There are cars, and then there are convertibles. Convertibles may not be the most practical car on the road, but they sure are cool. There are few experiences that are more enjoyable than cruising on a warm sunny day with the top down. If you are lucky enough to own one, you probably routinely invite friends to “get in my car.”
A car that is cool and a convertible is tough to beat, even when it’s a classic from several decades back. Here are seven convertibles that just might be the coolest rides ever manufactured.
Volkswagen Cabriolet
The Volkswagen Cabriolet, or the Cabby, as it’s often called, was manufactured in North America from 1980 to 1993 and from 1988 to 1993 worldwide. The Cabby proved that a convertible could be affordable to most drivers. It featured a 4-cylinder 8V water-cooled engine, manual transmission, air conditioning, and two sweet front bucket seats.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTS Nart Spyder
This sleek model, created by Ferrari coach-builder Sergio Scaglietti, features a 3285cc DOHC V-12 with six Weber carburetors rated 300 hp at 8000 rpm. Only 10 were ever built — two with aluminum bodies. Despite being so scarce and bearing the Ferrari name, the Spyder originally sold at deep discount prices. Today, you would need a cool $20 million or more to buy one — if you’re lucky enough to find one for sale.
1965 Mustang Convertible
With or without a top, the 1965 Mustang definitely ranks as one of the coolest cars ever manufactured. Making its debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the 1965 Mustang was available with four engines: a 101-hp 170 cubic inch I-6, a 164-hp 260 cubic inch V-8, and a 289 cubic inch V-8 with either 210-hp or 271-hp. The updated Mustang is also popular and pays homage to its origins, but nothing beats the original iconic model, especially the convertible.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado
The 1950s ushered in rock and roll and some of the coolest cars ever built, including the luxurious 1959 Cadillac Eldorado. Featuring huge tail fins and dual “bullet” tail lights, the Eldorado also boasted front and rear grilles, and chrome-trimmed sill panels, wheel wells, tail lights and tail fins! The Eldorado also included high-end seats, power windows, power steering, power brakes, power locks and air suspension — all standard features today but absent in less expensive cars at the time. A Series 62 convertible even starred in the 1997 mini-series version of The Shining by Steven King.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible
The original Corvette, manufactured from 1953 to 1962, was only available as a convertible. The 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible was the descendant of six decades of high-powered automobile legacy. Powered by a 455-460 hp 6.2-liter LT1 V-8, the Stingray featured a choice a seven-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Z51 Package allowed drivers to alternate between laid back and speed demon mode — and the sleek interior matched the exterior in style while providing enhanced comfort.
1961-1967 Jaguar E-Type Series I
The 1961 through 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series I is considered one of the most beautiful cars to ever hit the road. Is it any wonder that Austin Powers chose the1961 E-Type Roadster as his “Shaguar”? The early Series I models included a 265-hp 3.8-liter I-6 and four speed manual, while later editions featured an updated transmission, a 4.2-liter engine and more Torsion bar front suspension and independent coil spring suspension meant that the E-Type had better handling than many cars of its day.
2012-2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Cruising the highway with the top down is great, but for off-road convertible driving, the 2012 through 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was your ride of choice. The topless model featured Chrysler’s 285-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Available in the standard two-door or a more spacious four-door model, the Wrangler also featured a lengthy list of aftermarket and dealer add-ons to allow owners to customize their vehicles.
Cover Your Car without a Top
Once the factory warranty expires on a convertible, or any car, obtaining an extended warranty from Protect My Car keeps the cool factor going by sparing owners from covering expensive repairs out of pocket. With or without a top, one aftermarket feature that all out-of-warranty cars should carry is an extended warranty. Protect My Car offers routine maintenance and provides protection against expensive repairs — whether they’re driving a nearly-new convertible or a model with up to 125,000 miles.
Contact PMC today for a free quote!
Protect My Car is a vehicle service contract provider, also referred to as extended car warranty provider, with multiple coverage plans for new and used vehicles with low to higher mileage to help meet your needs and budget. Protect My Car customers work directly with the company for customer service, claims administration and contract financing. No middleman or the need for third-party approval. All Protect My Car Plans include best-in-class claims and customer support, 24/7 roadside assistance, free oil changes and tire rotations and the exclusive PMC Rewards Plan, providing daily deals, giveaways, coupons, and thousands of ways to save money every day. Protect My Car has a 30-day money-back guarantee.