Ah, summer—the season of iced drinks, road trips, and the ever-so-iconic convertible cruising down sunlit streets. Convertibles aren’t just cars; they’re an emblem of carefree joy. Here are 21 convertible classics that have redefined the essence of summer over the years.
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible
The car that turned every driveway into a personal racetrack. Introduced as part of the Mustang’s debut model year, the convertible quickly captured hearts with its sporty styling, affordability, and customization options. Powered by engines ranging from a base 120-hp inline-six to a 271-hp 4.7L V8, it catered to diverse driving preferences. It made “wind in your hair” a feature, not just a poetic cliché.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
Nothing screams retro like the Bel Air. This convertible’s interior featured upscale touches like two-tone upholstery, a padded dashboard, and a sweeping speedometer, embodying the era’s obsession with futuristic design. It also had power windows, a power-folding top, and air conditioning, emphasizing its luxury appeal. Plus, its fins were so large they probably doubled as surfboards in a pinch.
1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is proof that big fun comes in small packages. Its affordability, with a base price under $14,000, made it accessible to driving enthusiasts. Notably, it quickly became the best-selling two-seat convertible in history, a title it still holds, with over 1 million units sold by 2016. Mazda’s mantra of “Jinba Ittai” (horse and rider as one) perfectly encapsulates the Miata’s driving experience. And its pop-up headlights are a wink to the glorious days of summer.
1961 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
When Enzo Ferrari calls a car “the most beautiful,” you pay attention. Built on a monocoque, it featured a lightweight chassis combined with an independent rear suspension, delivering exceptional handling. The covered headlamps, oval grille, and wire-spoked wheels added to its elegance. Under the hood, a 3.8-liter inline-six engine powered the car to a top speed of 150 mph, a remarkable feat for its time. In short, the E-Type embodies pure sophistication, even with bugs in your teeth.
2005 Porsche Boxster
Porsche engineered the Boxster for people who wanted serious performance with the bonus of sunburned noses. While it retained the classic mid-engine roadster silhouette, its styling was sharper and more aerodynamic, drawing inspiration from the Carrera GT supercar. Further, with its mid-engine layout and precision handling, it’s the kind of car that makes twisting mountain roads feel like your personal playground.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible
For the muscle car lover, the Camaro SS is as American as apple pie and barbecues. The 1969 model year introduced a sleeker, more aggressive look, featuring redesigned sheet metal, a wider stance, and a bold front grille flanked by quad headlights. Distinctive “Coke-bottle” curves gave the Camaro a muscular yet aerodynamic silhouette. SS (Super Sport) models were instantly recognizable with unique badging, a blacked-out grille, simulated rear fender louvers, and an optional cowl-induction hood. Perfect for cruising to a Fourth of July fireworks show.
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
A convertible that redefined luxury, the 300 SL Roadster is what James Bond might drive if he traded his Aston for something flashier. Under the hood, it featured a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with direct fuel injection, delivering up to 215 horsepower—a groundbreaking feat in the 1950s. This powerplant enabled a top speed of 155 mph, making it one of the fastest road-legal cars of its era. And, known for its gullwing-door coupe sibling, the roadster version offers all the charm without the awkward door gymnastics.
1994 BMW E36 M3 Convertible
The E36 M3 is where practicality meets performance. Powered by a robust 3.0L inline-six engine producing 240 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft of torque, it boasted a 0-60 mph time of around 6 seconds. Paired with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, the E36 M3 Convertible offered precision handling thanks to its finely tuned suspension and 50:50 weight distribution—a hallmark of BMW engineering. Plus, its straight-six engine hums like a summer breeze.
1963 Corvette Sting Ray Convertible
The StingRay is the automotive equivalent of a jukebox loaded with Beach Boys hits. Its sleek, aerodynamic design featured distinctive “split rear window” styling, unique to the 1963 model year. While controversial, the rear window became a hallmark of the car’s distinctive look. The StingRay’s chassis was a revolution, using independent rear suspension for improved handling and ride quality.
2000 Ferrari 360 Spider
For those who think summer should sound like 400+ horsepower screaming at 8,000 RPM, the Ferrari 360 Spider is your chariot. The 360 Spider features a lightweight aluminum body, contributing to its agile handling and a top speed of 183 mph. The car has Ferrari’s F1-style automated manual gearbox, offering quick shifts. Also, this car is a summertime masterpiece with Italian craftsmanship and a top that retracts faster than your excuses to skip work.
1953 Buick Skylark Convertible
Built to celebrate Buick’s 50th anniversary, the Skylark is a classic slice of post-war optimism. It featured distinctive styling with sleek, flowing lines, a low-slung body, and prominent tailfins, making it instantly recognizable. Its plush interior boasted leather upholstery, chrome accents, and a full array of luxury features. Only 1,690 Skylark Convertibles were produced in 1953, marking it as a rare classic.
1971 Alfa Romeo Spider
Made famous by The Graduate, this Italian classic exudes charm. Beneath the surface, a spirited 1.3L, 1.6L, or 2.0L inline-four engine sings a symphony paired with a five-speed manual transmission. With rear-wheel drive and a near-perfect weight distribution, the Spider is as fun on twisty roads as gelato on a summer day. The interior is also simple yet elegant, with a driver-focused dash and gauges framed by an oh-so-chic wooden steering wheel.
2008 Audi R8 Spyder
The R8 Spyder is what happens when German engineers decide they want a tan. With its low-slung, futuristic design, it flaunts a distinctive “sideblade” feature that looks like it’s ready to slice through the wind. The Spyder variant adds a convertible soft-top that opens in 19 seconds. The cabin is a luxurious mix of leather and aluminum, making you feel like Bruce Wayne, even if your name is Bob.
1964 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Known as the first muscle car, the GTO was built to turn heads—and burn rubber. Under its hood roared a 389-cubic-inch V8, delivering up to 348 horsepower with the Tri-Power setup—three two-barrel carbs for extra “vroom-vroom.” With 0-60 mph in about 6.6 seconds, other cars felt like sloths on wheels. Convertible versions oozed style with their rakish lines and luxurious interiors, letting you cruise in open-air glory. And, priced at $3,000-ish, it was a bargain for speed freaks, selling over 32,000 units.
2012 Mini Cooper Convertible
The Mini Cooper proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to fun. It boasts retro-inspired design cues like round headlights, a bulldog stance, and a grille that looks like it’s smiling at you. The power-folding soft top? Oh, it’s magic—it opens in 15 seconds, even at speeds up to 18 mph. Who needs hair gel when the wind does the styling for free? Plus, it’s the only car where the backseat is best suited for beach bags rather than people.
1967 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII
This British roadster combines elegance with a touch of mischief. The MKIII featured a plush interior, complete with natural wood trim and leather seats—luxuries unheard of in most sports cars of the time. It also had wind-up windows (posh!) and a folding soft top, offering both class and practicality. And, with a top speed of 120 mph, it was the perfect blend of refinement and rebel spirit. Sadly, 1967 marked the end of the line for this icon, leaving enthusiasts to cherish its roaring legacy.
1996 Dodge Viper RT/10
The Viper RT/10 is the muscle car’s untamed cousin. This second-gen RT/10 introduced a few upgrades: power windows (finally), a stiffer chassis, and better handling, but it still didn’t believe in airbags. The side pipes? Burned legs more often than not. It’s an unapologetic purist’s machine, favoring raw performance over comfort. With a 0-60 mph sprint in about 4.5 seconds, it could outrun just about anything short of a cheetah.
1973 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
The Beetle is the poster child of carefree summer living. Powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four engine producing a modest 46 horsepower, it’s not exactly a track star. Who needs speed when you’ve got that unmistakable bug-eyed charisma? The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup ensures it clings to the road like a stubborn toddler refusing bedtime.
1985 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible
Quirky, classy, and oddly cool, the Saab 900 Turbo is the intellectual’s convertible. With front-wheel drive, this car hugged the road like a long-lost lover, even in snow. Its ergonomic dashboard whispered, “Saab cares about your spine.” And let’s not forget the night-panel button, dimming non-essential lights. It wasn’t the flashiest convertible but stood out with its inverted airplane-like design and fold-your-own-top practicality.
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible
The Z06 takes the Corvette’s legacy and adds a hefty dose of adrenaline. This beastly beauty pairs a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine with an optional 8-speed automatic or 7-speed manual. Top speed? 200 mph—faster than your neighbor’s Wi-Fi. And, with its drop-top design, the Z06 Convertible lets you simultaneously enjoy the roar of its engine and the wind in your hair. Also, the Magnetic Ride Control keeps this raging bull surprisingly composed.
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Convertible (Concept)
Though it never made it to production, the concept of a Daytona convertible is enough to stir dreams. This concept, a one-off piece of Mopar legend, was likely a creative tinkering exercise by a dealership or enthusiast. Powered by a 440 Magnum V8 or possibly the fearsome 426 HEMI, this topless Daytona flaunted its outrageous winged aesthetic while letting the wind blow through your hair. It’s the car you’d drive to challenge physics and simultaneously impress the beach crowd.
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
