There is a certain romance to a convertible that contrasts vividly against the relentless pursuit of speed, which envelops supercars. Supercars are all about performance, but the minute the roof is chopped off, the personality changes, and it adopts a more laid-back approach. However, a V12 convertible ups the drama quotient further since it gives its driver the surround sound effect of hearing twelve cylinders working in harmony. The latest duo of convertibles is perhaps the last of their kind since they possess the unending charm of having a 12-cylinder engine. Both the Vanquish Volante and the Ferrari 12 Cilindri Spiders are grand tourers with a sporting bent, but arguably the convertible is the one to buy.
The 12 Cilindri looks futuristic and harks back to the era of 60s Ferraris with a nod to the 365 GTB4 Daytona. The styling has split opinion, but it looks terrific with a futuristic approach along with its wedge-shaped detailing. The Vanquish Volante, on the other hand, has sensuous flanks and gorgeous curves draped liberally all over, along with the slightly brutish elegance of the Vanquish coupe. The engines are different, since the 12 Cilindri uses a naturally aspirated V12 while the Vanquish Volante uses a similar cylinder count but with turbochargers being added into the mix.
The 12 Cilindri, though, has a folding hardtop which makes it slightly heavier, while the same can be said for the Vanquish, which has the K-fold mechanism. In the end, it is about the design, brand, and the character that one associates it but both are not for the faint-hearted with a flamboyant appeal which encroaches into your character as well. The big V12 convertible is a species kept for the wealthiest corners of the globe, and there, these two blend in very well indeed.
Both are very well equipped and comfortable for daily use, while leaning on some practicality as well. Priced north of $500,000, each of these convertibles is the most tempting of their genre, but brings in something different or alluring with their engines being the talking point. It brings the old-school GT segment back with a glorious big engine nestled within a bonnet which stretches for miles and a sonorous soundtrack which dominates your driving experience. These two cars are perhaps the last of their kind, and we must savor them.
