A convertible is a car that has either a folding fabric or a folding metal roof that can be stored in the car. Classic cars such as the Alfa Romeo Spider and the Lotus Elan S1 are perfect examples of some of the best convertibles that have been released. Whether it be design, power, or speed, these convertibles have been brilliantly designed.
While this is true, there are just some convertibles that have gone further in terms of production and are true reflections of brilliant driving and design. This list explores the greatest convertibles ever made and ranks them too so we can decide which car came out on top.
10 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Décapotable
The Peugeot 402 Eclipse was launched in 1935, with the short wheelbase model arriving in 1937. Launched here was the décapotable version of the 402 Eclipse. The stylishness of the convertible version of the Eclipse was enhanced too.
The décapotable was an early use of a retractable hardtop and was a great-looking car. Peugeot took inspiration from aviation at the time, especially with the pre-World War 2 airplane manufacturers. The car was incredibly unique and is a very original vehicle made by Peugeot.
9 Lincoln Continental 1961
The fourth generation of the Lincoln Continental was released in 1961. The car was extremely luxurious and was extremely roomy. The car was well built too, with checks on build quality being rigorous.
Lincoln made a fine piece of engineering and the drop-top was reflective of this too. The car is undeniably good-looking, and many have praised its looks and engineering over time. It is easy to say that the Lincoln Continental convertible is one of the most stylish vehicles on this list.
8 Fiat 124 Sport Spider
The Fiat 124 Sport Spider was launched in 1966. Designed by Pininfarina, the Fiat was incredibly popular. Combined with a great engine and great performance, it is easy to see why the car was so well-received.
The Fiat 124 Sport Spider was a fun drop-top sports car, yet was quite simple. This car was a great rival for the MG MGB, and proved that simplicity can sometimes be key.
7 Jeep CJ7
Available from 1976, the CJ7 was a great off-roader that reflected a big shift from the previous CJ-5. The new chassis and extended room availability made it quite desirable. The convertible makes it perfect for off-roading trips.
The Jeep is deemed as being heavily reliable but isn't one for performance. However, the CJ-7 is definitely a perfect off-roader, with its convertible image enhancing the looks of the car.
6 Ford Model T
The Ford Model T, released in the early 1900s, was one of the first mass-produced cars. It is historically iconic and will always be remembered as such. It was widely available for the middle-classes and won the most influential car of the 20th century.
The car is one of the greatest convertibles ever made, if only because of its history, but also because it was definitely a car of its time - setting the standard for new cars to be made. The fabric roof offered weather protection and meant that users could go out for a drive in the rain.
5 Mercedes 300SL
Mercedes launched the 300 SL in 1954. The vehicle was extremely impressive and has been considered an early supercar by some historians. The roadster was launched in 1957 after sales of the coupe began to drop.
The roadster was built with conventional doors, unlike its coupe relative. The convertible had more space and more power, making it quite desirable, and was loved by many. It is also extremely collectible with some pristine examples selling for more than $2 million at auction.
4 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
The Porsche 992 Cabriolet was launched in 2019. Since the first Porsche 911 Cabriolet was made, these generations have been some of the best convertibles ever made. However, for this list, the newest model has been chosen because it is the fastest and most up-to-date version.
The convertible is not only aesthetically pleasing, but the power and performance in the 992 are fantastic. The twin-turbocharged V6 is a brilliant engine and the 190mph top speed is another great element. The Cabriolet 992 is genuinely amazing and reserves its place high on this list.
3 1964½ Ford Mustang Convertible
The 1964½ Ford Mustang Convertible was the first incarnation of the pony car. The car looked good and drove brilliantly. The V8 engine accompanied the brilliant appearance of the Mustang and was greatly received among buyers and enthusiasts.
The car underwent developments and there was increased room put into the car by 1967. The Mustang is definitely an icon, and it deserves a high place on this list especially because the convertible looked so good yet had an immense amount of power.
2 Chevrolet Corvette 1953
The Chevrolet Corvette of 1953 is deemed the first proper US sports car. The Corvette is truly a reflection of brilliant design by Chevrolet. The convertible has subtle tail fins with thin bumpers, making it look rather elegant.
The car isn't really that fast. It took 11.5 seconds to go 0-60, which, by nowadays standards in sports cars, really isn't that much at all. But speed and power aren't everything in this car. It does what it was made to do, and is a reflection of early Corvette engineering - the same engineering that set the groundwork for the C8 today.
1 Mazda Miata NA
The Mazda Miata is the best-selling roadster of all time. The car was lightweight and handled brilliantly with RWD. It was cheap yet fun and was a truly enjoyable vehicle. The debut of the Miata in 1989 revealed the car to be similar to that of a classic British sports car.