Mercury

Launched in 1938 as a subdivision of the Ford Motor Company, Mercury convertible top cars have served as an entry level luxury vehicle for decades before the brand was phased out in 2011. In 1945 Mercury was combined with Lincoln to form the Lincoln-Mercury division, which started strong right out of the gate with the Mercury soft top.

The replacement Mercury soft top did particularly well in the 1970s during the gas crisis, as American buyers who wanted a luxury vehicle started choosing smaller, more affordable luxury models. Mercury sales reached an all-time high in 1978.