Convertible Car Market Shrinks to 11 Models in UK as Used Prices Rise

The selection of new convertible cars available to consumers in the United Kingdom has dwindled to just 11 models from major automotive brands, marking a two-decade low. This decline comes as manufacturers increasingly shift focus to SUVs and electric vehicles, making open-top cars a rarity.

Analysis by used car website CarGurus reveals that the number of available roadsters and cabriolets has fallen by 31% in the past year alone. Over the last two decades, the market has seen a 70% erosion, with the number of convertible models dropping from 37 in 2005 to the current 11. Since 2020, the availability of convertible options has decreased by 62%, making these vehicles harder to find.

As of 2026, only nine of the UK's top 30 automotive brands are expected to offer a convertible, down from 14 in 2020 and 19 in 2010. Consequently, seven out of ten popular manufacturers no longer sell soft-top models. The brands that continue to offer convertibles include BMW, Fiat, Ford, Mazda, MG, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Recent months have seen the discontinuation of several popular open-top models. BMW has reduced its convertible lineup from five to two, axing the Z4, 8 Series, and M8 convertibles, while retaining the 4 Series and M4 convertible. Porsche has also discontinued the 718 Boxster but continues to offer the 911 as a Cabriolet or Targa. Jeep has exited the convertible market entirely within the last year. The VW T-Roc Cabriolet is also slated for discontinuation with the arrival of a new-generation model.

The transition to electric vehicles has not significantly revitalized the convertible segment. Of the 11 new convertible models currently on sale, only two are fully electric: the MG Cyberster roadster and the Fiat 500e cabrio.

Despite the limited choice in new car showrooms, demand for convertibles in the used market remains strong. According to the CarGurus Price Trends Index, the average price of used convertibles has increased by 10% in the last year, reaching approximately £18,000. This makes the convertible the third most expensive car body style on average, surpassing SUVs and trailing only coupes and pickup trucks.

"For years, convertibles were a core part of many manufacturer line-ups, and they brought character and desirability to a brand’s range," said Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK editorial director. "Today, they’re becoming an increasingly rare sight as car makers focus investment on SUVs and electrification."