Up until now, the only way to get a Tesla with a convertible top was to buy their old roadster. The new roadster from Tesla is not available yet, and the rest of the Tesla lineup does not have the convertible option. But, in the automotive industry, if you want something bad enough, there is always a shop that will create it for you if you are willing to pay up. Now, a shop has done just that. 

The conversion shop

Newport Convertible Engineering is not new to convertible conversions. The company has been around since 1983. Since then, Newport has been giving everything from a classic Mercedes and Roll-Royce, to an Escalade and a GTR the ability to drop their top. The shop also has applied its experience to slicing the top off of the Tesla Model 3 and Model S, all for a nominal fee of course.

Tesla Model 3

If you have been itching to have the wind in your hair as you a drive a zero-emission electric Tesla Model 3 down the road, then Newport will be happy to oblige. Their newest conversion removes the roof and rear glass off of the Model 3. The B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors) stays in place during the conversion to preserve chassis rigidity and cameras that are used by the adaptive cruise control system. Additional measures are taken to strengthen the car as well. The convertible top will use some of the trunk space. The soft-top conversion is $29,500. The hard-top conversion is $39,500. The car will be road and water tested prior to being handed back to the owner.

Tesla Model S 

Newport has been offering Tesla Model S convertible conversions for over five years now. Like the Model 3 conversion, the B-pillar is retained and some trunk space is used. The soft-top conversion is $29,000. This model also receives reinforcement, as well as the road and water testing. 

Newport goes a step further with the Model S. If the electric four-door hatchback is not your cup of tea, they offer to make the Model S a two-door convertible coupe for you. Although, that is in concept form only right now. They do not have actual vehicles made yet in this configuration, and no pricing is available. 

Both vehicles, the Model 3 and the Model S look alright with the top down. The Model 3 looks a bit awkward with the top up, while the Model S looks more natural. It would be nice to see a hard cover for the soft top. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

More than Teslas

You can bring anything to Newport, and they will let you know how long it will take, and how much it will cost for a convertible conversion. How about a fancy drop-top F-Series convertible pickup? A Subaru BRZ? A classic Cadillac Deville? Yup, Newport has it covered. 

It will take time. It will take money. But, Newport is an experienced shop that can make just about any car into a convertible. In this case, they prove convertible Teslas are real. Of course, if you must have a convertible Tesla, there is another option. Tesla’s new roaster is expected to come out in 2022.