Isn't it time for a nice aussie muscle convertible?

[Insane253]

seriously, why hasnt it happened?
closest we got was the Marylin(sp?) why was it scrapped?
Monaro is good but coupes are too limited, im talking something with a removable roof, something along the lines of an sl55 or something.
We got the technology and we live in a fairy summer climate you would think holden or ford would of made a good one by now.

[eldan89]

The market for such a vehicle would be way too small for Holden to make it worth there while. So the only GM coupe's you will be seeing here for a while will be the Camaro and Corvette when they finally arrive from the U.S

[wagnman]

The Astra range has a convertible but they sell so many astras in Europe that they can afford to offer these models that don't sell in big numbers.

A two door convertible VE would look sweet though for sure.

Any custom car builders out there who want to make it happen to give Holden a challenge?

[planetdavo]

seriously, why hasnt it happened?
closest we got was the Marylin(sp?) why was it scrapped?
Monaro is good but coupes are too limited, im talking something with a removable roof, something along the lines of an sl55 or something.
We got the technology and we live in a fairy summer climate you would think holden or ford would of made a good one by now.
Marilyn wasn't "scrapped", as it was never intended to go ahead and be built.
Holden could NEVER sell enough cars locally to justify the cost, and most people that buy the bigger convertibles are "richies" anyway, with a fair bit to spend, so could you realistically see them trading in the BMW for a Holden version?

[Insane253]

Marilyn wasn't "scrapped", as it was never intended to go ahead and be built.
Holden could NEVER sell enough cars locally to justify the cost, and most people that buy the bigger convertibles are "richies" anyway, with a fair bit to spend, so could you realistically see them trading in the BMW for a Holden version?

absolutely! considering the price? even a Z4 is still $100,000 for a cramped little buggy.
Im sure the holden car would be much more affordable and considering how popular a monaro is and how well it sold i dont see why a convertible would have any trouble? No need for a radical new design i mean you could work with the monaro/commodore platform for sure.

[planetdavo]

It would still be "just a Holden" in the eyes of the market. Game over for the price that would end up being. Low volume means high prices, and the market wont cop that with all sorts of Euro snob badges available!
Another Monaro coupe isn't close at the moment either, so forget a convertible...

[flappist]

seriously, why hasnt it happened?
closest we got was the Marylin(sp?) why was it scrapped?
Monaro is good but coupes are too limited, im talking something with a removable roof, something along the lines of an sl55 or something.
We got the technology and we live in a fairy summer climate you would think holden or ford would of made a good one by now.

The reason it hasn't happened is because it would be a disaster.

1) Mechanical problems: ragtops have no roof, A or B pillar so the flexing forces of the chassis are mich higher than a coupe/sedan. This would mean LOTS more metal and weight. Those who got to drive Marilyn all reported it was heavy and flexy and not a lot of fun.

2) Market: The monaro/HSV coupe was an average sucess and severely died in the bum in the end. I think you can STLL buy new LS2 coupes. It is a limited market and if there had not been the GTO exports it would have been a failure. If there was still a market there would have been a VE monaro.
Ford tried a couple of years ago with Mustangs. Looked great, went well sold badly. The only sucessful ragtops in this country are the MX5 and 350Z (and maybe the boxter). The rest are rarer than rocking horse poo.

3) Fear. In the world recognised centre of the known universe for skin cancer deaths a lot of people just won't even think about owning one.
Would you buy a car with asbestos panels that was twice as fast and used half the fuel but would probably contribute to your death? Probably not.

[Marco]

Can someone explain to me why you'd want a convertible in Australia, anyway? Hello skin cancer...

[AFAR]

Hardtops is where its at anyway.
They look a whole lot better generally.

[planetdavo]

Can someone explain to me why you'd want a convertible in Australia, anyway? Hello skin cancer...

They're a bit like swimming pools.
When you don't have one, you want one.
When you buy one, you can't wait to get rid of it!
Not always, but people should get the idea.

[Insane253]

Can someone explain to me why you'd want a convertible in Australia, anyway? Hello skin cancer...

oh come on.. do u really worry that much when u walk outside too?

be sensible about it

[flappist]

oh come on.. do u really worry that much when u walk outside too?

be sensible about it

Somebody must. The TV is full of ads about skin cancer. Kids at schools are not allowed outside without hats etc. I have been concidering a raggie for a couple of years (Boxter probably or maybe the new Comaro) and this is an important point.

You do realise that almost ALL of Australia is not in Melbourne don't you?

[planetdavo]

You do realise that almost ALL of Australia is not in Melbourne don't you?
I am in Melbourne, and I would NOT want one here either!
Winter is often too wet or too cold to want the roof down, and a fair bit of summer is just way too hot here to want the roof down!
If Marilyn had been made, I wouldn't have bought one. Many convertibles don't look that flash with the roof up either, be it cloth type or folding metal styles.

[vh-holden]

I want a statesman convertible. might as well go massive!!

[Nidz]

Maryiln looked so crappy.. I saw it at one of the Motor shows and was so dissapointed.. I don't think Commodore would look good with the roof chopped off IMO. Haven't you seen those goons who chop the roof off Commodores and take them to the Summer Nats.. They just look weird..

[Souljah]

Dads 1944 Willys Jeep is a soft top. (and door and seatbelt-less!) I can honestly say after a good 3-4 hour drive on a clear, sunny day your pretty much sunburnt and if not your definantly windburnt. Sure its fun while your out and about but you regret it later. Just my thoughts.

[clubbie]

They're a bit like swimming pools.
When you don't have one, you want one.
When you buy one, you can't wait to get rid of it!
Not always, but people should get the idea.

What he said.


Anyways there will always be the option of a convertible Camaro in the next 18mths or so.

Clubbie

[holden6.0]

sumone photochop a ssv into a convertible lets see wot it looks like