Long Live the Convertible

As the nose of the plane began its ascent, I pulled out my American Way as usual to breeze through the headlines before opening up my laptop to tap out a few emails.  However, one title really struck my attention:”End of an Era” – describing the demise of the convertible.

Instantly,  I  envisioned my hair blowing perfectly in the air as I freely jetted down the highway with “Bittersweet Symphony” playing in the background, but was rushed back to reality as I quickly remembered I now was a member of the “SUV brigade” at least for another 15-20 years. Needless to say, my owning a convertible years weren’t in near sight, but more of a white light at the end of the tunnel making carpool duty not as dreadful.

Getting back to the article, it outlined the demise of the classic car style over the years and how many car companies had either quit making them all together or in some cases, left only one model in their fleet. While facts are facts and car companies are in the business of making money, I began to think that life without a convertible (or at least the option of it) wasn’t really possible. I mean what would empty nesters, pageant queens and hollywood stars do without them? But why end it with those select few? Why does a convertible only have a place for life during those small window periods? Either way, I now had an even great need…I wasn’t going to lose my chance to get behind the wheel of a convertible – even if I had two children, grocery shopping, etc. to deal with.

When I returned from my business trip, I set out to get my chance to experience the idea of pleasure and freedom that a convertible promises to deliver. Thankfully, I was was able to get my hands on not just any convertible, but a beautiful silver 2014 Lexus IS 350 C.

When she rolled up in the driveway, again I was transported to the vision of my hair, the wind, the music and wreckless abandonment. Then I was quickly reminded that the empty fridge meant I couldn’t abandon my duties, so I slipped into the seat and off I went to the grocery store. So with the push of one button, the top came down and I was ready roll. I actually was excited to hit the market.

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Life is more fun in a convertible…just have to plan grocery shopping accordingly. #lexus #convertible #funsummer #autolove #ontheblogsoon

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Success! While it was a tight fit, I didn’t modify my list to fit the car. I wanted to see if I could get groceries for a family of four in the trunk. You’d be surprised how roomy the trunk is – I mean HUGE. Throughout the next two weeks I took on several challenges in the convertible; things that I routinely did, but now in the Lexus IS 350 C. Dropping of the kids to school (yep a 3 year old and a 6 year old is easy out when the top is down and with a handy button), a two trip to see my parents, loading up a run to Home Depot, going to a few meetings normally would be rather boring, but somehow they got an upgrade. I felt like I had gotten an upgrade and I didn’t mean the car. I meant my attitude. It was fun to do things and it was fun to be in the car. During that two weeks I did not use my “mom car” once. Again, my own little mamachallenge at work, I wondered where we ever got the idea that a convertible is only for those special few moments and people. I appreciate that on Christmas I probably wouldn’t have a top down with loads of presents flying out the back, but there definitely was a place in the world for a convertible and in my driveway.

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My boy’s first road trip in the Lexus convertible and he’s convinced it’s the coolest thing ever. Thank goodness it’s 72 in August in Texas! #lexus #roadtrip #Texas #familyreunion #funcity

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There’s a lot to say about the Lexus IS 350 C (or what the kids called the Barbie Car), but a few that I really appreciated in this car beyond comfort and style that comes with having a Lexus:

• THREE-PIECE RETRACTABLE HARDTOP: The IS C hardtop retracts effortlessly in about 20 seconds.
• HANDS-FREE TECHNOLOGY: A range of available voice-activated features help you receive phone calls and operate climate, audio and navigation functions as well as use of the Lexus Enform system.
• OPTIMIZED CLIMATE CONTROL: Utilizing multiple sensors, this system helps ensure the ideal interior temperature, whether the top is up or down.

And just in case you thought I didn’t take safety into consideration, this car was made for all four seats to be used! There are safety latches for car seats, six airbags in the front, Safety Connect that communicates for help if you are in an accident and tons of features that are made to make sure that your car doesn’t work if it’s stolen, your brakes go into overdrive if you can’t, resists rain on the windshield in case of weather and park assist if you are incapable of parallel parking this baby. But don’t take my word for it, check out this impressive list of other safety features.

After my own little experiment, I know that the only death of the convertible is spoken from those people who have never driven one. And kinda like those special plates and towels in the cabinet that never get used except for “special occasions,” there’s no better opportunity than today to making it a special day.