Cost-effective convertibles | Six of the Best
It's the hottest start to May since records began - obviously you'll be wanting a new car then
Honda S2000, 2008, 59k, £17,950
There really is nothing finer or more fabulous for the soul than driving a well-sorted convertible in the Great British sunshine. Don’t listen to anyone who says that open-top motoring is a waste of time in a country where it rains half the year; any modern cabriolet will keep you warm enough to have the top down in all manner of conditions. And you’ll feel better about life if you do. Especially if you’ve not blown too much money on acquiring the car in the first place. Case in point: the Honda S2000. Imperfect in the grand scheme of things, sure - but also like a visitor from another planet in 2025. Sharp looks, rev-tastic VTEC unit, manual gearbox - you’ll spend the first three weeks just catching your breath. This one looks great in Monza Red and hasn’t even cracked 60k despite a nearly spotless MOT history. Colour us happy.
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo, 2004, 34k, £19,995
Honda too tame, you say? Well, okay - how about the chiseled, abstemious pleasure that is the VX220? Ask yourself this: has any manufacturer strayed further from its inner child than Vauxhall? Granted, the brand built plenty of vaguely naff cars 20 years ago, but back then it was more than capable of locating its funny bone when the opportunity presented itself. Today, Vauxhall is more likely to start selling submarines than it is an Elise-based sports car. Of course, it says something that Lotus isn’t capable of it, either. Still, this is the whole point: if you want to experience the unfiltered pleasure of driving a car built almost solely for the business of thrilling your pants off, then look no further. This one, a Turbo, has seen plenty of owners, but apparently none has attempted big miles with the odometer stuck on 34k. High time, right?
BMW M3 (E46), 2005, 98k, PH Auction
In stark contrast, the single chap who has owned this lovely looking E46 M3 has racked up nearly six figures all by himself - and who can blame him? We haven’t the space here to ponder the wider question of which BMW M3 could be called the best, but there’s certainly a good reason why everyone gets excited about the naturally aspirated S54B32 straight six, especially when combined with the six-speed manual, as it is here. True, the coupe is the ultimate expression of the E46, arguably in big money CSL format, but roof down, the convertible has a vibe all of its own - and who wouldn’t want to be closer to the mood music being played at 8,000rpm? They don’t get much cleaner or tidier or genuine than the one that’s about to make its way through the PH auction house. A gift that will keep on giving, and no mistake.
Mercedes SL55 AMG, 2002, 48k, £19,995
Well, doesn’t this just look splendid? The R230 generation of Mercedes SL represented a stark departure from the iconic R129 when it arrived in 2001 (yes, it was that long ago), and perhaps a touch soft to some tastes, but now this Sport Leicht definitely seems like one of Benz’s better efforts from the early 21st century. Being an SL, the ‘230 was crammed full of the latest technology, which back then included the folding metal roof, Active Body Control even by brake by wire, but the real intrigue was under the bonnet. In time the SL would gain V12 and even larger V8s, but the 5.4-litre, supercharged M113 of early ‘55s suited it perfectly, blessed with huge performance and a glorious soundtrack. This one has a fresh MOT, good service history and a set of very smart split rims from a ‘65. The AMG your BP card has been waiting for.
Maserati Spyder, 2003, 43k, £15,995
Speaking of handsome drop-tops from the early '00s, we would be remiss not to include a Maserati Spyder. Particularly when there’s a green over tan - sorry, verde over cuoio - example for sale with an asking price that begins with ‘15’. While it was always a shame that the Spyder (and Coupe equivalent) couldn’t keep the 3200GT’s incredible rear lights, there was plenty still in its favour. Like the SL, however, the Spyder’s best feature was under the bonnet, twin-turbo V8 of the 3200 replaced by a naturally aspirated 4.2 - the F136. Its Ferrari origins meant it revved and revved, while sounding divine in the process; even a less-than-perfect automated manual couldn’t spoil the appeal of a Spyder. This one has a recent service (one of 13 in total), an MOT until the end of the year and fewer miles even than the AMG. Very, very easy to see why you could be mighty tempted indeed.
Abarth 124 Spider, 2018, 26k, £18,495
When is a Mazda MX-5 not a Mazda MX-5? When it’s a Fiat 124. While the Fiata always seemed like a good idea - using proven Mazda mechanicals with retro design and turbo power - the 124 never fully captured the British buying public’s imagination. We preferred our MX-5s shaped like MX-5s, and continue to, which is why the Mazda remains on sale and the Fiat was withdrawn a few years back. A shame, because the Abarth in particular was good, if pricey, fun. There was turbo torque to test the chassis in a way no standard Mazda could, a brilliantly OTT soundtrack, and some fun design details. This one is being offered by a dealer who sold it last year, complete with a slightly spicier tune for the 1.4 and just 25,000 miles. The cambelt is fresh this year as well, and the MOT advisory-free - a fun alternative to the usual roadster suspects.
I did always want one. Will regret not doing it. But I got the folding hard top M3 and I am a much better for.
Maybe I'm tight but none of them look particularly good value. From the title I was expecting <£5k curios. They do seem to be holding onto their value too. Bad if you’re in the market for one but you’ll be pleased once you’ve finally got one.
There will always be the option to run an electric car if you want cost effective in fairness, but none of us want that do we?!
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