The Hard and Soft Truth About Convertible Driving
Chrysler brand survey reveals our hard versus soft opinions
Spring is in the air, so it’s time to think convertibles. A recent Chrysler brand survey finds that 62 percent of Americans prefer hard convertible tops, with the remainder choosing soft tops.
That’s a good thing, since the all-new Chrysler Sebring convertible is the first convertible to offer three top options: vinyl, cloth, and a body color steel retractable hard top. While Chrysler was in an asking mood, the survey also looked at some other hard versus soft opinions, all related to summertime driving:
- Fifty percent of those surveyed prefer soft-serve ice cream compared to 43 percent for the hard, hand-packed version. Does this mean that seven percent either don’t care or don’t like ice cream? Shameful.
- Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed would rather have a soft, paperback book over a hard-cover novel when reading at the beach or on a road trip.
- The Beach Boys, Steppenwolf, Lynyrd Skynyrd and other classic soft rock artists were identified by those taking the survey for making some of the best convertible driving songs.
What’s your favorite convertible driving songs? Whether you cruise around in a classic muscle car or the new Chrysler Sebring convertible, send your three favorite convertible driving songs to us at editor@moparmagazine.com. We’ll let you know in a future issue which song takes the honor.
You Can’t Do That!
Aristotle once said, “Even when the laws have been written down, they ought not always remain unchanged.” Good advice. And prophetic, as well, when you consider just some of the mystifying and arcane motoring laws that still linger in some states. This partial list is courtesy of dmv.org.
In Alaska, there was apparently a need to pen a law making it illegal to tether a dog to the roof of your car.
In Arkansas, authorities have deemed it illegal to blare a car horn where ice cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9:00 p.m.
In Eureka, California, it’s illegal to use a road as a bed no matter how comfortable it may look. And in Glendale, you are not permitted to jump from a vehicle traveling at 65 miles per hour.
In Connecticut—even if you have a HEMI® Orange Dodge Challenger—hunting from cars is illegal, even during deer season.
Going on the intuitive hunch that teeter totters on cars don’t mix, it’s illegal in Dublin, Georgia to drive a car through a playground.
Beware if you own a bicycle in Galesburg, Illinois. The cops there have no tolerance for “fancy riding.”
In Topeka, Kansas, it is against the law to transport dead poultry along Kansas Avenue. No KFCs on Kansas Avenue, apparently.
In Minnetonka, Minnesota, it is illegal to drive a truck that leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road.
In Reno, Nevada, you are not allowed to place a bench or chair in the middle of the road.
Arbor Day requires special planning in Blairstown, New Jersey, where officials have made it illegal to plant trees in the middle of the street.
In Oregon you can be ticketed if you leave your car door opened for longer than is deemed necessary.
In Scituate, Rhode Island, it’s illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle, even if it’s unopened. So, in other words, if you’re a beer delivery driver you’re pretty much out of luck.
