convertible

automobile

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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A convertible automobile is a car with a roof that can be lowered or removed. The term "cabriolet" originally referred to a two-wheeled carriage with a folding hood. This feature of the carriage's roof is similar to the retractable roof of a convertible car, leading to the term being applied to automobiles, typically two-seaters. The word "cabriolet" is derived from French and relates to a light, bounding motion, also connected to the word "caper".123

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automobile
Body
Convertible models with retractable fabric tops rely on the pillar at the side of the windshield for upper body strength, as convertible mechanisms and glass areas are essentially nonstructural. Glass areas have been increased for improved visibility and for aesthetic reasons.
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Convertible models with retractable fabric tops rely on the pillar at the side of the windshield for upper body strength, as convertible mechanisms and glass areas are essentially nonstructural. Glass areas have been increased for improved visibility and for aesthetic reasons.
Read More