Landau (automobile)

Landau, when used in referencing an automobile, generally means a simulated convertible.

Landau is originally a coachbuilding term for a type of carriage; see Landau (carriage). Many coachbuilding terms transferred over to automobile usage, since coachbuilders began making motor car bodies instead, and because customers were familiar with coachbuilding terms.

The landau, however, was not a style that transferred well to the automobile. A forward view was generally insisted upon by passengers, so the half-landau (landaulet) style became a more popular choice than the true landau. The landaulet opens over the rear seats, but not the front. Some of these vehicles were inaccurately described as "landaus" while some models with landau bars were falsely conveying the impression that it was a convertible coupe.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) defined the landau closed-type body with provision for opening or folding the rear quarter, by use of landau joints which precludes the use of quarter glass. In the 1920s and 1930s, especially in the United States, "landau" became associated with a simulated convertible, in which a fixed roof of a sedan with solid rear quarters was covered with fabric or leather and fitted with S-shaped side landau bars to make it appear like a convertible top. This became the commonly accepted definition of "landau" in North American marketing usage.

After World War II, the term fell into disuse. However, landau became a model name when Nash Motors introduced the Rambler in 1950. The new compact car was available during its first year of production only as a "convertible landau". The Rambler's canvas top opened from the windshield header all the way to the back and stowed in the trunk area. This unique convertible design featured steel framed roof rails called a "bridge beam" around the car's doors and side windows. The Rambler's strong body structure eliminated the internal bracing that was normally needed on other open cars. Essentially it was a cabrio coach.

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