A roadster, also known as a spyder or spider, is a two-seat car, traditionally without either a roof, side or rear windows.
Most modern day two-seaters have windows and feature retractable roofs (and are thus convertibles). While retractable soft-tops are nevertheless marketed as roadsters/spyders, retractable hard-tops are commonly designated as coupe roadsters.
History[]
Traditionally, roadster bodies were widely available, spanning the gamut from a Ford Model T to a Cadillac V-16. They are popular with collectors, often valued higher than even other open styles.
Hot rod roadsters[]
The American hot rod is largely based on pre-World War II roadsters and coupes. Late run Model Ts and 1932 Fords are the most popular starting points.
Modern roadsters[]
Though not a true roadster - it came with both an attached convertible roof and roll-down side windows - the introduction of the Mazda MX-5 in 1989 is largely credited with the resurgence of roadsters. [1]
See also[]
- Barchetta, a related two-seater body style designed primarily for racing
- Convertible, the general term to describe vehicles with retractable roofs
- Hot rod
References[]
- ↑ Huffman, John Pearley (March 5, 2003). "Mazda MX-5 Miata: Generations". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=96932. Retrieved 2008-09-27.