In the 50's, we car guys and kids (at least in the Midwest) knew that the
term "hardtop convertible" just did not make sense and soon dropped the
"convertible" part and just called the pillarless vehicles "hardtops". We
just "knew" that we were talking about a pillarless coupe (and later 4-dr
"hardtops" and "hardtop station wagons", both 2-dr & 4 dr). Then came the
retractable top Fords in 1957. We referred to them as "fliptops".
I miss the availability of hardtop styling in US cars and still have a
feeling that the current Challengers, Camaros and Mustangs are just two-door
club or "post" coupes. But, I believe there are many folks alive now who
were in a 2-door post car that rolled and did not crush the occupants.
I found it interesting that Mercedes Benz could build a MB 2-dr HT coupe but
the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Chargers came out only as highly-styled and
high-performing, but still uninspiring 4-dr sedans. I am willing to assume
M-B did not want the competition of hardtop or soft top 300's & Dodges. So,
we Chrysler 300 guys are still waiting for a new 2-dr HT and/or a
convertible as the first one(s) since 1971 (1970-conv). Quite a few have
bought the 1999-present 4-dr 300's, but it just does not seem the same. The
1979 Cordoba/300 was a 2-dr post car as Big Brother was protecting us from
rollover and fun at the time. I know, I know..marketing plays a key role,
here. John Q. Public wants a 4-door.
I've been driving my 1955 Chrysler 300 quite a lot lately with all the
windows, cowl vent , floor vents and the vent windows open. And no a/c.
Just like the good old daze.
C-300'ly,
Rich Barber
Brentwood, CA
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