What is the correct description?

My understanding is that a "roadster" is an open cockpit, two seater without a fold down top and roll up windows such as the AC Cobra.

A "convertible" is an open cockpit, two seater with a fold down top and roll up windows, such as our beloved Corvettes.

 

From Wikpedia.....

Roadster is the North American term (spyder in England) used for a 2-seater lightweight car without a permanent top. The term was also used for a light carriage, synonymous with "buggy".

Even with the soft top convertible raised and deflecting "windows" (if existing) snapped in, the driver and passenger remain somewhat exposed to the elements. "Convertible" is an abbreviation of "convertible coupe" or "convertible sedan" which in 1920s-30s parlance indicated that the top of the car can "convert" the car from a car with the passenger habitacle covered into a car without having the passenger habitacle covered, transforming vehicle into a "cabrio". Thus, the term is used for describing also vehicles with more that two seats for which the roof can transform the general aspect of the car from coupe / sedan into a "cabriolet".

Most modern day production roadsters do not meet all of the above criteria. Here, the use of the name "roadster" is more of a marketing gimmick than a technical label, recalling the feeling of an open-top machine for enjoyment, like those of the past.

Traditionally, roadster bodies were used on anything from a Ford Model T to a Cadillac V-16. It was a body style favored by those who preferred enjoyment to practicality. Roadster-bodied cars are popular with collectors, and are often valued higher than even other open styles.

[edit] Hot Rod Roadsters

The American Hot rod is largely based on Ford roadsters and coupes. Late Model T Fords, and 1932 Fords are by far the most popular starting points.

[edit] Modern roadsters

The roadster name experienced a resurgence in 1989 with the introduction of the Mazda Miata/MX-5. Though not roadsters in the traditional sense because their tops were permanently attached, not removeable, many manufacturers today offer "roadsters." They can be described as "convertible sports cars" because they stress driving rather than practicality. Like sports cars, modern roadsters are 2-seaters.

Originating in Italy, the term Spider described a fast, very agile two-wheeled chariot used in antiquity by the Roman army for short, quick interventions. It was commonly towed by several horses (See Gladiator (film)). In England, the word was spelled with a "y" instead of an "i" to avoid association with spiders (arachnids), becoming "Spyder". This also preserved the original pronunciation of the word in English.

 

"Roadster" rolls off the tongue. "Convertible" doesn't. Therefore I tell people I have a roadster, even though, technically, I don't.

 

Here's another one for you. My 71 Coupe has 2 ROOF PANELS not T-tops. The 71 brochure calls them roof panels.
At the time I don't remember anyone calling the roof panels t-tops until cars like the Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass, Camero and Firebird started to have t-tops.
I think I'm the only person left who calls them ROOF PANELS.
Regards,
Ala

 

good point. I think at this point its all a study in semantics. The term "roadster" probably doesn't appear in the manual for my '69 convertibel, but if I were to tell a layperson that I have a '69 roadster corvette, I assume they would understand that meant it is with out a permanent hard top.

Kelly

 

Ragtop.

 

Actually, the Cobra did have a convertible top. But since you almost never see one on, almost all kit car Cobras are built without them. Here are a few with the hardtop.

 

Wasn't this hashed out before?

The definition is great, but in C-3 application...

The car could be ordered with a convertible top, "convertible" OR a removable hardtop (roadster) at the same price. The buyer could option for both, ie a two top car for additional cost. This was true I believe until 1975...but not sure when it started. 1956?

 

.............roadster.................