Removable hardtops

[David L]

Looking at 61 convertibles and see occasionally an early 60s car turns up with a removable hardtop, can anyone tell me where they came from and how many are about?

Thanks.

[Yann Saunders, CLC #12588]

Some were made by Le Mans, Inc., P.O. Box 11073, San Diego 11, California.  I have one of their folders from around 1962 that illustrates and describes their "Le Mans" hardtop [you can have it for $18+postageif youre interested].

Another maker was Rivera (no address info available). They had the "Esquire" removable convertible hardtop for all 1961, 1962 and 1963 GM convertible models. These tops were available in black, white, gold and silver.

Both styles may be viewed in the clubs own "Cadillac Database" in the section on "Dream Cars" for 1962-1964:

http://www.car-nection.com/yann/Dbas_txt/Drm62-64.htm TARGET=_blank>www.car-nection.com/yann/Dbas_txt/Drm62-64.htm

I have no idea how many were made and sold by these two manufacturers.  A conservative estimate might be under 500.

[Pat Caruso CLC #17825]

A few weeks ago, there was a LeMans hardtop brochure available on eBay.  Although the auction is over, and the item has sold, you can still reference the item to see the pictures.

Item number: 7151349505

I hope this helps,
Pat

[Yann Saunders, CLC #12588]

Hey! at $18, mine is $70 cheaper !!!  
And its in EXCELLENT condition.

[Barry Wheeler #2189]

I had, some time ago, a 1947 Cadillac convertible, with a more or less removable hardtop. It was made from a regular roof, and was quite heavy, but it still used the fasteners at the front and a bolt on arrangement where the cylinders used to go. It was fashioned by the former owner of the car. It actually was quite handsome.

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

This topic is almost 10 years OLD!