Editing Convertible (section)

=== Detachable hardtop ===
Rigid removable hardtops, many of which can be stored in a car's trunk/boot, have been available at least since the 1950s.<ref name="HartopHistory"/><ref>{{cite web|title=356 Porsche Removable Hardtops |url= http://derwhites356literature.com/356PorscheRemovableHardtops.html |website=derwhites356literature.com |access-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> These usually provide greater weatherproofing, soundproofing, and durability compared to fabric-based tops; some are available with integrated rear-window defrosters and windscreens. Examples include the [[Ford Thunderbird]] (1st-generation and 11th-generation), [[Mercedes-Benz SL-Class|Mercedes SL]] (2nd-generation and 3rd-generation), [[Porsche Boxster]], [[Jeep Wrangler]], [[Ford Mustang Cobra]] (1995 Only), and [[Mazda MX-5]].

During the 1950s and 1960s, detachable hard-material roofs were offered for various [[convertible (car)|convertible]] [[sports car]]s and [[Roadster (automobile)|roadsters]], including the 1955–1957 [[Ford Thunderbird]] and [[Chevrolet Corvette]], as well as the 1963–1971 [[Mercedes-Benz W113]] series of two-seaters. Because the convertible top mechanism is itself expensive, the hard roof was customarily offered as an additional, extra-cost option. On early Thunderbirds (and Corvettes through 1967), buyers could choose between a detachable hardtop and a folding canvas top at no additional cost, but paid extra for both.

The metal-framed "[[Carson top]]" was a popular addition for the 1930s Ford convertibles or roadsters because it turned these models into an almost instant hardtop.<ref name="HartopHistory">{{cite magazine |last=Howley |first=Tim |title=A History of Hardtops |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |publisher=Hemmings Motor News |date=April 2006 |url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/a-history-of-hardtops |access-date=26 December 2022}}</ref> The design mimicked a convertible top, but lacking the bulky folding mechanisms enabled the removable hardtop to have a much lower and more rakish profile.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/pisano-ogden-buick-custom-car.htm |author=<!-- staff --> |title=Pisano/Ogden Buick: Profile of a Custom Car |date=19 September 2007 |website=howstuffworks.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129112135/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/pisano-ogden-buick-custom-car.htm |archive-date=29 November 2020 |access-date=10 March 2022}}</ref>

Improvements in canvas tops have rendered the detachable hard roof less common in part because the top cannot be stored inside the vehicle when not in use, requiring a garage or other storage facility. Some open cars continue to offer it as an option. For example, the [[Mazda MX-5]] has an accessory hardtop, which is compulsory for some auto racing series.