Convertible

Lexus Has Big Plans to Replace the Aging SC430

We tend to avoid rumors and conjecture here at Luxist, preferring to bring you solid news of new luxury items to behold. But some reports are just too tantalizing to pass up. Like this latest one about a new top-of-the-line luxury convertible from Lexus.

The model in question would be brought in, according to reports, to replacing the aging SC430, a model introduced back in 2001 and growing a little long in the tooth. To succeed the lack-luster SC with its 288-horsepower V8 will reportedly be a 500-horsepower, all-wheel drive hybrid super-coupe dubbed the LC600h. Based on the next-generation LS flagship sedan, the two-door model is expected to retain the best-of-both-worlds convertible hard-top, but isn't anticipated to arrive until after the sedan comes in 2014, so don't go calling your dealership with a trade-in inquiry just yet.

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Tags: convertible, lc 600h, lc600h, lexus, lexus lc, lexus lc 600h, lexus lc600h, lexus sc, lexus sc 430, lexus sc430, sc 430

Rare Custom Ferrari 550 GTZ by Zagato at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Last year we reported on the ultra-exclusive Ferrari 550 GTZ, a custom coachbuilt convertible by famed Italian design house Zagato. Only five examples were built for wealthy collectors worldwide, all of them spoken for long before the general public even knew the damn thing existed. Using the limited edition Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina as a platform, the 550 GTZ is based on the one-off Ferrari 575 GTZ built by Zagato for Yoshiyuki Hayashi, an avid Ferrari collector in Japan. Now one of the ultra-rare autos, the only right hand drive example of the 550 GTZ (above), is being put up for auction at Bonhams' Important Motor Cars and Fine Automobilia sale at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey, UK on December 6 (where Elvis Presley's Mercedes limo is also crossing the block). The fabulous Ferrari is expected to fetch over $1 million and bidding is likely to be fierce.

Tags: auctions, Bonhams, convertible, custom cars, Ferrari, Ferrari 575 GTZ, UK, Zagato

Bovet Fleurier Amadeo 43mm Classic Convertible Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While Bovet continues to makes beautiful watches that are convertible by nature, they will never make pocket watches or most other wearing styles aside from being a wrist watch cool again. The novelty value in such watches is just that - the fact that people can show off their wrist watches as items of art that are inspired by pocket watches, that are actual small pocket watches, and can claim to be several things at once. Though when it comes down to it, Bovet still represents the brand that gives you the ability to wear small pocket watches on your wrist. Though that doesn't mean there is anything in-genuine about their timepieces being several things at once.

The new Amadeo Fleurier Amadeo 43mm Classic watch is a true pocket watch in style, complete with top mounted crown and protector. The case is all 18k red gold, filled with a high-end Frederic Piguet automatic movement (soon to be merely "Blancpain manufacture") with a 3 day power reserve, and a power reserve indicator on the dial. The subsidiary seconds dial sure helps enhance that pocket watch feel. Most of the time the watch sits mounted to a black reptile strap, looking uniquely classic. What other watches have serpentine hands that look quite this good?

Bovet hopes that once in a while you will take the Amadeo off the strap and either uses it on the chain or as a little table clock with its fold out leg stand. They even suggest to women to wear it as a pendant. How often a woman will want to lug a 43mm wide brick of gold around her neck is yet to be seen - though at least the watch will have a substantial feel to it. Bovet claims that the process of changing the watch into its various forms/uses is rather simple. That may be so, but the novelty of the item is worth more than its ability to go from pocket watch to mini desk clock. This is also the most simple Amadeo version, in the Amadeo collection. Each of which has the ability to be a convertible piece. Prices start around $34,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: amadeo, Bovet, classic, convertible, watch

Hedi Slimane's Homage to Rolls-Royce - with a Soundtrack by Beck

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Celebrity Shopping

So-hip-it-hurts Dior Homme creative director Hedi Slimane has come out with an homage to his beloved triple black 1985 Rolls-Royce Corniche. Slimane lovingly photographed the car for UK magazine Dazed & Confused, while multi-talented musician Beck recorded the sound of the Rolls' engine. Slimane's obsession with Rolls-Royce began when the French-born creative type was only six years old, making endless sketches of the beautiful vehicles. "Little did young Slimane know that the car epitomized everything he would later on in life be known for, both as a fashion designer and as a photographer," the mag notes. "Pure luxury, explicit shapes and superior quality." The Corniche is one of two triple black Rolls the designer has owned. Check out more pix and Beck's recording here.

[via Luxuo]

Tags: Beck, convertible, Dior, Dior Homme, Hedi Slimane, Rolls-Royce

What Next for the Bentley Azure Convertible?

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line convertible, you're choices are essentially limited to the Rolls-Royce Phantom DropHead Coupe or the Bentley Azure. But even that's about to change as Bentley is canceling the Azure. The question is, what will replace it?

The Azure – based on a twelve-year-old platform – is being phased out as the company puts its energy into the new Mulsanne limousine. Rumor has it that a new convertible version is planned, but in a particularly intriguing twist, the next Azure could gain a couple of doors and revive the long-lost four-door convertible segment. These vehicles, once known as "parade cars", were at the pinnacle of luxury, and if Bentley brings it back – as Mercedes recently entertained with the Ocean Drive concept – we could be looking at a new level of open-air motoring.

Gallery: Bentley Azure T

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Tags: azure, bentley, bentley azure, cabriolet, convertible

Steve McQueen's "Little Ferrari" for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The 1953 Siata 208S Spyder (above) that actor Steve McQueen affectionately dubbed his "Little Ferrari" is being offered for sale by California's Fantasy Junction for $1.295 million. The Italian roadster, one of only 35 built, was one of the first foreign sports cars acquired by the King of Cool who came to be famous for his stable of exotic autos. Featured in the 2007 book McQueen's Machines, it was formerly part of the Cars of Steve McQueen exhibition at The Petersen Auto Museum in Los Angeles.

Bruce Sand, the doctor and former UCLA Medical School student who acquired the car from McQueen, recounts that the actor had removed the Siata's front nose badge, put a Ferrari shield on it, and called it his "Little Ferrari". In addition to a 2.3 Litre 8-cylinder Fiat engine, the car features a very rare set of TAG Heuer racing instruments (watch and stop-watch), which are affixed to the dashboard. Painstakingly restored to perfection with the engine completely rebuilt, the car has won honors at several concours d'elegance.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Steve McQueen's 1953 Siata

Tags: California, convertible, Ferrari, Siata, Steve McQueen, TAG Heuer

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster for Sale at $2 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The Lamborghini Reventon Roadster, a convertible version of the famed Italian marque's most coveted creation, has seen its price increase just a few weeks after it was unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Lamborghini announced that fewer than 20 and perhaps as little as 10 examples of the topless supercar (see video above) would be built, priced at €1.1 million or about $1.5 million. As with the original Reventon, however, it is thought that the limited edition Roadsters were quickly snapped up, and at least one early purchaser is already looking to turn a profit: a Reventon Roadster has now been listed for sale in Berlin via global online luxury marketplace JamesList for €1.45 million or $2.1 million. The car's 6.5 liter V12 engine pumps out 670 hp and can do 0 - 100 kph (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph.

Tags: convertible, Frankfurt Auto Show, FrankfurtAutoShow, JamesList, Lamborghini, Lamborghini Reventon, LamborghiniReventon, Reventon, supercar

Ultra-Rare 1938 Maybach Cabriolet for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Maybach is well known today as a modern ultra-luxury marque, having been revived by Mercedes-Benz in 1997; even more exclusive however are the original models made between 1921-1941. Less than 2,000 Maybachs were built during this period, of which fewer than 150 survive today, all in the tight grip of collectors. An ultra-rare 1938 Maybach SW 38 Cabriolet with coachwork by Spohn of Ravensburg (above) has now surfaced for sale in Germany via global online luxury marketplace JamesList for €690,000, or about $1 million. The elegant 5-passenger convertible, finished in two-tone red and aubergine, was exhibited at the 1938 Berlin motor show and sold right away to her first owner, Baron von Mylke. At the the end of the war the car was allocated to the Chinese military mission in Berlin and was acquired many years later later by a German architect who commissioned a meticulous restoration.

Tags: Berlin, Cabriolet, classic cars, ClassicCars, convertible, Germany, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz

"Star of India" Rolls-Royce Now Listed at $13 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Last month we wrote about the famed "Star of India" 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II convertible custom made for an Indian Maharaja, slated to be auctioned off by a German collector. Now the incredible car has been listed for sale via online global luxury marketplace JamesList for £8 million, or about $13 million. If it fetches that price, the one-of-a-kind Rolls could capture the world's most expensive car title (in terms of confirmed sales), beating out the 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa that recently sold at auction for $12 million. The 40/50 HP Continental "All-Weather Convertible" features polished aluminum bodywork and saffron paint evoking the Indian spirit of Hindutva. The car is being sold off by famed Rolls-Royce collector Hans-Günther Zach, who's liquidating his private museum dedicated to the marque.

Tags: convertible, custom car, CustomCar, Germany, India, Rolls-Royce, worlds most expensive, WorldsMostExpensive

Lamborghini Reventon Spyder to Debut in Frankfurt?

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Rumors that Lamborghini will come out with a roadster version of its ultra-rare, €1 million carbon fiber Reventon supercar have been bruited about for a while. Now some more concrete reports have surfaced indicating a Reventon Spyder (rendering above) could be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Limited to only 20 examples, the Reventon quickly sold out following its original announcement. It's said that the Reventon Spyder, based on the Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce with a 670 hp V12 engine, will be even more exclusive, with a production run limited to only 9 examples. The price? A cool $1.6 million.

Tags: carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, convertible, Frankfurt Motor Show, FrankfurtMotorShow, Lamborghini, Lamborghini Reventon, LamborghiniReventon, supercar

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO FEATURE: Essential Summer Style, Starring the Jaguar XK Convertible

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Gadgets, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wine, Cosmetics and Fragrance, Shoes, Books, Men's Style

Click above for high res image gallery and full credit info. Photographed by Adrianna Ault for Luxist.

Welcome to the first in a new series of exclusive photo features showcasing seasonal style essentials inspired by classic icons of elegance, sport and design, photographed with the most beautiful and coveted cars on the road. The emphasis is on luxury of course, but of the timeless variety as opposed to mere extravagance.

In our recent Classicist column on the 2010 Jaguar XK convertible coming out this August, we remarked on the sleek new cat's stylistic heritage dating back to 1948's XK120, as driven by the likes of Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable, as well as later models like the D-Type (or XK-SS) made famous by the great Steve McQueen. The first in our new series of exclusive shoots is inspired by them and stars the XK in homage to these stylish icons, both man and automotive (read all about the new XK here).

In particular, the influence of Gable (with his XK120 in 1954, top right) and McQueen (with his XK-SS, center right) can be seen in the summery style essentials we've assembled for this shoot. For the pastoral setting we drew on another classic Jaguar reference, an image of writer Truman Capote in a Jaguar XK-E, the model most closely aligned with the new XK, in the Hamptons in 1965 (bottom right).

In the spirit of summer we've chosen a classic combination of navy and white, popular as fashionable resort wear for a nearly a century and still going strong in the right circles. While navy blazers of the type shown here originated as part of English cricket club scenery and other elegant sporting occasions such as the Henley Royal Regatta, without gold buttons it needn't be unnecessarily nautical or costume-y.

The jacket shown here, in tropical weight wool with soft shoulders by the dashing Italian house of Etro, references its sporting antecedents with grosgrain tipping on the lapels, pockets and cuffs; however, since it is finished in the same color as the jacket the effect is a subtle one, while the slim cut updates the look with Italian flair. A cream linen camp shirt by Paul Stuart and white linen pants by Polo Ralph Lauren round out the rest of the ensemble.

As an alternative on cooler days or evenings - which we've certainly had plenty of this summer - we've also included a variation of the navy blazer by Brooks Brothers made of butter-soft goat suede with spiffy sporting details including a throat latch, stand-up collar, action back and pure Irish linen lining, which calls to mind the jacket worn by Gable above.

While a polka dot foulard silk scarf by the venerable British clothier Turnbull & Asser (shirtmaker to the Prince of Wales) provides not only another classic touch and added dose of sprezzatura, it also protects against the elements while piloting the XK with the top down at serious speeds. A hefty dose of McQueen meanwhile can be seen in the rakish cap, sunglasses and watch. For the feet and the road, a pair of pebble-sold leather driving moccasins by Tod's keep the haute Italian vibe going.

The checked linen driving cap - this model is made by Brooks Brothers - of the type favored by McQueen has no brim to collide with a car's headrest, and is infinitely more elegant than a baseball cap. Also on view: iconic Italian Persol sunglasses, in particular the model made famous by McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair. Starring in this feature are a foldable version of McQueen's faves, as well as a couple of other killer Persol models; all are available at Ilori. Also included is a pair of shades by Paul Smith. The watch is a classic and vintage stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II, available at Tourneau, of a similar design to the Rolex Submariner model favored by McQueen (and which recently fetched a record price at auction). Read on for details of the rest of the accessories after the jump.

Gallery: Essential Summer Style 7/09

Tags: Adrianna Ault, AdriannaAult, Brooks Brothers, BrooksBrothers, camera, Clark Gable, ClarkGable, classic cars, ClassicCars, convertible, Duke of Windsor, DukeOfWindsor, Etro, Floto Imports, FlotoImports, hats, Ilori, Jaguar, Leica, lighter, Paul Smith, Paul Stuart, PaulSmith, PaulStuart, Persol, photography, Polo, Prince of Wales, PrinceOfWales, prosecco, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Rolex, S.T. Dupont, S.t.Dupont, scarf, Steve McQueen, SteveMcqueen, summer, summer style, SummerStyle, sunglasses, teNeues, Tods, Tourneau, Truman Capote, TrumanCapote, Turnbull Asser, TurnbullAsser, Via dei Mille, ViaDeiMille

Continue reading “EXCLUSIVE PHOTO FEATURE: Essential Summer Style, Starring the Jaguar XK Convertible”

Lexus Increases Production of IS Convertible to Meet Growing Demand

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Looking to get your hands on the hot new Lexus IS convertible? You may have to wait a while, as early sales figures indicate a high demand for the luxury cabrio without enough supply to meet it. Demand is so high, in fact, that parent company Toyota had to increase production at its assembly plant in Japan to 1200 units per month. Of those, nearly a quarter go to the Northeastern United States alone, and you can be sure that California and Florida boost those number significantly as well.

The model is available as both the IS250C and IS350C, the former of which –with a 204hp 2.5-liter V6 and $38k sticker price – accounts for some 85% of sales, while the latter – the more powerful $44k 306hp 3.5-liter IS350C – makes up only 15% of sales for the luxurious hard-top convertible. But as demand increase, buyers may be looking at dealer premiums to get ahead on the waiting list.

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Tags: auto sales, AutoSales, cabrio, convertible, convertible sales, ConvertibleSales, lexus, lexus convertible, lexus is, lexus is250c, lexus is350c, LexusConvertible, LexusIs, LexusIs250c, LexusIs350c, sales

The Classicist: Cruising in the New 2010 Jaguar XK Convertible

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, The Classicist

A few years back we went on one of the best road trips ever at the wheel of a Jaguar XK convertible. So we literally leapt at the chance to take the brand new one for a spin. Jaguar roadsters have always held a place of honor in the pantheon of stylish sports cars, dating back to the legendary XK120, forerunner of the current model - although stylistically the new XK owes more to the XK-E (E-Type) with its oval mouth. The XK120 referred to the car's top speed; when introduced in 1948 it was the world's fastest standard production car, with killer looks to match. It acquired an instant aura of glamor and cemented Jaguar's reputation forever when Gary Cooper, Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart cruised Hollywood in their XK120s like stylish gods. (We'll develop on this theme further in a later installment).

The XK120 evolved into the famous race-winning XK120-C, or C-Type, that in turn led to the wicked D-Type, made famous by Steve McQueen, and eventually the iconic E-Type, which as noted the current model most closely resembles. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, the E-Type's legendary power to attract the opposite sex was phrased best by American motoring writer Henry Manney III, who dubbed it "The greatest crumpet-catcher known to man." Not a bad precedent for its more recent relation. While we didn't actually catch any crumpets with the new XK, it wasn't the car's fault as we were more interested in zooming down the road than cozying up to the local flora and fauna. Also there are a lot more outlandish-looking autos on the road these days; compared to these the XK exudes an elegant aura of restrained power that behooves its feline namesake; very British in a sense.

For 2010 the aluminum-bodied XK available as of this August is kitted out with an AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine capable of delivering 385 hp and 515 Nm of torque (a supercharged version produces 510 hp and 625 Nm of torque). With these numbers the naturally aspirated version hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Some subtle, sporty updates over previous models have been made to the exterior without detracting from the car's stylistic heritage, including a new front end, new rear lights fitted with LED technology, a new rear body valance, body-colored side power vents, chrome-detailed inserts, and sleek alloy wheels.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XK Convertible

Tags: British car, BritishCar, convertible, Gary Cooper, GaryCooper, Humphrey Bogart, HumphreyBogart, Jaguar, Jaguar XK, JaguarXk, roadster, sports cars, SportsCars, Steve McQueen, SteveMcqueen, UK

Continue reading “The Classicist: Cruising in the New 2010 Jaguar XK Convertible”

Soccer Star Ronaldo's Porsche for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Celebrity Shopping, Sports

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo's black-on-black Porsche 911 convertible (above) is being offered for sale in the UK. As we reported back in January, the champion athlete who is set to play for Real Madrid after his club Manchester United accepted a record £80 million bid last week, totaled his Ferrari but walked away unscathed. The car on offer is a Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Tiptronic S which Ronaldo bought in 2007, the UK Auto Trader reports.

It's just one of a fleet of supercars which have been owned by the 24-year-old, who mainly drives a Bentley Continental GT Speed these days. The Porsche can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 177 mph. It has only 16,000 miles on it and is priced at £69,995 or about $115,000. Ronaldo was recently snapped canoodling with Paris Hilton in Las Vegas celebrating his new contract.

Tags: convertible, Cristiano Ronaldo, CristianoRonaldo, Ferrari, Manchester United, ManchesterUnited, Porsche, Porsche 911, Porsche911, soccer, sports star, SportsStar

California Dreamin': Mercedes-Benz CL Convertible

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If the environmental activists are right, the planet should be getting warmer every year, so if the world's really going to hell in a proverbial handbasket, you might as well enjoy the weather behind the wheel of a convertible. But while there are plenty of delectable cabrios and roadsters on the market already, some want something a little different. Fortunately there are skilled chop-shops that can lop the roof off just about any car and replace it with a folding canvas top. One of the most experienced is California's Newport Convertible Engineering, whose portfolio includes such recent and varied conversions as a Hummer H2 sport-utility, Toyota Prius hybrid, Cadillac CTS sedan and the Mercedes CL coupe you see here. Benz has been talking about bringing back the CL cabriolet for some time, but evidently one customer was tired of waiting. The conversion job costs about $10,000, but considering that this donor vehicle cost six figures already, that seems like just a drop in the bucket.

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Tags: convertible, convertible conversion, ConvertibleConversion, mercedes, mercedes cl, mercedes cl cabrio, mercedes cl convertible, mercedes cl-class convertible, mercedes-benz, mercedes-benz cl convertible, mercedes-benz cl-class, mercedes-benz cl-class cabrio, Mercedes-benzCl-class, Mercedes-benzCl-classCabrio, Mercedes-benzClConvertible, MercedesCl, MercedesCl-classConvertible, MercedesClCabrio, MercedesClConvertible, newport, newport california, newport convertible, newport convertible engineering, NewportCalifornia, NewportConvertible, NewportConvertibleEngineering

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