Classic roadsters were built not just for speed but also for style. They represent an era where design was king and driving wasn’t about getting from A to B—it was about the thrill of the open road. These roadsters don’t just move; they command attention. Here are 24 classic roadsters that still have people doing double-takes today.
1969 Alfa Romeo Spider
When you think of classic Italian roadsters, the Alfa Romeo Spider is usually the first car that pops into mind. With its curvy, sensuous design and twin-cam four-cylinder engine, the Spider wasn’t about raw power but the joy of driving. Plus, Dustin Hoffman made this car famous in The Graduate, cementing its status as the cool car to own. The Spider’s long production run (1966-1994) is a testament to its enduring appeal.
1957 Porsche 356 Speedster
Released in the 1950s, the Porsche 356 Speedster was lightweight and nimble, sporting that signature Porsche profile. With a flat-four engine pushing out up to 75 horsepower, it wasn’t the fastest car of its day, but it looked good! Today, a mint condition 356 Speedster can fetch upwards of $300,000 at auction. That’s a lot of dough for something with no roof.
1961 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
The Jaguar E-Type has been called the most beautiful car ever made—Enzo Ferrari said it. When the E-Type launched in 1961, it stunned the world with its sleek, aerodynamic lines and powerful 3.8-liter straight-six engine. Capable of over 150 mph, it wasn’t just about looks; it could move too. With its long hood, low-slung body, and perfectly proportioned design, it’s easy to see why the E-Type still turns heads today.
1965 Shelby Cobra 427
Few cars have the sheer presence of the Shelby Cobra. This beast of a roadster, equipped with a massive 7.0-liter V8 engine, was the brainchild of American racer Carroll Shelby. The Cobra 427 could do 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, a time that’s still impressive today. With its flared fenders, fat tires, and side pipes, the Cobra is daring you to race even when parked.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
With its split rear window—a one-year-only feature— the Corvette Stingray became one of the most iconic American cars. Also, the second-generation Corvette, or “C2,” was designed by Larry Shinoda under the guidance of legendary designer Bill Mitchell. Its sleek, aerodynamic body took inspiration from racing cars, and its fiberglass construction kept weight down. And, the Stingray wasn’t just fast and stylish—it was also innovative, with an independent rear suspension that gave it excellent handling.
1974 BMW 2002 Turbo
While BMW is famous for its sedans and coupes, the 2002 Turbo was the Bavarian brand’s first true-performance car. Weighing just over 2,300 pounds, the 2002 Turbo could reach 60 mph in around 6.9 seconds, impressive for its era. Its aggressive design featured wide fender flares, front and rear spoilers, and the word “Turbo” boldly mirrored on the front spoiler (so you’d see it in your rearview mirror). And to no one’s surprise, it’s a sought-after collector’s item today.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
The 1957 Chevy Bel Air is the quintessential American classic. Known for its distinctive tailfins, chrome accents, and wide stance, the Bel Air featured a bold, jet-age design that turned heads then—and still does today. Under the hood, it offered a range of V8 engines, including the revolutionary 283-cubic-inch small-block V8 with optional fuel injection, producing up to 283 horsepower. This made it one of the first American cars to achieve 1 horsepower per cubic inch, a significant milestone in performance.
1953 Aston Martin DB2/4
Before James Bond made Aston Martin a household name, the DB2/4 was already turning heads. The DB2/4’s aluminum bodywork was designed by Mulliners of Birmingham, retaining the elegant curves Aston Martin was known for. The model also featured a rear hatch, another innovation at the time. Its blend of performance, style, and practicality laid the groundwork for future Aston Martin grand tourers, including the legendary DB5.
1966 Ford Mustang Convertible
The Ford Mustang practically created the “pony car” segment, and the convertible version only added to the Mustang’s already immense appeal. The Mustang’s popularity soared, with over 72,000 convertibles sold in 1966, contributing to the Mustang’s place as one of the best-selling cars of its era. Also, priced at around $2,600 when new, it offered an affordable entry into the world of sporty cars.
1973 Triumph TR6
The Triumph TR6 was one of Britain’s best-selling sports cars, and it’s easy to see why. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds, respectable for its time. Its independent rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering provided excellent handling, making it a joy on winding roads. Design-wise, the TR6 featured squared-off, masculine lines with a distinctive Kamm-back rear end. From 1968 to 1976, over 90,000 units were made, with the bulk sold in North America.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4
Few cars can match the sheer presence of a Ferrari 275 GTB/4. The car’s success on the racetrack and in automotive circles has cemented its status as one of the most desirable Ferraris ever made. Notable features include independent suspension and a lightweight design, contributing to its agility and handling. Prices for well-preserved models often exceed $2 million at auction, reflecting its status as a true automotive icon. Plus, it has everything from the leather seats to the wooden steering wheel that screams luxury.
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
At first glance, the Sunbeam Tiger looks like a typical British roadster. But under the hood, it’s packing serious American muscle. Developed with the help of Carroll Shelby (yes, the same guy behind the Cobra), the Tiger was essentially a small British car with a Ford V8 engine stuffed inside. The result was a lightweight roadster that could hit 60 mph in under 7 seconds—a figure that left many larger cars in the dust. But, despite its short production run (1964-1967) and limited numbers (around 7,000 units), the Sunbeam Tiger has gained a cult following among enthusiasts and collectors.
1967 Datsun 2000 Roadster
Before Datsun became known for the legendary Z cars, they made some pretty cool roadsters. The Datsun 2000 was among the best, offering an affordable alternative to pricier European sports cars. With a 5-speed manual transmission and four-wheel independent suspension, the 2000 offers a sporty driving experience that rivals many contemporary roadsters. It also showcased a stylish design with its long hood, short rear deck, and chrome bumpers, reminiscent of European roadsters of the era. Only 8,000 units were produced between 1967 and 1970, making it a rare find today.
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite
The Austin-Healey Sprite was designed by Donald Healey and was meant to be an affordable sports car, but it hit the nail on the head. Weighing around 1,300 pounds, it featured a peppy 948cc four-cylinder engine that produced a thrilling (or perhaps merely enthusiastic) 43 horsepower. While it won’t win any drag races, the Sprite is all about the joy of driving—lightweight, nimble, and downright fun! Plus, with a price tag of around £669 when it launched, it made British sports car ownership a reality for the average Joe.
1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal
Though it wasn’t a typical roadster, the Alfa Romeo Montreal deserves a spot on this list for its unique blend of style and performance. Designed by the legendary Marcello Gandini, the Montreal flaunts an alluring blend of curves and angles, making it look like it just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Also, with its distinctive louvered hood, flared wheel arches, and long, sloping roofline, it’s as if the car is perpetually in motion, even when parked.
1955 Ford Thunderbird
The original Ford Thunderbird blurred the line between sports cars and luxury cruisers. With its sleek, low-slung body, the T-Bird boasted a front grille that looked like it was grinning ear to ear, flanked by chrome bumpers. Under the hood, it packed a 292-cubic inch V8 engine, delivering a zippy 193 horsepower. Also, the T-Bird was available with an optional porthole hardtop because who doesn’t want to channel their inner secret agent?
1969 BMW 507
The BMW 507 boasts an elegant silhouette with a long hood and curvaceous body, making it look like it’s perpetually in motion, even while parked. Sporting a 3.2-liter V8 engine, it delivers about 150 horsepower, which isn’t just enough to impress your friends but also to leave slower cars in the dust. The interior is a cocktail of luxury and simplicity, with leather seats that feel like clouds are hugging you.
1974 Lotus Elan
The Lotus Elan was a small, lightweight roadster that punched well above its weight. With a curb weight of under 1,500 pounds, the Elan was incredibly agile, making it one of the best-handling cars of its time. This baby could also zip from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Talk about a fun-sized thrill! Also, the Elan’s iconic design, with its curvy body and classic styling, looks like it just stepped out of a ‘60s spy movie.
1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible
The Pontiac GTO is often credited with starting the muscle car craze in the 1960s, and the convertible version was the cherry on top. The ’68 model boasted sleek lines, a more refined interior, bucket seats, and a rally gauge package that let you pretend you were in a race. Plus, with its convertible top, you could feel the wind in your hair while embarrassing your friends by blasting classic rock. Whether you were cruising down the boulevard or tearing up the quarter-mile, the GTO Convertible was the car to do it in.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
If ever a car screamed “1950s excess,” it’s the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. With iconic tailfins that could double as airplane wings and a front grille so bold it could intimidate a bear, this car is all about making a statement. Inside, you’ll find more luxury than a five-star hotel, with leather seats, power windows, and enough chrome to blind anyone who dares to look directly at it. Only 1,500 units were produced, so spotting one today is like finding a unicorn.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Convertible
The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro was a direct response to the Ford Mustang, and it quickly became a hit in its own right. With its snazzy RS package featuring hidden headlights and the SS badge flaunting its muscle, it was the ultimate combo of brains and brawn. Also, under the hood, you could opt for a roaring 396 cubic inch V8 engine that delivered 375 horsepower.
1969 Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider was an affordable Italian roadster that offered a lot of style for the money. It weighed just over 2,100 pounds, so it handled like a dream, especially when you took it through twisty roads. And let’s not forget the interior, which was cozy enough for two but could use some more legroom for that overly ambitious picnic basket. Plus, with its affordable price tag, the Fiat 124 Spider was a hit with weekend warriors and sun-chasers alike.
1970 Porsche 914
The Porsche 914 may not have the same cachet as the 911, but it’s a classic in its own right. Produced between 1969 and 1976, this mid-engine marvel was a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen. Its body was designed by the legendary Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (the guy behind the 911), and it looked sporty without being too flashy. It could zip from 0 to 60 mph in around 9 seconds, about as fast as your last-minute dash to catch the bus! Weighing in at just over 2,000 pounds, its light frame gave it the agility to tackle those twisty roads like a dance partner at a disco.
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
So, the 300 SL isn’t technically a roadster—it’s got those iconic gullwing doors—but we’re bending the rules a bit because this car is simply too cool to leave off the list. The 300 SL was also the fastest production car of its time, thanks to its fuel-injected 3.0-liter straight-six engine. It could hit 160 mph back in the 1950s, which is about as close to warp speed as you could get in that era.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
