There are certain cars that although they sound and yes, even look impressive, can create a certain ego-draining frustration as you attempt to climb down and into the driver’s seat like an out-of-practice young contortionist from Cirque du Soleil. We’re talking convertibles, a.k.a. rag tops, drop tops or, in a few instances, a roadster. Generally speaking, such vehicles can command a higher than some sticker price—seldom do they live up to that “value”, perceived, or otherwise.
However, I recently had the good fortune to drive a Mercedes-Benz SL550 decked out with a Diamond White Metallic multi-layered coat of paint, which from day one driving impressions, managed to convert a long time sports car skeptic with apparent ease. This is, indeed, a roadster, one which can be driven anywhere with pride of ownership. The interior is all elegance, hand-stitched leather dash, genuine fine wood trim, and the use of aluminum accenting.
