Convertibles are ridiculous in the Singapore context of motoring. Driving one after dropping its top (fabric or metal) exposes the driver to heat, hate (from motorists in less glamorous vehicles), humidity, traffic fumes and bird droppings. The driver could raise the top and “convert” his ride back to a closed coupe, which would minimise his exposure to these real-world dangers, but that would defeat the very purpose of buying a convertible.
Indeed, sun-kissed, roof-down motoring in Singapore can be a real pain. The harsh sunlight, uncomfortably high humidity and harmful exhaust smoke (especially from old diesel buses and “Euro zero” trucks) will kill the convertible driver, slowly but surely. He’ll also be eaten alive by green-eyed monsters on public transport and pedestrian pavements. And yesterday’s food from today’s fowl flapping overhead is targeted at the top of his head.
Of course, if the driver in question has a handsome head, it won’t be so bad, because people and pigeons alike tend to be more forgiving when the convertible chap looks like Brad Pitt. But I look like the pits, so I have to be extra careful when cruising around in a drop-top, especially if it’s stylish/expensive/colourful/cool.
