TL;DR Convertible cars are becoming increasingly rare in the UK, with only 11 new soft-top models now available from the country's most popular manufacturers. As car makers focus on SUVs and electric vehicles, many iconic convertibles have disappeared from showrooms. However, strong demand and limited supply are helping to push used convertible prices higher.
With Britain enjoying record-breaking temperatures and more sunshine forecast this summer, many drivers might be considering a convertible. However, finding a new soft-top car has never been more difficult.
According to analysis by used car marketplace CarGurus, the number of convertible models available in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Today, just 11 convertible cars remain on sale across the UK's 30 most popular automotive brands.
That's a dramatic decline from 37 models available in 2005, representing a 70% reduction in choice.
Convertible market shrinks by almost a third in a year
The decline has accelerated recently. Over the past 12 months alone, the number of available roadsters and cabriolets has fallen by 31%.
Since 2020, the number of convertible models available to UK buyers has dropped by 62%, making these vehicles increasingly difficult to find.
The number of manufacturers still offering a convertible has also fallen sharply. In 2026, only nine of the UK's top 30 car brands sell a soft-top model, compared with 14 in 2020 and 19 in 2010.
As a result, seven out of ten major manufacturers no longer offer a convertible in their line-up.
Which brands still sell convertibles?
Only a handful of manufacturers continue to compete in the shrinking segment:
- BMW
- Fiat
- Ford
- Mazda
- MG
- Mini
- Mercedes-Benz
- Porsche
- Volkswagen
Several well-known convertible models have disappeared over the last year.
BMW has reduced its convertible range significantly, dropping the Z4, 8 Series Convertible and M8 Convertible. The 4 Series Convertible and M4 Convertible remain available.
Porsche has ended production of the 718 Boxster, although buyers can still choose open-top versions of the 911, including the Cabriolet and Targa.
Jeep has exited the convertible market altogether.
Meanwhile, Mazda continues to offer the MX-5, the world's best-selling roadster, while buyers can still opt for drop-top versions of the Ford Mustang, Mercedes-Benz CLE, Mercedes-AMG SL and Mini Convertible.
Volkswagen's T-Roc Cabriolet remains on sale for now, although it is expected to disappear when the next-generation T-Roc arrives without a convertible option.
Electric convertibles remain a niche choice
The industry's shift towards electric vehicles has done little to revive the convertible segment.
Of the 11 convertible models currently available in the UK, only two are fully electric:
- MG Cyberster
- Fiat 500e Cabrio
This highlights how manufacturers continue to prioritise SUVs and mainstream EVs over specialist body styles.
Used convertible prices continue to rise
While buyers have fewer choices in new car showrooms, demand for used convertibles remains strong.
Data from the CarGurus Price Trends Index shows the average used convertible now costs around £18,000, representing a 10% increase over the past year.
Convertibles are now the third most expensive vehicle body style on average, sitting above SUVs and behind only coupes and pickup trucks.
Why are convertibles disappearing?
Manufacturers are increasingly focusing investment on high-volume models such as SUVs and electric vehicles, leaving niche segments like convertibles with less priority.
Chris Knapman, Editorial Director at CarGurus UK, said: "For years, convertibles were a core part of many manufacturers' line-ups, adding character and desirability to their ranges. Today, they are becoming increasingly rare as car makers concentrate investment on SUVs and electrification."
For drivers who still enjoy open-top motoring, the message is clear: convertibles are becoming harder to find, and their growing rarity could make the remaining models even more desirable in the years ahead.