The Convertible

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the world at your wheels-there's nothing like the freedom and exhilaration of driving with the top down. Clark Gable drove a convertible. So did Elvis, Rita Hayworth, and Gary Cooper. Jay Gatsby drove one in the book, and Thelma and Louise rode off in one in the movie. On the road, and in film, art, and literature, the convertible is more than just a car -it's a state of mind, a way of life. Automotive expert Ken Vose traces the evolution of the convertible as car and cultural icon, from the earliest ragtop to the open car of the future. Vose knows that every car (and every driver) has a story, and he recounts the best ones about classic Pierce-Arrows, Packards, Speedsters, Roadsters, Dusenbergs, and Bugattis - as well as today's Corvettes, Miatas, BMWs, Mustangs, and Prowlers. This witty tribute includes more than 125 photographs, illustrations, and other memorabilia, including rare vintage shots and art created specifically for this volume. This fast-lane celebration of the glamour, allure, and style of the ultimate dream machine is as much fun as a summer spin on an open road. Almost.

Ken Vose is a former race driver and respected automotive writer and the author of two novels about Formula One racing. His most recent nonfiction book is Blue Guitar (0-8118-1912- 4). He lives in New York City and northeastern Pennsylvania.