Drop-Tops That Ruled—Or Flopped
There’s something undeniably romantic about a convertible. The sun on your face and the engine’s purr just loud enough to remind you that life can be a joyride. But not all convertibles get to bask in everlasting glory. Some become icons, while others disappear into oblivion. This list isn’t just about cars—it’s about the fine line between timeless appeal and tragic misfires. Before we get to the forgettable, let’s celebrate the most memorable convertibles of all time.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
1. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible
With its dramatic tailfins, chrome-laden body, and punchy V8 engine, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible defined the decade. A poster child of 1950s Americana, the car exuded flair thanks to its factory shades of turquoise, coral, and more—colors that made it instantly recognizable.
2. 1961 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
When Enzo Ferrari calls your car “the most beautiful ever made,” you know it's built into a legend. The 1961 Jaguar E-Type Roadster is all curves and charisma, with its impossibly long hood and fluid lines still turning heads today.
3. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Convertible
Debuting with sharp lines and hidden headlights, this car introduced a new aggression to American sports cars. Its now-legendary fiberglass body contributed to a lightweight build, and the independent rear suspension gave it handling that matched the car’s bold, aggressive appearance.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
4. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
The follow-up to the revered Gullwing coupe, this roadster retained all the engineering brilliance, with fuel injection and a tubular frame. Thanks to meticulous German artistry and limited production, these hand-built models have become some of the most sought-after Mercedes classics.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
5. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427
Born from Carroll Shelby’s vision of a V8-powered British-American hybrid, the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 remains the stuff of legends. Its lightweight chassis and thunderous acceleration made for a thrilling package, while the unmistakable side exhausts and flared fenders promise pure performance.
6. 1971 BMW 2002 Cabriolet
A rare open-air take on the much-loved 2002, this cabrio helped shape BMW's reputation for sporty yet practical cars. Lightweight and nimble, it was fun at every corner and is now cherished by collectors who appreciate retro-cool looks paired with genuine driving joy.
7. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz showcased postwar American excess via massive tailfins and lavish chrome accents. Its air suspension and luxurious features made it a pop culture icon and one of the most flamboyant cars of its era.
8. 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider
With a front-mounted V12 pumping out 352 horsepower, it effortlessly merged elegance with unfiltered power. Just 122 of these Spiders were built by the factory, which added a layer of mystique that collectors now pay millions to experience. Its pop culture fame only cemented its cool factor.
David Merrett from Daventry, England on Wikimedia
9. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Channeling the spirit of classic British roadsters minus the unreliability, the 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata nailed the formula—lightweight and endlessly grinable. Interestingly, it earned a Guinness World Record as the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time.
10. 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
This convertible sounds like a symphony and moves like a supercar in a tux. It has a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, which belts out 471 horsepower. The soft-top glides open in just 15 seconds, revealing a cabin wrapped in leather and Alcantara worthy of a boutique hotel.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
After these unforgettable models, it’s time to check out 10 convertibles that missed the mark.
1. 2002 Ford Thunderbird
Launched amid nostalgic flair, the 2002 Ford Thunderbird soon lost traction. Its 252-horsepower V8 lacked excitement, and the Lincoln LS-based interior disappointed buyers. The handling was also uninspiring. Soon, the initial burst of interest declined, which made the revival a classic case of unrealized potential.
2. 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster
Blending Mercedes SLK bones with Chrysler’s idiosyncratic styling, the Crossfire Roadster was always an odd bird. Its cramped cockpit and poor sightlines quickly revealed its beauty was only skin deep. The public never bought into its looks, especially the much-maligned rear. So, all sales expectations quickly evaporated.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
3. 2006 Pontiac Solstice
The Solstice made a splash through its sleek, sculpted design—a bold attempt at reviving the American roadster. But behind the curves came compromises: questionable build quality, a trunk that barely fit a duffel bag, and a manual top that felt more clumsy than classic.
4. 2007 Saturn Sky
With sharper lines and a more aggressive stance, the Sky looked like it meant business. However, it couldn't escape the shadow of its brand’s demise—even with a turbocharged Red Line variant that brought a serious dose of speed.
5. 1990 Jaguar XJS Convertible
This Jaguar’s long hood and grand proportions exuded classic British luxury, but the experience often ended at the repair shop. Its V12 engine was a wallet-draining monster to maintain, and electrical gremlins lurked behind its polished wood trim.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
6. 1987 Cadillac Allante
Italian bodywork by Pininfarina and sky-high ambitions—the Allante looked like a luxury hit. The problem? It couldn’t back that up. The car’s performance felt sluggish, especially for the price. Cadillac’s best engine, the Northstar V8, showed up too late, debuting just as the model was being canceled.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
7. 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
With tuner looks and sporty ambitions, the Eclipse Spyder seemed promising—until you drove it. Sluggish performance, bad rear visibility, and extra weight dragged it down. Compared to rivals, the fit and finish felt second-rate. By 2011, it faded out quietly, barely missed by fans.
8. 1996 BMW Z3
The Z3 hit Hollywood fame in GoldenEye, but its entry-level 1.9L engine didn’t live up to the badge. The interior felt more budget than Bavarian. Later M variants brought real bite, but early Z3s stayed best known as an affordable, if underwhelming, gateway into the brand.
9. 2004 Chevrolet SSR
Part pickup, part convertible—the SSR looked unique but left buyers confused. Its weight and awkward design held it back, even with V8 power and a retro flair. This convertible stalled with a market that never really showed up.
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia
10. 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible
Pontiac tried to jazz up the G6 with a folding hardtop, but only managed to add weight and complexity without any excitement. Mediocre performance and a forgettable design left buyers cold, and the demise of the Pontiac brand sealed its fate.
