When you picture a convertible icon, names like Mustang, Miata, or 911 Cabriolet probably spring to mind. Yet automotive history is strewn with roof‑down marvels that tugged at our imaginations, only to vanish before they ever achieved true stardom. From coach-built grand tourers to quirky kei-car roadsters, these “forgotten convertibles” possess stories of daring design, cutthroat corporate drama, and abrupt disappearances. Buckle up as we unearth the tales of drop‑top dreams lost to time and explore why they deserve a second look.
Cadillac Allanté (1987–1993)
Conceived as Cadillac’s answer to European luxury roadsters, the Allanté was a logistical marvel: Pininfarina‑crafted bodies shipped daily from Italy to Detroit by dedicated “Air Caddy” jets. Under its sculpted hood, a Twin‑Turbo V6 delivered smooth power, while a sophisticated electronic suspension promised comfort worthy of a boulevard cruise. Yet sky-high production costs and corporate infighting drove its sticker price into rarefied territory, and only about 21,000 rolled off the line. When GM’s 1993 restructuring arrived, the Allante’s wings were clipped, consigning it to niche-collector status.
Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (2005–2008)
At a time when retro styling was in vogue, Chrysler stretched its quirky PT Cruiser into a drop‑top novelty. The electrically actuated soft top stowed neatly into the trunk, transforming its “bubble‑box” shell into a fun, open‑air cruiser. Powered by a modest 2.4‑liter inline‑four, it never dazzled on the track, but its approachable price, pop‑culture cameos, and surprising cargo practicality earned it a cult following. When dwindling sales and platform consolidation hit, Chrysler quietly axed the droptop variant, leaving enthusiasts to cherish the few survivors.
Pontiac G6 Convertible (2006–2010)
Pontiac’s swan song as a convertible manufacturer came with the G6. Offering a choice between a fuel-sipping four-cylinder or a burly V6, plus trunk space rivaling some sedans, it aimed to bridge practicality with summer-ready fun. Behind the scenes, tightening budgets and GM’s looming bankruptcy forced Pontiac management to prioritize core models—ultimately sealing the G6 Convertible’s fate alongside its parent brand.
Pontiac Sunfire Convertible (1995-2000)
Pontiac’s Sunfire Convertible was the budget‑friendly drop‑top for value‑minded buyers in the late ’90s. Underneath its simple sheet metal sat the same OHC four‑cylinder and available V6 found in the coupe, mated to a manual or five‑speed automatic. Its soft-top mechanism was basic—a manual crank and latches—but it was light, predictable, and surprisingly roomy for its class. With affordable insurance, low maintenance costs, and Pontiac’s signature dual‑port nose, the Sunfire convertible found a modest following at summer car meets. When the early‑2000s Pontiac redesign phased out the model line, the Sunfire quietly disappeared, leaving behind a handful of spirited survivors.
Suzuki X‑90 (1995–1997)
Not quite a traditional convertible nor a full‑blown SUV, the Suzuki X‑90 blurred categories with its t‑bar roof pods and two‑seat layout. Its 1.6‑liter four‑cylinder pumped out 95 horsepower, sending torque to front wheels via a five‑speed manual or optional four‑speed auto. Despite its sporty handling and removable roof panels, consumers found its cramped cockpit and oddball styling polarizing. Dealers couldn’t move them fast enough, and Suzuki pulled the plug after just two model years. Today, the X‑90’s quirky silhouette and sunroof‑style thrills have earned it cult status among collectors chasing one of the most offbeat drop‑tops ever made.
Mazda MX‑6 Convertible Prototype (1991)
Before Mazda perfected lightweight fun with the Miata, engineers toyed with turning the MX‑6 coupe into a soft‑top sports tourer. A handful of prototype units were crafted with reinforced floorpans and neatly folding cloth roofs that stowed under custom tonneau covers. Road testers praised its rear‑wheel‑bias chassis tuning and polished inline‑four, but the high costs of retooling and uncertain market demand shelved the project. Today, the MX‑6 convertible prototype survives only in concept‑car archives and enthusiast daydreams—a tantalizing “what if” for Mazda faithful.
Toyota Paseo Convertible (1997-1999)
Toyota’s diminutive Paseo coupe got a very limited run as a convertible in select markets, featuring a manual soft top and two‑tone cloth interior. Powered by a peppy 1.5‑liter four‑cylinder and lightweight platform, it delivered crisp steering and solid fuel economy. Yet modest trunk space and a niche price point kept sales low, prompting Toyota to quietly discontinue the drop‑top after just two seasons. These rare Paseo convertibles now command attention at import‑tuner meets, where their blend of practicality and open‑air fun shines among more mainstream offerings.
Suzuki Cappuccino (1991–1998)
Japan’s kei‑car regulations inspired Suzuki to cram a turbocharged 657‑cc three‑cylinder into a sub‑eight‑foot roadster shell—and the Cappuccino was born. Its clever, multi‑panel roof system lets owners swap between fixed hardtop, targa, and soft‑top configurations in minutes. With just 63 horsepower on tap, its real allure lay in razor‑sharp handling and pure, unfiltered wind‑in‑your‑hair thrills. When kei-car tax breaks shifted and Suzuki pivoted toward crossovers, the Cappuccino slipped from showroom floors. Today, enthusiasts cherish imported right‑hand‑drive models for their lightweight charm and innovative packaging.
Plymouth Prowler (1997–2002)
Chrysler’s retro‑futuristic Prowler looked like a hot‑rod fantasy come to life, with exposed front wheels, a louvered hood, and a shaved‑back roadster profile. Behind its daring design lurked an SOHC 3.5‑liter V6 and a four‑speed automatic—enough grunt for boulevard cruises but hardly a track weapon. Its power‑folding soft top and aluminum chassis gave it a modern edge, yet high price tags and mixed performance reviews dampened demand. After DaimlerChrysler reorganized its brands, the Prowler’s production tapered off, leaving fewer than 12,000 built and cementing its status as a collectible oddity.
These nine convertibles—ranging from European‑built luxury to quirky kei‑car pocket rockets—remind us that the open‑air dream has worn many faces. Though they never topped sales charts, their daring designs and the stories behind their rise and fall make them true legends lost to time.
