Here's a funny thing: Many of Detroit's "last convertibles" were more numerous than earlier models. Take Chevrolet's last big ragtop, the 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, which saw 8349 copies versus 4670 for the similar '74. Well, that's what happens when people hear that something is endangered and rush to buy before it's all gone.

Chevy's full-size convertible had long been an exclusive member of the top-line Impala series when the Caprice bowed in 1965 as an even finer, more luxurious big bow-tie that eventually overtook Impala in sales. The ragtop belatedly migrated to the Caprice camp for '73, allowing Chevy to clear more money on each one. Still, the '75 was reasonably priced for the day at $5113, which included rich upholstery, major power assists, and a smooth (if thirsty) 175-horsepower 400 V-8 linked to Turbo Hydramatic transmission.

Of course, there have been other ragtop Chevys since, but none as sumptuous as this Caprice. And sadly for convertible lovers, there probably won't be again.

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