Celtic Tigresses drive sales of convertibles through the roof

WE’VE all seen them.

As traffic lights flash red, they screech to a halt, smoothing their glossy hair and glancing approvingly at their immaculate appearance in the rearview mirror.

Often blonde, with not a dark root to be seen, this breed sports the latest designer sunglasses, beautifully arched eyebrows and a South-of-France tan.

It’s the Celtic Tigress — as far removed from De Valera’s vision of “comely maidens dancing at the Crossroads” as Amy Winehouse.

The latest survey from credit providers, GE Money, has revealed that these high-maintenance queens of bling are fuelling the Irish convertible market.

Commercial director, Eoin Lynam, says sales of convertibles are no longer driven by middle-aged executives looking to recapture their lost youth.

“These cars are no longer seen as being weather-dependent but now as ‘high image’ products. More and more people, particularly women, are entering the convertible market because they feel these cars just look better. Because of this, convertibles are becoming a more mainstream status symbol, so for many drivers, it’s a case of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’,” Mr Lynam said.

In the first half of this year, 2,012 convertibles were sold in this country. This compares with 1,069 in 2003 and 600 in 1999. According to GE Money, price wasn’t a primary consideration for many of these customers, who were “very choosy.”

“They want premium quality, with all the added extras, and are willing to pay,” said Mr Lynam.

As for our gloomy weather, Society of the Irish Motor Industry chief executive, Cyril McHugh, said modern engineering has overcome this snag.

“There’s no comparison on years ago. The solid convertible roof is as rainproof as an ordinary car,” he said.