The wind in your hair, the roar of the engine, and the scenic beauty of roadside landscapes—there’s no better way to experience it all than from the seat of a classic convertible. Some cars are not just modes of transportation but capture the spirit and elegance of their time. This article highlights 15 classic European convertibles that never go out of style.

1957 Porsche 356 Speedster

As a true icon of the automotive world, the 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster is celebrated for its timeless design and spirited performance. It features a sleek, low-slung body, lightweight construction, and a minimalist approach originally conceived for the American market. Quickly, it gained a reputation for agile handling and a sporty character. Featuring a distinctive low windscreen, removable side windows, and a simple yet elegant interior, it is a favorite among purists. 

1987 Mercedes-Benz SL

The 1987 Mercedes-Benz SL is part of the R107 series and symbolizes Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury and performance. Known for its solid build quality and timeless design, the SL combines elegance with practicality. Produced for nearly two decades, it features a powerful V8 engine and offers smooth and effortless performance. Advanced features, such as ABS and airbag options, were ahead of their time.

1962 Shelby Cobra

AC Cars produced the Shelby Cobra from 1962 to 1967, combining British design with American muscle. The Cobra features a lightweight AC Ace body and a powerful Ford V8 engine. This potent combination resulted in a car that dominated the racetracks and captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. Its aggressive stance, flared fenders, and unmistakable roar set it apart from its contemporaries.

1996 BMW Z3

James Bond appeared driving the 1996 BMW Z3 in GoldenEye, immediately increasing the popularity of this car. Its aggressive stance, flared wheel arches, and iconic kidney grille made it a head-turner. The Z3 offers a range of engine options, from a spirited 1.9-liter inline-four to a powerful 2.8-liter inline-six, providing a range of driving experiences to suit different tastes. A rear-wheel-drive layout and well-tuned suspension ensure engaging and responsive handling. 

1958 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I

Affectionately known as the Bugeye or Frogeye Sprite, the 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I has a distinctive front-end design featuring prominent, round headlights, giving it a playful and endearing appearance. Despite its small size, the Sprite Mark I offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience. Powered by a modest 948cc engine, it may not be the fastest car on the road, but it delivers a spirited performance that will surely bring a smile to any driver’s face. 

1996 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible

The 1996 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible combines British luxury with open-top motoring elegance. Its distinctive design, characterized by smooth, flowing lines and a graceful profile, exudes sophistication. It is powered by a 4.0-liter inline-six engine or an optional V12, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. A luxurious interior featuring fine leather and wood trim provides the driver and passengers with a comfortable environment.

1956 BMW 507

This is a masterpiece of automotive design, blending elegance with performance in a way few cars have ever achieved. The 1956 BMW 507 features a stunningly beautiful body with flowing lines, a sleek profile, and an unmistakable kidney grille. Under the hood lies a 3.2-liter V8 engine, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. Originally intended to compete with the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, the 507 was produced in limited numbers.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder Long Wheel Base

Designed by Pininfarina, the 250 GT Spyder LWB is strikingly beautiful and timeless, with elegant lines and a commanding presence. Underneath its stunning exterior lies a 3.0-liter V12 engine, delivering exhilarating performance and a distinctive Ferrari exhaust note. The 250 GT Spyder LWB was favored by celebrities and racing drivers, and its racing pedigree includes success in prestigious events such as the Mille Miglia.  

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Volante

Offering a smooth driving experience, the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Volante is a perfect British classic, famous for its association with James Bond. The Volante, or convertible version, adds an extra layer of allure with its open-top elegance and refined lines. Powered by a 4.0-liter inline-six engine, this car hits a maximum speed of over 140 mph. In addition to its luxurious interior, this car has fine wood trim, hand-stitched leather, and a powerful engine.

1967 Jaguar E-Type

This car is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. It’s a masterpiece of automotive design and engineering, as Enzo Ferrari famously called it, the most beautiful car ever made. Its long, sleek bonnet, elegant curves, and distinctive oval grille make it instantly recognizable. With advanced engineering, including its monocoque construction and independent rear suspension, it set new standards for performance and handling. 

1970 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

As a symbol of freedom and fun, the 1970 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is beloved by generations for its distinctive shape and cheerful personality. With a rounded body, prominent headlights, and a friendly face, the Beetle Convertible captured the hearts of many with its simplicity and reliability. Moreover, its cultural impact and enduring appeal make the 1970 Beetle Convertible a true automotive icon.

1997 Porsche Boxster

Porsche wanted to return to the roadster market and designed the 1997 Porsche Boxster, which quickly became a modern classic. This car was designed to evoke the spirit of the legendary 550 Spyder, featuring a mid-engine layout that provides exceptional balance and handling. Powered by a 2.5-liter flat-six engine, the Boxster delivers an exciting driving experience with responsive handling and a distinctive Porsche exhaust note. 

1966 Alfa Romeo Spider

Featuring a sleek, aerodynamic body with graceful curves and a distinctive, rounded tail end, the 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider is famous for its Osso di Seppia or Cuttlefish Bone design. It has a responsive 1.6-liter twin-cam inline-four engine for a spirited driving experience, complete with the musical exhaust note that Alfa Romeos are known for. This car gained widespread fame as the car driven by Dustin Hoffman in the film The Graduate. 

1968 Fiat 124 Sport Spider

This car is an enduring symbol of Italian automotive craftsmanship, blending style, performance, and affordability. The 1968 124 Sport Spider features a classic and elegant body with clean lines and a well-proportioned silhouette. Its compact size and lightweight design deem it agile and responsive, perfect for spirited drives. Powered by a 1.4-liter twin-cam engine, the 124 Sport Spider offers lively performance and a thrilling driving experience.  

1962 Lotus Elan

Lotus Cars hired Ron Hickman to design a legendary British sports car, setting new standards for handling and performance in the automotive world. The Elan has an innovative design that features a fiberglass body built on a steel backbone chassis, which makes it an incredibly lightweight and agile car. This car has a 1.6-liter twin-cam engine and a distinctive design, with pop-up headlights, a sleek profile, and a minimalist yet functional interior.