Bless her heart but Maggie, my -ex, didn't care much for convertibles. We're still friends and if I showed up with a soft-top she'd probably raise the roof (metaphorically) until I raised it (physically). Maggie didn't tell me this when we first met, for courting couples rarely reveal their inner thoughts. I bought a Morris Minor convertible, dropped the top, and we set out from Toronto to watch the sports car races at Watkins Glen, NY, with nary a peep from her. It wasn't until six years later when I purchased a Chevrolet Corvair convertible that Maggie informed me the dust, dirt, and hair-messing of convertibles made her uncomfortable. In retrospect I realise that 90% of our driving was in Toronto traffic where conditions were nothing like the romanticised versions of top-down motoring.

What brings this to mind is a special evening at L.A.'s Petersen Museum where lucky Angelinos are invited to join curator Leslie Kendall for a behind-the-ropes tour of the new exhibition, "Going Topless in Style: The American Convertible." The date is May 22nd, 7:30 to 9:00 PM in the Grand Salon. The museum explains: "during this guided tour, you will learn about the history of American convertibles, exploring how the convertible evolved from its inception in the 1910s to today and why the body type has become so intimately associated with Southern California. Mr. Kendall will demonstrate how different types of convertible tops open and close, using examples on display."

Maggie should be there. I should be there. I still love convertibles, believing that the modern climate-controlled sedan removes us from the beauties of nature. Okay, there's not much of that in the city but get into the country on a winding road in spring or fall and I guarantee the experience will be more uplifting than 0-60 acceleration, cellphone calls, and downloaded MP3's. Long after the steel-topped sedan offered its occupants protection from the elements motorists continue to buy convertibles, regardless of the inconvenience. If you were to ask me which vintage convertible I'd like to drive today (and I realise you haven't) I might still go for that Corvair. Maggie promises to wear sunglasses and a hat.