And in motoring terms, this can only be achieved by driving a convertible. Of course, you could drive with all the windows open, or you could have the car's ventilation system blow hot or cold air directly into your face, but this would simply be windblown. To be truly windswept, you need to drive with the top down.

It also depends on the car that you drive, and while practically any model of car can be a convertible, there are some more suited to the escapade.

The Edge used to drive around town in his copper coloured open top Volkswagen Beetle, but that does not necessarily make them commonplace. Rather, there are certain well-known examples of the cabriolet, some typically sporty and others functional and fun, which have been setting the standard for convertible cars for decades.

You don't even need to have a traditionally prestigious car to enjoy driving with the top down. There are plenty of cars in the more affordable segments that have been topless on occasion . . . the Peugeot 206 and the Volkswagen Golf for example. For a modern version of the affordable convertible, you have examples such as the Opel Astra TwinTop (with a folding metal roof rather than a fabric cover), or even the sportier Opel Tigra. You could also opt for the Renault Megane Cabriolet for that bit of French flair.

Still, however much you might enjoy the mid-priced convertible (and wind through the hair is wind through the hair whatever vehicle is providing the exposure), to engender true envy among your peers, you could choose a prestige model which just happens to be an open top version.

Saabs have always been a favourite among the convertible set, and anyone who remembers the 900 convertible of the 80s will look back with fondness on a true classic. And while the 9-3 convertible may not be as iconic, it features all the luxuries you would expect from Saab, with higher spec that its predecessor.

Other stylish convertibles obviously include Audi (its A4 Cabriolet and TT convertible are bound to turn heads) and BMWs of practically any vintage. Because with a convertible, it doesn't necessarily have to be new . . .

it just has to be eyecatching (and it helps if the driver and