition to the TC, the series included the TA, TB, TD and TF models.
● Chevrolet Corvette C1 – 1953
Production of the first generation began in 1953 and ended nine years later in 1962. Better known as the ‘rigid axle’, because the independent rear suspension was not available until the appearance of the Sting Ray in 1963, production was limited to a total of only 300 units.
● Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class – 1973
This German sports car was created when it was decided to produce a new variant of the SL, which combined the body of the convertible but with a coupe roof and more space inside, which gave the possibility of riding four people.
● BMW Z1 – 1988
This model was a two-seater cabriolet, developed by BMW and produced from 1988 to 1991, noted for its curious doors, which instead of opening outwards or upwards, opened downwards, hiding in the underbody of the car.
● BMW Z4 – 2003
With an advanced design that allowed the driver to enjoy the feeling of freedom offered by the road, the Z4 came to market led by designer Chris Bangle in 2003, presented as a worthy successor to the Z3.
● Jaguar F-Type – 2013
This sports car with longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive, aluminum chassis and cabriolet body with electrically operated canvas roof was previewed as a prototype at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, while the production F-Type was already presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

Where to rent Convertible?

What better way to enjoy a rental car, the company, the scenery and the good weather than to travel the roads with a convertible or cabriolet rental car. But where to rent convertible? At Rental24 we offer you cars for rental San Diego at the best price so that you can experience every sensation of your trip to the fullest.

Cabriolet cars offer a different type of driving than a normal rental car. It is much more pleasant on leisure or vacation days to tour the beautiful scenery and enjoy the views traveling in a cabriolet car. In addition, best car rental service options usually have a more casual and sporty design than their fixed-roof models, which also makes them more enjoyable in terms of aesthetics. Do not hesitate any longer, indulge yourself and rent convertible San Diego.