In a blow to Britain’s automotive heritage, the convertible car industry is rapidly shrinking, with production of the iconic roadster facing an existential crisis. Sales of new convertible models in the UK fell by 18 per cent last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, reaching their lowest level in a decade. Analysts attribute the decline to tightening emissions regulations, shifting consumer preferences towards SUVs and electric vehicles, and the high costs associated with engineering open-top vehicles to meet modern safety standards.
The consequences are already visible. BMW announced this month that it will cease production of the 2 Series Convertible after 2025, citing “market challenges”. Jaguar Land Rover has also scaled back its convertible offerings, focusing instead on luxury SUVs. Even specialist manufacturers such as Morgan and Caterham, which rely on niche appeal, are feeling the pressure. Morgan, based in Malvern, has reported a 12 per cent drop in orders for its classic Plus Four and Plus Six roadsters since 2022.
Industry experts argue that the convertible’s decline is part of a broader trend. “The roadster is a victim of its own design”, said Dr. Alistair Finch, an automotive historian at the University of Warwick. “Converting a car into an open-top version requires significant structural reinforcement and compromises on aerodynamics, which makes it less efficient. In an era of carbon neutrality targets, that is a hard sell.”
The shift towards electric vehicles has compounded the problem. Electric convertibles remain rare and expensive, as batteries are typically placed in the floorpan, limiting the space for retractable roofs. Only a handful of models, such as the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore and the upcoming MG Cyberster, have entered the market. The Cyberster, built in Shanghai, is the first fully electric roadster to be sold in Britain, but its price tag of £55,000 places it beyond the reach of many traditional buyers.
Yet the decline is not without precedent. The convertible market has waxed and waned for decades. The 1980s saw a renaissance with the Mazda MX-5, but that boom has now subsided. In 1990, convertibles accounted for 8 per cent of new car sales in Britain; today the figure is 1.2 per cent.
Government policy is also a factor. The 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars has accelerated investment in electric platforms that do not easily accommodate convertible bodies. The Department for Transport has confirmed that no exemption will be made for niche vehicles, meaning roadster makers must either electrify or exit the market.
Garage owners and enthusiasts are mounting a rearguard action. The Historic Convertible Club, which represents owners of classic open-top cars, has seen its membership rise by 15 per cent this year, as buyers seek older models unaffected by modern regulations. “There is still a romance attached to wind-in-the-hair motoring”, said its chairwoman, Margaret Stokes. “But the industry must adapt or die.”
For now, the outlook is bleak. The last mass-market British convertible, the Mini Convertible, is due to be phased out in 2024. Without a significant shift in electric convertible technology or consumer attitudes, the days of the open-top car on British roads may indeed be numbered.
