I recently learned that there are a few electric convertibles to choose from. You can choose between an old Tesla Roadster or a GMC Hummer EV, which are hard to find and cost well over $100,000. On the other hand, the Tesla Model S is now ubiquitous, and having one turned into a convertible is likely cheaper than the alternatives. Newport Convertible Engineering, known for making custom drop-tops and cars for falconry, is now selling Model S convertibles. It used to create a Model 3 convertible that could have been more appealing, but there were few other choices. In this picture, the red car has the 1,000-horsepower Plaid. It will now be offered for Tesla’s high-end sedan. (Be careful of flashing lights; the movie hurt my eyes.) The change doesn’t affect the B-pillars or the roof span that connects them, making the car safer if it rolls over. Getting to the back seat seems more complex because the C-pillar has grown to support the roof frame. NCE doesn’t say how much this change will cost, but prices for the Model 3 from a few years ago can give us an idea. About $30,000 was spent on the difference, and another $10,000 was added for power folding. Since the Model S’s lowest price on the used market is likely around $40,000, the total cost is expected to be more than $80,000. That is still a lot less than the price of any other EV with a changeable top. Also, if you do it to a Plaid, you’ll get a new Roadster faster than if you did it to a Tesla. Okay, I’m kidding, but it won’t hover.
