---
title: "Tesla Model S Plaid Convertible Is the Closest You’ll Ever Get to Owning a Roadster"
description: "The Tesla Model S can now be had as the high-performance electric convertible that Elon Musk so far hasn't been able to provide."
date: "2023-09-21"
modified: "2023-09-21"
authors:
  - name: "James Gilboy"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tesla-model-s-plaid-convertible-is-the-closest-youll-ever-get-to-owning-a-roadster"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Tesla News"
tags:
  - "Convertible"
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "model s"
  - "sedan"
  - "Tesla"
---

# Tesla Model S Plaid Convertible Is the Closest You’ll Ever Get to Owning a Roadster

![Tesla Model S Plaid convertible](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20/teslamodelsplaid4.jpg>)
*\<em\>Newport Convertible Engineering\</em\>*

It's only just struck me that the options for electric convertibles are...slim. Your choices are either an old Tesla Roadster or a [GMC Hummer EV](<https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2024-gmc-hummer-ev-suv-first-drive-review-specs-price-options-impressions>), both of which cost well over $100,000 and can be hard to find. A [Tesla Model S](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/41492/2022-tesla-model-s-plaid-review-a-new-1020-hp-chapter-in-american-luxury>) on the other hand is pretty ubiquitous by now, and paying to have one turned into a convertible is *still* probably cheaper than the alternatives.

Model S convertibles are now offered by [Newport Convertible Engineering](<https://www.newportconvertible.com/custom-convertibles/tesla-model-s>), which is known for its [custom drop-tops](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/rare-subaru-wrx-sti-convertible-could-be-yours-for-just-59980>) and [falcon-hunting cars](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/38761/the-falcon-has-landed-the-wild-world-of-falcon-hunting-cars>). It made [a Model 3 convertible](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/33603/nobody-asked-for-a-tesla-model-3-convertible-but-heres-one-anyway>) years ago, which didn't look great, but there weren't exactly many other options. Now, it'll do them for [Tesla](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/tesla-news>)'s higher-end sedan, including the 1,000-horsepower Plaid as seen in the case of the red car here. (Flashing light warning—the video seared my eyes.)

> [View this post on Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxABgh3uLT8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading>)

> [A post shared by Al Hanson (@newportconvertible)](<https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxABgh3uLT8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading>)

NCE told *The Drive* that conversion involves reinforcements along the rocker panels and interior, and that the soft top "is designed to match the maximum speed capabilities of the Tesla." The conversion also evidently leaves the B-pillars and a span of roof connecting them intact, improving safety in case of a rollover. The back seat looks harder to get into, though, because of an extension on the C-pillar to support the roof frame.

As for cost, NCE tells us that conversion runs $50,000 and takes four months to complete. With the Model S appearing to bottom out at around $40,000 on the used market, you're looking at more than $90,000 altogether. That's still well shy of what you'll pay for any other EV you can pop the top off of, though.

Plus, if you do it to a Plaid, you'll be closer to a new Roadster than [Tesla](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/tesla-reviews>) may ever get. Okay, I kid, but [you'd better not expect it to hover](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/25884/elon-musk-says-next-gen-roadster-will-hover-in-the-air-using-spacex-tech>).

![Tesla Model S convertible](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20/teslas-2.jpg>)
*Tesla Model S convertible. *Newport Convertible Engineering**

*Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com*

## Author
James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids."

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/jamesgilboy>)