Open-air motoring is one of the great pleasures of these cars, but wind buffeting at speed with the hood down is a genuine comfort issue, particularly on faster roads. Turbulence entering the cockpit over the folded hood creates a disruptive pressure wave that tires occupants quickly and significantly limits the speeds at which hood-down driving is truly enjoyable. The airflow over the windscreen creates a vortex behind the screen that causes wind noise, buffeting of driver and passenger, and scattering of any loose items in the cockpit. A windstop addresses this directly.
The windstop fits behind the seats across the full width of the cockpit opening, creating a physical barrier that deflects airflow up and over the cabin rather than allowing it to spill in. The effect at speed is immediate and substantial, wind noise and buffeting are reduced significantly, and conversation between driver and passenger becomes possible at speeds where it would otherwise be impossible. It is one of the most consistently recommended practical accessories for any owner who uses the car regularly with the hood down.
Types and Construction
Deflectors are available in various designs, from simple mesh screens that clip between mounting points to more substantial perspex or tinted windstop panels. The mesh type provides turbulence reduction while remaining almost invisible when fitted, and is manufactured with a leather-trimmed frame and woven mesh panel that complements the interior. It is available in black leather binding as standard, with a choice of alternative binding colours to coordinate with the interior trim, hood cloth, or tonneau cover. Perspex or tinted panels provide more effective wind management and a visual design element that gives the car a purposeful touring appearance.
Practical Benefits
Beyond comfort, reduced cockpit turbulence has practical advantages: conversation becomes possible at speed, the car stereo can be heard, and the driver's eyes are less fatigued by constant buffeting. The effect is particularly noticeable for the passenger, who typically experiences more buffeting than the driver. All types are designed for easy fitting and removal, requiring no permanent modification to the car, and can be installed in minutes for a motorway run and removed just as quickly when not needed.