What Are Drop Tops Called? Understanding the Names for Open-Roof Cars

A “drop-top” is most commonly called a convertible, but it’s also known as a cabriolet (often in Europe), soft-top or ragtop (for fabric roofs), roadster (typically a two-seater), and, in older British usage, a drophead coupé; Italian-inspired terms like spider/spyder are also widely used. These names reflect differences in style, seating, roof mechanism, and regional preference.

Where the Term “Drop-Top” Comes From

“Drop-top” is colloquial American slang that gained popular currency through car culture and music, describing any car whose roof can be folded or retracted. While the phrase is informal, it maps to long-established body-style terms used by automakers and journalists, each carrying specific nuances about roof material, seat count, and heritage.

Common Names and What They Mean

The following list outlines the most widely used names for drop-top cars and how they differ by meaning or region. Understanding these distinctions helps you use the right term in conversation, buying decisions, or automotive writing.

• Convertible: The standard modern term in North America for any car with a retractable or removable roof.
• Cabriolet (or Cabrio): Common in Europe; Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and others use this badge. Functionally equivalent to convertible.
• Roadster: Traditionally an open two-seater; today often means a sporty, two-seat convertible (e.g., Mazda MX-5 Miata).
• Spider/Spyder: Italian-derived term used by brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche (e.g., 488 Spider, 718 Spyder).
• Soft-top/Ragtop: Emphasizes a fabric roof; “ragtop” is more colloquial.
• Drophead Coupé: Historic British term (Rolls-Royce, Bentley) for a luxury convertible with a folding roof.
• Open-top/Open car: Generic descriptors, often used in reviews and regulations.

While these terms are often used interchangeably, context matters: “convertible” is the safe, general label; “cabriolet” and “spider/spyder” often signal brand or regional style; and “roadster” implies a sport-focused, usually two-seat layout.

Related Roof Styles and Variants

Not all open-roof cars are identical. The list below highlights related configurations that people sometimes group under “drop-top,” clarifying where they overlap and differ.

• Soft-top convertible: Uses a fabric roof (lighter, simpler, typically more cargo space when folded).
• Retractable hardtop: A folding metal or composite roof (quieter and more secure, but heavier and more complex).
• Targa top: A semi-convertible with a removable roof panel and fixed rear window/roll hoop (e.g., Porsche 911 Targa).
• T-top: Two removable roof panels with a center bar; popular in 1970s–1980s American cars.
• Landaulet: Chauffeur-driven body with an openable rear compartment; rare, ceremonial/luxury usage.
• Speedster/Barchetta: Minimalist, low-windscreen or no-windscreen open cars focused on lightweight performance.
• Phaeton/Tourer: Historical open-body styles from the prewar era with minimal weather protection.

These formats share the open-air ethos but differ in structure, practicality, and heritage; when precision matters, using the specific style name avoids confusion.

How Automakers Use the Names

Manufacturers choose names to match brand tradition and market expectations. The examples below illustrate how terms appear in badges and marketing.

• Audi A5 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet: European “cabriolet” branding.
• BMW 4 Series Convertible, Ford Mustang Convertible: Straightforward “convertible” usage.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata: Soft-top roadster; RF variant has a targa-style power roof.
• Porsche 718 Spyder, 911 Targa: “Spyder” and “Targa” denote distinct open-roof formats.
• Ferrari and Lamborghini Spider/Spyder models: Italian naming for convertibles.
• Rolls-Royce Dawn (drophead heritage): Modern luxury convertible echoing the “drophead coupé” lineage.

Brand terminology often signals both design philosophy and market positioning; knowing the vocabulary can clarify what you’re getting in roof mechanism, noise levels, and driving character.

When to Use Which Term

If you’re speaking generally, “convertible” works nearly everywhere. Use “cabriolet” for European-branded models, “roadster” for two-seat sporty cars, and “spider/spyder” when following a manufacturer’s official name. “Soft-top” or “retractable hardtop” is best when the roof’s construction is the key point.

Key Takeaway

“Drop-top” is casual slang; “convertible” is the standard term. Depending on context, you might also encounter cabriolet, roadster, spider/spyder, soft-top, ragtop, or the classic drophead coupé—each highlighting a particular tradition or technical detail.

Summary

Drop tops are commonly called convertibles. Other accurate names include cabriolet, roadster (usually two-seat), spider/spyder (Italian-influenced), soft-top/ragtop for fabric roofs, and the vintage British term drophead coupé. Related formats like retractable hardtops, targas, and T-tops share the open-air concept but differ in roof design. Use “convertible” as the general term and choose the more specific label when brand tradition or roof type is relevant.