The best dream convertible cars for summer

The Aston Martin DB9 Volante is the perfect soundtrack to summer cruising: a throaty V12 provides the surround sound while a 183mph maximum speed is sure to ruffle a few follicles on your expensively-coiffured barnet.By Ian Dickson

 If the DB9 isn’t raffish enough for you, the V12 Vantage should keep you interested. With a hair-trigger throttle, a short wheelbase and a propensity to oversteer EVERYWHERE, you will be picking pieces of tyre rubber out of your hair for a week.By Ian Dickson


 Audi has recently facelifted the R8 – try and spot the changes! – and it remains the convertible sportscar to be seen in. The V8 version drives better but you must have the V10 for the full-on, ear-splitting experience.By Ian Dickson

 The Audi RS5 is lacklustre in the handling department, trying too hard to be a poser’s car and a serious driver’s weapon. However, with the roof chopped off it multiples its appeal tenfold.By Ian Dickson