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HomeCar CultureTime for topless spring driving

Time for topless spring driving

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Spring is quickly approaching and there is not a better type of classic car for springtime driving than a convertible.

One of the greatest things about the classic convertible market is that there are cars at practically every price level, from $7,500 all the way to millions of dollars, and everything in between.

Here is our list of great convertible choices at a variety of price points:

$7,500-$10,000
MG Midget

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com JournalThe most inexpensive car on this list is as much fun as many of the others that are more expensive and also offers all the experience of owning a classic British roadster in the most affordable package, both in cost to buy as well as to operate. For such a small car, Midgets somehow have enough room to fit practically anyone, even 6 footers.

 

$10,000-$15,000
1970s and ‘80s Alfa Romeo/Fiat Spider

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com Journal

Compared to their competition from England, the Alfa and Fiat Spiders are heads above in technology, ergonomics, styling and performance. These are the most inexpensive of classic Italian roadsters and either is a great car. Which one you pick depends on which brand moves you the most. The Fiat is the car that is easier to own but the Alfa is more exotic.

 

$20,000-$25,000
1970s Cadillac Eldorado

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com JournalThese Eldorados mark the end of the Cadillac convertibles and likely are the larges car on this list (in size, not price). These amazing land yachts are epic in their American-style luxury and make a statement wherever they go. They usually are loaded with options and will devour highway miles in smooth comfort.

 

$25,000-$30,000
MG TF

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com Journal

The final iteration of the MG T series is also the most livable and to many the nicest looking. These are the end of an era for sports cars combining the end of the pre-war era and the beginning of the post-war era all in one. They offer the essence of top down sports car driving and are an important piece of history and are great fun to drive.

 

$30,000-$35,000
1964 ½-1968 Ford Mustang

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com JournalThe Ford Mustang is the car that created the entire Pony Car category and these cars in convertible architecture are one of the everlasting American automotive icons. The Mustang is a car that is easy to on, fun to drive, and a true enduring classic. Frequently, such a Mustang is the best first-classic American car for collectors starting in the car hobby.

 

$35,000-$50,000
1978-1989 Porsche 911 Cabriolet or Targa

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com Journal

Whether you get the Targa or the Cabriolet depends if you want full top down motoring or are fine with removing only the overhead roof section. The Targa is a bit more civilized but a good 911 Cabriolet is a fun car top up or down. These are the last great deals of the classic Porsche 911 market and are likely to continue to increase in value.

 

$50,000-$65,000
1963-1967 Corvette

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com JournalWhile some prefer the looks of the Peter Brock-penned coupe, the C2 Vette convertible also is a stunning car. These cars ere offered with an optional hardtop which gives you the best of both worlds. The C2 may be the best-looking American sports car of all time. Offered with scores of engine and gearbox options, there is a C2 Vette for everyone. These iconic cars are likely to always be worth good money and are inexpensive to operate.

 

$65,000-$75,000
Ferrari 308/328 GTS

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com Journal

The iconic 308 and later 328 GTS is the car that Magnum made famous. These cars are still great to look at more than 40 years later and are also fun to drive. If you are a first-time Ferrari buyer used to cars such as Porsches, we would recommend the 328 over the 308 as things are a bit more modern. If you are a more 1970s classic car buyer then the 308 is the choice.

 

$75,000-$125,000
Jaguar Series 2 E-type

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com Journal

The bargain in the E-type world, the Series 2 offers a driving experience virtually identical to the much more expensive Series 1 cars at a substantial savings. The driving experience of these cars is surprising in that these are much more late 1970s cars than 1960s cars, offering strong performance, fantastic brakes, and great handling. Even though these later cars lack the covered headlights and smaller grill of the Series 1 cars, they are still breathtakingly beautiful cars.

 

Much more than $125,000 (think $850,000 or more)
Mercedes Benz 300SL

Classic convertibles at every price range | ClassicCars.com JournalThe 300SL is the best-built and the most reliable 1950s sports car available. The build quality of these cars is nothing short of perfection and these are honest to god 150 mph machines. The 300SL is the most expensive car on our list but also possibly the most stable classic sports car when it comes to holding its value. These cars drive even better than they look — and they look fantastic. If you have the means we guarantee that if you buy a quality example you will not regret

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Andy Reid
Andy Reid
Andy Reid's first car, purchased at age 15, was a 1968 Fiat 124 coupe. His second, obtained by spending his college savings fund, was a 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2. Since then, he has owned more than 150 cars—none of them normal or reasonable—as well as numerous classic motorcycles and scooters. A veteran of film, television, advertising and helping to launch a few Internet-based companies, Reid was a columnist for Classic Motorsports magazine for 12 years and has written for several other publications. He is considered an expert in European sports and luxury cars and is a respected concours judge. He lives in Canton, Connecticut.

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