Ask anybody who lives here and they will tell you July isn't convertible weather. It is 92 degrees with the humidity sitting on your chest, and the top stays up because the air conditioning is the only thing making the drive bearable.
The good months start about now. September loosens up, October is the payoff, and the stretch through early November is the one locals actually drive with the top down. Mornings are cool, afternoons are warm without being punishing, and the light in the evening over the marsh is the reason people take the long way home.
The car
The Fiat 500c convertible in our fleet has a power soft top that rolls back like a big sunroof. Afternoon storms still roll through in September, and closing it is a ten second decision at a stoplight. It seats four and it's one of the cheaper cars on the lot rather than a premium upcharge.
Where to point it
The lot is on Folly Road, so Folly Beach is the obvious first run. Center Street to the pier, then back up the island with the top down as it cools off.
The better drive is across the Ravenel toward Sullivan's Island, then over Breach Inlet to Isle of Palms. That stretch of road with the water on both sides is worth the bridge traffic. Middle Street for dinner on the way back.
If you want distance, Maybank Highway across Johns Island toward Kiawah runs under live oaks most of the way.
Booking it
It books online like the rest of the fleet, and it's the first car to go in good weather. Pick your dates on the booking page and the rate shows before you commit. Pickup is at 1471 Folly Road.