My car was originally bought in Texas, moved to Arizona and garage kept for 25+ years, hardtop never off. Previous owner (a trucker) bought and transported to PA, never took the top off. Had it about 2 months, when we got a snowstorm, 3+ ft of snow. Came home from trucking run, his wife met him at the door, said sell your cars (he also had a very nice VW convertible), we are moving to Florida!
He had his daughter list it on Craigslist. I saw it, was interested, test drove it, bought it. In June (snow finally gone) took top off for first time in 25+ years. Soft top just like this, great condition. Unfortunately, material had hardened, now has some minor cracks, splits on fold lines. I failed to use top dresssing immediately and sun did its thing.
Lesson, get and use some top dressing immediately to soften the outer layer before you have the same problems.