Roadster

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1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

A roadster, also known as a spyder or spider, is a two-seater car, traditionally without a roof (or with a detachable roof) and no side or rear windows. Modern day two-seaters commonly have windows and feature retractable roofs (and are thus convertibles). While retractable soft-tops are still marketed as roadsters/spyders, retractable hard-tops are commonly designated as coupe roadsters.

Contents

[edit] History

1932 Duesenberg J Murphy-bodied roadster

[edit] Old roadsters

Traditionally, roadster bodies were used on anything from a Ford Model T to a Cadillac V-16. They are popular with collectors, and are often valued higher than even other open styles.

[edit] Hot rod roadsters

The American hot rod is largely based on Ford roadsters and coupes. Late Model Ts and 1932 Fords are the most popular starting points.

[edit] Modern roadsters

The introduction of the Mazda MX-5 in 1989 is largely credited with the resurgence in the market for roadsters. [1]

[edit] 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

[edit] References

  1. ^ Huffman, John Pearley (March 5, 2003). "Mazda MX-5 Miata: Generations". Edmunds.com. Retrieved on 2008-09-27.
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