1902, a small dental practice in eastern France. Georges Paulin examines his patients' molars, but his mind wanders elsewhere. On his desk, sketches of cars mingle with dental X-rays. This dentist is hiding a secret: he's going to revolutionize the global automobile . And you know what? Without him, you'd never have been able to enjoy the pleasure of the great outdoors behind the wheel for the price of a city car.

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Picture the scene: Georges finishes his consultation, puts away his instruments, and takes out his pencils. He looks at the traditional car tops of the time—those canvas things that leaked, flapped in the wind, and required three strong men to fold. " There must be something better ," he thinks. And that's where it all begins.

Because you see, the story of popular convertibles is first and foremost the story of an impossible dream that becomes accessible. It's the story of how a brilliant invention by a French dentist will allow millions of ordinary people to taste the ultimate luxury: driving with the wind in their hair .

The Forgotten Genius of Dr. Paulin

So Georges Paulin, I have to tell you, is a fascinating character . Dentist by day, inventor by night. In 1931, he filed the patent for the first automated retractable hardtop system. He called it "Eclipse." Do you know why? Because when the roof retracts, it literally eclipses the passenger compartment, just like during a solar eclipse. It's poetic, isn't it?

But wait, it gets even more beautiful. The first prototype isn't a Peugeot, oh no! It's a Hotchkiss delivered in September 1933. Paulin partners with Marcel Pourtout, a coachbuilder, and Émile Darl'mat, a Parisian car dealer. The dynamic trio that will shake up the automotive industry!

Except that Georges doesn't just draw in his corner. He wants his system to work perfectly. So he tests, he improves, he perfects . And in 1934, Peugeot buys his patent. Can you imagine? A dentist selling his invention to the car manufacturer!

The Peugeot Eclipse - 301, 401, 601, 402 - rolled off the assembly line between 1934 and 1940. But be careful, we're not talking about mass production here. These cars were tailor-made , pure craftsmanship. A few hundred examples at most.

The Tragic Fate of a Hero

And then comes 1942. Georges Paulin, this mechanical genius , becomes a member of the Resistance. A member of the Alibi network, he fights against the Nazi occupiers. On March 21, 1942, at only 40 years old, he is shot at Mont Valérien. He never spoke under torture . Can you believe it? The man who invented the modern convertible dies a war hero.

It gives me goosebumps every time. This guy literally gave the world the joy of convertibles, and he died for freedom. He was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre in 1945 and the Resistance Medal in 1969. A true hero that no one knows .

Ford Takes Over: The Industrial Feat

Okay, the Peugeot Eclipse was great, but let's be honest : a few hundred cars doesn't democratize anything at all. It was still reserved for an elite.

And that's where Ford comes in with a completely crazy project: the 1957 Fairlane 500 Skyliner. You know the Americans , when they get down to it, they go all out!

Imagine the technical madness: 7 reversible electric motors, 610 feet of wiring, 10 switches, 10 solenoids, and 4 cylinders ! It was a gas factory, but a gas factory that worked. And above all, Ford produced nearly 48,000 units between 1957 and 1959.

This is a new dimension! For the first time, a manufacturer has proven that a retractable hardtop can be industrialized. Well, sales decline and Ford gives up in 1959, but the message is clear : it's technically possible.

The Renault Floride was much more than a popular car —it was a symbol of freedom and independence for an entire generation of French people. When it was launched in 1958, no one imagined it would become one of France's most iconic cars.

And you know what? This Florida reminds me why I love miniature cars. Because holding a little 1/43rd scale Florida in your hands is like experiencing that whole era all at once.

That's why I opened my shop BernardMiniatures.fr. I have more than 1,500 miniatures in stock, mostly 1/43 scale, specializing in vintage cars from 1950 to 1999. Well, I'm not a big site, so I often only have one or two pieces of each model, but that's also what makes it charming. I have Peugeots of course, but also Florides, MX-5s, small popular convertibles... a bit of everything.

Delivery is free from 75€ in France , and I take care to wrap everything well with bubble wrap because these little cars break easily.

Go take a look at bernardminiatures.fr if you're interested - and you'll see, I have a few convertibles that are definitely worth a look.

Now, let's talk a little more about the revolution that will change everything...

The Mazda Revolution: Accessibility at Last!

1989, Japan strikes a major blow. Mazda launches the MX-5 with a magnificent Japanese concept: "Jinba ittai," the union of rider and mount. I love this philosophy ! The idea is that the car and the driver are one.

The MX-5 is inspired by the British roadsters of the 60s, but with the added benefit of Japanese reliability . And it's a total hit! More than 430,000 units for the first generation. The best-selling two-seater convertible in the world , no less!

Want to know the secret? It's simple: for the first time, you can buy a real sporty convertible that's reliable, inexpensive to maintain, and, above all, gives you a real thrill . The go-kart effect in a convertible is magical!

And of course, the competition follows. BMW releases its Z3, MG its F... Everyone wants their own affordable little roadster . The market is exploding!

The 2000s: The Popular Apotheosis

But the real turning point came in 2000. Peugeot launched the 206 CC and it was a real hit ! You know what's crazy? This revolutionary car wasn't Peugeot's idea in the first place!

No, it was Heuliez! The bodybuilder had been working on its "Retractop" system since 1992. It proposed it to Peugeot, which tested the concept on the "20cœur" prototype in 1998. The public was immediately won over . Production launched in 2000!

And that 's something that's never been seen before ! The 206 CC became a social phenomenon. In 2004, it represented 3 out of 4 convertibles sold in France! 3 out of 4, can you believe it? In Australia, it's even the best-selling Peugeot model!

In total: nearly 370,000 units until 2007. Despite 400 cars produced per day, delivery times exceeded 6 months! People were queuing up to get their little convertible .

Revolutionary Accessibility

And that's when everything really changes. For the first time in automotive history, the convertible is no longer a luxury for the rich. Anyone can enjoy the great outdoors !

Want some figures? Today, you can find used convertibles for as little as 5,000 euros ! A Ford StreetKa, a Peugeot 304, a Renault Floride, a Fiat Barchetta... Between 7,000 and 10,000 euros on average , you have a huge choice!

I'm fascinated by this democratization. Think of Georges Paulin in his dental office in 1902. He dreamed that everyone could enjoy the pleasure of the convertible . A century later, it's a reality!

Popular Icons

Let's talk about the stars of the segment. The Fiat 500C at 12,564 euros on average, the BMW 3 Series Convertible at 12,965 euros, and of course our beloved MX-5. Cars that provide "an incredible feeling of freedom," according to owners.

And then there are all those little convertibles that became fashionable after the 206 CC: Mini Cabriolet, Fiat 500C, Renault Wind... A huge choice for all budgets !

Do you know what strikes me? It's that these cars awaken all the senses. The smell of cut grass, the sound of the filterless engine, the wind in your hair ... That's the very essence of the automobile!

Decline and Rebirth

But be careful, the story isn't over yet. For several years now, convertible sales have been plummeting. Peugeot has stopped, Renault too . Only the German premium brands continue.

Why? SUVs, of course! Plus new environmental standards and the challenges of electrification. How to electrify a convertible without adding weight to the chassis? It's the technical challenge of the moment.

But I remain optimistic. The pleasure of the convertible is timeless. This feeling of freedom, no SUV can give you that . And then look at the used market: prices are slowly climbing . People understand that we are perhaps living the end of an era.

The Legacy of Georges Paulin

In fact, this whole story always brings me back to Georges Paulin. This brilliant dentist who invented everything, who died a hero, and who allowed millions of people to realize their dreams.

Because that's what a popular convertible is : it's the democratization of the dream. It's the idea that automotive pleasure isn't reserved for the rich . That anyone can, for a weekend, feel free as a bird.

Today, for less than 10,000 euros , you can buy what only millionaires could afford a century ago. That's the genius of the automobile industry : making the inaccessible accessible.

The Cabriolet Spirit: Much More Than a Car

You know, I've spent my life in the car business , and I can tell you that the convertible is special. It's not just a car with the roof removed . It's a philosophy, an art of living.

When you drive a convertible , you are no longer in a bubble. You are part of the landscape, you breathe the air of the times . Old-timers talk about the "kart effect": this direct connection with the road, this feeling that nothing separates you from your environment.

And then there's that pride ! How many times have I seen 206 CC or MX-5 owners with a smile from ear to ear? These cars make you happy , it's scientifically proven!

The other day, I passed a small, restored Renault Floride. The owner, a retiree, was telling me about his weekend escapades. "At my age, it's my way of staying young," he told me. And he was right!

The Future of the Popular Convertible

So yes, the current era is complicated for our beloved convertibles. Electrification, safety standards, SUVs everywhere... But I have faith!

Because look at Tesla : they're releasing an electric Roadster. Mazda is continuing with its MX-5 . Manufacturers understand that this magic must be preserved.

And then there's the booming second-hand market. Young people are rediscovering the joys of old convertibles. A Peugeot 304 convertible or a Fiat Barchetta are starting to become affordable collector's items.

I tell people: if you want a convertible, now is the time! In 10 years, prices will have doubled. And most importantly, you will have missed out on 10 years of fun !

Because that's the message of this story : happiness can't be postponed. Georges Paulin understood this in 1933. He wanted everyone to be able to experience the pleasure of the great outdoors .

Today, his dream has come true. For a few thousand euros, anyone can enjoy this unique experience. This freedom that only the wealthiest once knew .

So the next time you pass a convertible , think of that brilliant dentist who invented everything. Think of all those engineers who made the impossible possible . And above all, think that the dream made accessible is the most beautiful legacy .

The popular convertible is proof that the automotive industry can be beautiful, can be generous. It's proof that dreams are becoming more democratic . And that, my friends, is something no SUV can ever give you .