American 2-seater convertibles.
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Of course, none of these are coming anytime soon. Which I think is too bad, as all 3 American car manufacturers now have access to modern and scalable EV platforms that could accommodate new smaller convertibles. All 3 used to offer 2 seater convertibles in the 80’s.
Buick used to offer the really cool Buick Reatta. Available as a coupe and then a convertible. The design was actually futuristic for a car that came out in 1988. Just imagine, a cool futuristic coupe and convertible from Buick. It wasn’t meant to be a best-seller, and with about 22,000 of them sold over 4 years, it wasn’t. Buick recently showed an Ultium-based sedan and wagon as concepts. I think a convertible, at least as a concept, would be great news.
Chrysler also tried the 2 seater convertible game. With an overpriced convertible that looked like a much cheaper Chrysler Lebaron and a 4-cylinder Turbo engine assembled by Maserati. (or later, a Mitsubishi V6). Its official name was the “TC By Maserati“.
With 7300 produced over 3 years, it became the definition of a failure. And still, I think a nice 2 seater convertible based on the STLA platform would be a breath of fresh air and could be a positive way to inject some life into the Chrysler brand, next to more popular models they really need like SUVs.
Cadillac also had its 2 door convertible with the Allante, starting in 1986. Another overpriced car that was way too expensive to produce. And not a sales champ either with under 21,500 of them produced over 7 years.
It’s pretty early to guess how the EV switch could help US luxury manufacturers in trouble, like Lincoln or Chrysler. But the Cadillac Lyriq is becoming a best seller for the brand and is now only topped by the Escalade. The Lyriq is more popular now than any other Cadillac model except their truck. It seems instant power, ultimate smoothness, and quietness are great selling points for American luxury brands. Something they’ve tried to achieve for decades. And no matter what, no engine will be as quiet and smooth as an EV.
Let’s just hope we soon find a way to jump into another dimension. One where cars lie these are roaming the streets…
The image of the Buick Electra-C is gorgeous! Thanks for creating it, Vince!