A popular vehicle type could go extinct in the coming years as major manufacturers ditch the former driver favourite in place of other models.

Fresh analysis reveals that merely 16 drop-top variants remain on offer from Britain's leading 30 vehicle manufacturers.

This stark figure represents a precipitous 48 per cent reduction from the 31 models available at the start of the millennium.

The peak for soft-top selection came in 2005, making today's meagre offerings particularly striking 20 years later.

MERCEDES

Where buyers once enjoyed abundant choice across multiple segments, the contemporary marketplace offers slim pickings for those yearning for traditional topless driving.

Over the past half-decade alone, available models have plunged by 45 per cent, tumbling from 29 options in 2020 to today's limited selection.

Even more alarming is the acceleration witnessed in the previous 12 months as the market shed nearly 28 per cent of its remaining convertible offerings, falling from 22 vehicles to the current 16.

Where the initial two decades of decline averaged roughly two per cent annually, the recent collapse has seen that rate multiply sevenfold.

BMW

The recent reductions suggest an industry-wide abandonment of the body style that once epitomised automotive freedom and leisure.

Only 10 carmakers maintain drop-top offerings within their ranges, a sharp contrast to 15 at the millennium and the 23 brands that competed during 2005's market peak.

This means 68 per cent of Britain's most popular automotive manufacturers have completely abandoned the body style.

The remaining holdouts comprise BMW, Fiat, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, MG, Mini, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Among these survivors, only five have maintained uninterrupted convertible production throughout the past quarter-century: BMW, Mazda, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Audi's recent departure proves particularly symbolic, ending production of its R8 Spyder after 16 years and leaving the brand without any open-top offerings.

The fundamental force reshaping Britain's automotive landscape becomes clear when examining broader market trends.

Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK editorial director, said: "Our latest annual Convertibles Report highlights more than just a drop in new car model selection. It reflects a wider shift in the automotive landscape towards SUVs.

PORSCHE

"While the number of new convertibles on sale has fallen by 45 per cent since 2020, the number of new SUVs and crossovers has grown by a staggering 543 per cent.

"Thankfully, the new models that are still available in soft top form are of a very high calibre and cover a fairly broad range, from the electric Fiat 500e C city car through to more traditional sports cars such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet."

Where buyers once prioritised open-air motoring pleasure, today's consumers overwhelmingly favour the perceived practicality and commanding driving position of sport utility vehicles.