Closely following the first robin sighting of the year is spotting the first convertible of the season. It’s a picture-perfect day with a clear blue sky, maybe a little breeze, and suddenly, there it is: “Look at that guy in the Mustang with the top down.” And “There’s another convertible”, co-eds from the local college in a red Miata, their hair flowing in the breeze.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an everyday commuter, you notice and wonder, “That looks like fun.” Accordingly, your mind wanders to a favourite 2-lane back road through the woods, and you’re the driver of that Mustang, listening to the burbling exhaust as you accelerating on a straightaway, or you’re the Miata driver hugging the curve while downshifting for a turn.

With their styling, exclusiveness, and provenance, exotic convertibles are impressive because they dial-up the exhilaration, turning up the enjoyment full blast. Ferrari and Porsche, …