13 Rare Convertibles Every Collector Should Know About

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1957 Chevrolet Corvette

The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette stands as an enduring symbol of post‑war American sports‑car ambition. With its new 283‑cubic‑inch V8 engine and options such as dual‑quad carburetors or fuel injection, it offered performance that turned heads in its day. Its styling sweeping curves, prominent chrome trim, and a wrap‑around windshield gave it both presence and character on the road.

Collectors place high value on original or heavily preserved examples. Recent market listings show well‑maintained convertibles trading in the region of $70,000 to $100,000, while those with rare factory fuel‑injection options and documented provenance have fetched higher.

1961 Jaguar E‑Type Series 1 Roadster

The 1961 Jaguar E‑Type Series 1 Roadster arrived with what was then startling performance and advanced engineering: a 3.8‑litre six‑cylinder engine, independent suspension front and rear, and bodywork inspired by racing cars. Its design featured “flat‑floor” construction and external bonnet latches in early examples, which make them especially prized.

In auction circulation, top‑condition examples have achieved values around $220,000 to $324,000, particularly when they include matching numbers, early production status, and documented originality.  This Jaguar remains celebrated for both its beauty and its driving dynamics, offering collectors an open‑top British sports‑car full of character.

1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

The 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible marked a cultural shift in American motoring. Its combination of youthful style, open‑top freedom, and accessible performance made it an instant success. The convertible version added an extra dimension: wind‑in‑your‑hair motoring paired with the recognizable pony‑car look that has endured through decades.

While exact high‑end values vary according to engine, transmission and condition, early Mustang convertibles in strong condition are often priced between $50,000 and $80,000.
Because so many Mustangs were made, the convertible versions in good original condition remain less common, giving them extra appeal among people looking for a charismatic classic with historical resonance.

1955 Mercedes‑Benz 190SL

The 1955 Mercedes‑Benz 190SL offered a refined alternative to more extreme sports cars of its era. With a 1.9‑litre four‑cylinder engine and elegant styling, it was intended for drivers who appreciated open‑top motoring but also expected luxury and sophistication. The bodywork featured smooth lines, chrome trim, and an interior that emphasized comfort.

In the collector market, examples in exceptional condition often sell for $120,000 to $150,000, depending on rarity of colour, history and originality. Its place as an early member of the Mercedes SL lineage, plus the rarity of well‑preserved convertibles from the mid‑1950s, has kept interest strong among people who appreciate grand touring with style.

1967 Ferrari 330 GTS

The 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS is a rare open‑top Ferrari that brings together V12 power, elegant design, and exclusivity. Its 4.0‑litre V12 engine delivered performance worthy of the badge, while its Pininfarina‑designed body brought refined lines and a sense of occasion. Low production numbers meant that fewer of these convertibles exist compared with some contemporaries.

Values for well‑sorted 330 GTS models are typically in the region of $700,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on series, condition and whether the car has matching documentation and original features. As a collector’s piece the car holds appeal for those who want a blend of open‑top motoring and Ferrari heritage, with a level of rarity that sets it apart from more common models.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible represents a bold statement of American muscle in open‑top form. With its 396‑cubic‑inch V8 engine, aggressive styling including a prominent front end and rear spoiler options, it captured the era’s performance spirit. The convertible body adds a freedom element rarely found in high‑performance cars of that time.

In the collector market, strong examples with correct SS badging, original trim and desirable engine options often trade for $150,000 to $200,000 or more when rarity and condition align.
For those who value the raw power and presence of late‑1960s muscle cars, this convertible offers an appealing combination of performance, style and open‑air driving.

1958 Porsche 356A Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster is celebrated for its light weight, open‑top simplicity and driving purity. The minimalistic roadster body, often with low windshield option and slender proportions, contributed to an engaging driving experience. Underneath, the engineering reflected Porsche’s sports‑car roots and commitment to driver engagement.

Market values for well‑restored and original Speedsters are often in the $250,000 to $300,000 range or higher when provenance and condition are exceptional. Because early Porsches in open‑top form are rarer and have a strong enthusiast following, the 356A Speedster remains a notable and desirable model for those who appreciate vintage European sports‑car charm.

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible

The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible stands out among muscle‑car convertibles thanks to its rarity and performance option sets. With factory R/T (Road/Track) trimming, big V8 engines and the convertible body, it combined status, power and open‑top appeal. The 1970 model year is often seen as the high point in early Challenger production.

In recent years, well‑documented examples with factory‑correct features and low miles have sold in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, depending on originality and provenance.
Collectors looking for a ‘big American convertible with attitude’ often favour this model because it combines late‑muscle‑era aesthetics with limited production numbers.

1959 Austin‑Healey 3000 Mark I Convertible

The 1959 Austin‑Healey 3000 Mark I Convertible offered British sports‑car flair, a 3.0‑litre engine and classic roadster appeal. Its long‑hood proportions, wire wheels and open‑top format gave it a sense of occasion, and it remains part of the tradition of mid‑20th‑century sports‑cars from the UK.

In today’s market, well‑restored examples of the Mark I 3000 convertibles can command around $120,000 to $160,000, especially if original bodywork, correct mechanicals and period‑correct details are present. Because fewer of these British roadsters remain in original and excellent condition, they hold appeal among those who appreciate the combination of style, performance and heritage from that era.

1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider (“Duetto”)

The 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider, commonly known as the “Duetto”, offered Italian design flair, a spirited twin‑cam four‑cylinder engine and a stylish open‑top body. The combination of mechanical sophistication and elegant lines made it stand out among its European peers. Its Spider body allowed for open‑air motoring with a distinctly Italian character.

Today, good examples of the Giulia Spider sell for $90,000 to $140,000, with early production cars or cars with special specifications pushing higher. For collectors who appreciate Italian automotive heritage, open‑top motoring and stylish design, this Alfa Romeo offers an appealing format that blends everyday usability with classic roadster romance.

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster

The 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster is one of the most iconic American sports cars ever built. Equipped with a 427‑cubic‑inch V8 engine, it offered exceptional performance and was designed for racing. Its lightweight chassis and open‑top body made it a true roadster, revered for both its speed and its distinctive styling.

Due to its rarity and racing heritage, values for a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster are known to exceed $1,000,000, with some exceptional examples fetching as much as $1.5 million depending on originality and condition. As one of the most sought‑after collector cars, the Cobra 427 stands out for its combination of performance, style, and limited production, making it an evergreen gem for car enthusiasts.

1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible

The 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible introduced muscle car power in an open‑top format. With a 400‑cubic‑inch V8 engine, it delivered solid performance and had a sleek, aggressive design that appealed to the muscle car crowd. The Firebird offered a competitive alternative to the Camaro and Mustang, especially in its high‑performance variants.

Current market values for well‑preserved 1969 Firebird 400 Convertibles typically range between $40,000 and $75,000 depending on original condition, rarity of options, and mileage.
While this model is not as rare as some others, its place in muscle car history and its open‑top appeal continue to make it an attractive investment for muscle car collectors.

1953 MG TF

The 1953 MG TF is a charming British roadster that exemplifies the compact, sporty cars MG became famous for. Its 1.25‑litre engine and lightweight body made it an enjoyable driver’s car, especially suited for leisurely open‑air motoring. The MG TF’s refined design and agile handling make it a notable example of early British roadsters.

Today, a well‑restored 1953 MG TF can be valued at approximately $30,000 to $50,000, with restored models commanding more depending on condition and rarity.
For collectors interested in vintage British cars, the MG TF offers a perfect blend of performance and design from the 1950s roadster era.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.