![]() ![]() (A power convertible top was an option, and some of the electrical components, such as the top motor, are similar to those used on the later GM convertible models.) LAST CONVERTIBLES GM used this design for its convertible body style from 1971-1976 on the following full sized makes and models:ġ973-1975 Chevrolet Caprice (new model for '73, replaced the Impala became the Caprice Classic in 1974)ġ971-1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertibleġ971-1975 Pontiac Grand Ville Convertibleġ965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible In addition to increased rear seat roominess, appearance was improved as the boot was able to sit nearly flush with the car body. The new design, often referred to as a "scissor top" was engineered so that the side rails moved inward, toward the center of the top as it lowered, which meant it was no longer necessary to allow room at the sides of the rear seat for these components, as they now stacked behind the rear seat with the folded top. This also created a more compact area for rear seat passengers, and usually required shorter rear seat side arm rests which meant less elbow room for rear passengers. Previously the side rails collapsed straight back, accordion style, which required a smaller width rear seat to allow space at each end for the top frame components with the top folded. This design differed from previous designs in the manner in which the top side rails folded while lowering the top. In 1971, General Motors (GM) introduced a new convertible top design for some of its cars that they named the Hideaway Top. The popularity of vinyl roofs, which simulated the appearance of a convertible with the top up, and the comfort of factory air conditioning and stereo sound systems also contributed to the decline of the convertible body style. ![]() The convertible body style was very popular from the early days of the automobile until the mid- to late sixties, when sales began to drop off due to an increase in highway driving and the introduction of sporty new hardtop models.
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