The news that Subaru is planning a convertible version of its new BRZ for the 2014 model year comes at a welcome juncture. At a time when cars are increasingly encumbered with all manner of electronic nannies, the revival of the traditional open-top, rear-drive, two-seat roadster is a tonic for enthusiasts. With its chunky good looks, eight-speed transmission, and 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the upcoming BRZ convertible, like all proper sports cars, will be aimed at a single emotion: fun.
The spiritual ancestors of the BRZ go back 65 years to the European roadsters that began arriving in the U.S. after World War II. Rakish in design, frisky on the road, and near zero in practicality, they expressed the optimism of a new generation. Over the years, they became more civilized, replacing plastic side curtains with roll-up windows and undependable electronics with more reliable ones, as Japanese and American manufacturers have developed their own interpretations of the classic formula.
Today, most of those early roadsters are parked under tarpaulins or collecting dust in museums. Some better-known marques are pictured below. Among them is one that remains on the market. Like the coelacanth, it is a living fossil -- a visible reminder of how the convertible sports car has evolved and a source of inspiration for Subaru to follow.
-Courtesy of CNN Money
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