|
Roadster vs Convertible?
Hi all. I see a number of C2 cars referred to as roadsters. Being curious I started checking different sites and publications.
Everything i find lists a coupe or a convertible but not a roadster line. Are there really roadsters with different spec or trim items that make it not a convertible? Is roadster just a term some guys prefer to use instead of convertible? Was it the term used for a car that didnt have a hardtop (but the car was still a convertible)? Thanks, Curious George |
As someone new to this forum from end of December the first thing I noticed was all the lingo.
It took a little time but by reading many posts I caught on. Like SWC, took a few and then it hit me:D Split Window Coupe Roadster is just a convertible, pretty sure |
I could be wrong, but I thought a true "roadster" did not have roll up side windows.
So while 1956 and newer Vette's are "convertibles" I prefer the sound of roadster. |
:beatdeadhorse:
|
While the term is used to describe a convertible, a roadster, by definition doesn't have a top.
|
What say we have some fun and throw "drophead coupe" into the descriptive mix.
|
I like roadster, whether my car is a real roadster or not.
I'm surprised you did not include the term vert, which is a term most of us grey hairs really hate. That is a kid's term, and should be reserved for rice burners and BMWs and VWs only. happy midyear roadster owner. |
If you spend enough time on this forum, you will read many discussion/arguments about terms used about our cars. Wait till you get into C1/C2 vs Solid axles/midyears. Some people get all worked up about it. I personally don't care what you call your car, I have a 65 Convertible.
|
Originally Posted by 62bubbletop
(Post 1583212948)
While the term is used to describe a convertible, a roadster, by definition doesn't have a top.
|
Who cares Tomato-Tomata. I change what I call it daily. Roadster,convertible,Drop head etc...:rofl:
|
Originally Posted by MaineDoc
(Post 1583213332)
This is not quite accurate. A roadster has a top but does not have roll up windows. Often the windshield frame is chrome or stainless and not sheet metal like the rest of the body. A convertible has a top of course but has roll up windows. Often the windshield frame is a continuation of the cowl. My 54 is a roadster, my 62 is a convertible. Some years there were both, for example a 36 Ford. They made a roadster (last year) as well as a convertible. That being said, many of us old guys incorrectly refer to Corvette convertibles as roadsters, even though they are not in fact true roadsters. I won't even discuss "verts".
|
Originally Posted by BADBIRDCAGE
(Post 1583213022)
What say we have some fun and throw "drophead coupe" into the descriptive mix.
:cheers: |
Right On
Originally Posted by MaineDoc
(Post 1583213332)
This is not quite accurate. A roadster has a top but does not have roll up windows. Often the windshield frame is chrome or stainless and not sheet metal like the rest of the body. A convertible has a top of course but has roll up windows. Often the windshield frame is a continuation of the cowl. My 54 is a roadster, my 62 is a convertible. Some years there were both, for example a 36 Ford. They made a roadster (last year) as well as a convertible. That being said, many of us old guys incorrectly refer to Corvette convertibles as roadsters, even though they are not in fact true roadsters. I won't even discuss "verts".
|
1955 Corvette was the last Corvette being a true Roadster, because you had to install the side windows . 56 up Corvettes because the windows were made into the doors then became a Convertible . :cheers:
|
Heck........as long as we're dropping names, how about 'rag top'.
Using the standard term convertible seems to be a spelling challenge for many as I've seen 'convertable' way too many times. Now before you brow beat me, I know you've seen it as well. :hide: |
The definition of a roadster is, An automobile with an open body that seats two and has a folding fabric top and often a luggage compartment or rumble seat in the rear.
But the correct definition on here is just "vert". :D |
In 1916, the Society of Automobile Engineers defined a roadster as: "an open car seating two or three. It may have additional seats on running boards or in rear deck."[2] Additional seating in the rear deck was known as a rumble seat or a dickey seat. A roadster is still defined as an open car with two seats.
Roadster bodies were offered on automobiles of all sizes and classes, from mass market cars like the Ford Model T and the Austin 7 to extremely expensive cars like the Cadillac V-16, the Duesenberg Model J, and even the Bugatti Royale. They are popular with collectors, often valued over other open styles. Traditionally, roadsters did not have windows; in some instances, they did not have doors. A few manufacturers and fabricators still offer roadsters that meet the strict description. These include Morgan, with the windowless Roadster, Caterham, with the doorless Seven, and Ariel, with the bodyless Atom. Despite these examples, the traditional roadster has been superseded by two-seat convertibles with side windows that retract into the doors. These convertibles, including the Alfa Romeo Spider, MGB, and Triumph TR4, have been accepted as roadsters. The term "roadster" now covers all two-seat convertibles, including those with power tops or retractable hardtops. |
Originally Posted by BADBIRDCAGE
(Post 1583213022)
What say we have some fun and throw "drophead coupe" into the descriptive mix.
The top folded down. The window frames were affixed to the doors and quarters and remained in place. Don't think that applies to a Corvette. IMHO people who use the term "Vert" when referring to a Corvette should be hanged, drawn, quartered, and blood eagled.....for a start. :D |
Originally Posted by KC John
(Post 1583214208)
In 1916, the Society of Automobile Engineers defined a roadster as: "an open car seating two or three. It may have additional seats on running boards or in rear deck."[2] Additional seating in the rear deck was known as a rumble seat or a dickey seat. A roadster is still defined as an open car with two seats.
Roadster bodies were offered on automobiles of all sizes and classes, from mass market cars like the Ford Model T and the Austin 7 to extremely expensive cars like the Cadillac V-16, the Duesenberg Model J, and even the Bugatti Royale. They are popular with collectors, often valued over other open styles. Traditionally, roadsters did not have windows; in some instances, they did not have doors. A few manufacturers and fabricators still offer roadsters that meet the strict description. These include Morgan, with the windowless Roadster, Caterham, with the doorless Seven, and Ariel, with the bodyless Atom. Despite these examples, the traditional roadster has been superseded by two-seat convertibles with side windows that retract into the doors. These convertibles, including the Alfa Romeo Spider, MGB, and Triumph TR4, have been accepted as roadsters. The term "roadster" now covers all two-seat convertibles, including those with power tops or retractable hardtops. |
Originally Posted by KC John
(Post 1583214208)
In 1916, the Society of Automobile Engineers defined a roadster as: "an open car seating two or three. It may have additional seats on running boards or in rear deck."
Russ |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:26 PM. |
© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands