IN THIS FEATURE Introduction 1. MGB roadster 1962-80 2. Morris Minor Convertible 1948-68 3. Fiat 124 Spider 1966-85 4. Austin-Healey Sprite 1958-61 5. Hillman Super Minx Convertible 1962-64 6. Peugeot 304 Cabriolet 1969-75 7. Peugeot 504 Cabriolet 1969-83 8. Reliant Scimitar SS1 1984-89 9. Sunbeam Alpine 1959-67 10. Triumph TR7 Convertible 1979-81

Rootes cornered the British market in making convertible versions of its frumpy mid-range family Minx saloons. The last of them was the Super Minx, with its vestigial tail fins and mini-Rambler styling. Solidly built and quite civilised, the Super Minx convertible had four proper seats, front disc brakes and you could even have it as an automatic.

Dull to drive, with plodding pushrod engines and ponderous handling, it's a posing machine rather than a driver's car. More important, it is evocative of its period - the dashboard is especially pleasing - and good fun when the sun is shining. The problem might be finding one as they were only in production for two years. Finding parts, too - at least those specific to the convertible - will not be easy.