[stephen low]

JD

A well made top should do a pretty fair job keeping rain out but I'm guessing it will not be fully impervious to residual seepage over time on a long drive.

Similarly it is important to work on all the usual known leakage points on these cars. Water running in through the windscreen post body openings, drainage through the door gaps and so forth.

Then there is the cabin humidity and misting effect on the windscreen so they are a bit of work in the wetter months.

However the hood will improve heating, can offer shade and for me is that emergency cover if caught out in inclement weather.

Getting a hood really depends on when you want to drive the car and whether you can put up with a bit of misting if wet weather driving without a hood up.