Hagerty is the world leader in collector car insurance so when it comes to classic car statistics there really is no greater authority. They have more insight into the classic car market than just about any other organization. That is why when they make a top ten list it pretty darn accurate.
When it comes to classic convertibles Mckeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, had this to say. “There is nothing like driving a convertible. They force you to slow down and enjoy your surroundings rather than just drive to a destination. They were designed and built to put pleasure into driving. So, in deciding this list of our favorite classic convertibles, we selected cars that provide the broadest range of fun, value and stop-them-in-their-tracks good looks.”
Naturally a 1960s classic convertible Ferrari might be one of the most coveted convertibles around, but it did not make the list. Hagerty put some “real life” criteria that the cars had to meet so that the average enthusiast would be able to better relate. Some of the cars might not seem like classics, but try to remember that a classic only has to be 20 years old and it is already 2015.
Each of these vehicles meets the following criteria. The convertibles must:
- be able to be purchased for less than $35,000.
- have a high level of reliability.
- have replacement parts readily available.
- be a relatively good financial investment.
Here are the top ten classic convertibles that made the list.
1966–67 Alfa Romeo Giulia Duetto Spider:
Since this car was produced for many decades there is an abundance of parts available and it has an entry level cost to own one. The original design remained unchanged for many years. This means even the slightly newer ones still feel like you are behind the wheel of a classic. An average market rate for a 1966 Giulia Duetto Spiders is around $25,700.
1987–93 BMW 325i Convertible:
“The Ultimate Driving Machine” has been the slogan of BMW since the early 70s, but the E30 models from the late 80s helped cement that slogan into the minds of consumers everywhere. While the high performance M3 is well past the average pocketbook, the 325i convertible can still be found for a reasonable price. Most of these convertibles were delivered to the U.S as automatics, but if you look hard enough you can find a five speed manual that will deliver their memorable tag line that is still used today. You can expect to pay around $8,500 for a 1987 BMW 325i Convertible.
1968–75 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible:
The C3 Corvette was only in production for a short time, but high production numbers of the hardtop means that replacement parts are going to be easy to find. The convertible mechanics might be tougher to relocate should you need replacement parts, but everything else will be simple to get your hands on. This is why it makes the list. A 1971 Corvette Convertible should start around $23,700.
1965–67 Ford Mustang Convertible:
Probably the most recognizable classic American car is the Ford Mustang. There were literally millions of them made which makes them a great candidate to purchase. Since they are not that rare, replacement parts are plentiful. The initial purchase price isn’t too bad either. Convertibles are naturally a little pricier than the hardtop versions, but you can get a decent 1965 Mustang Convertible in your garage for around $28,000.
1966–71 International Scout:
Convertible roofs aren’t just on cars. The International Scout allows drivers to enjoy the open sky off road! Enjoy the open air ride on the beach, through the woods or just a cruise down Main street. Prices for these vehicles are on the rise, but you should still be able to get one starting around $9,000 for a 1966 Scout.
1961–67 Lincoln Continental Convertible:
The demand for these is steadily climbing and their has been a large spike over the past five years. With its stylish design we are surprised the demand didn’t start earlier. If you are interested in one, you’d better get one soon. The recent “Entourage” movie and series has made this convertible even more coveted. It is one of the few convertibles out there with room in the backseat to comfortably fit friends. Look to spend at least $33,000 to find one today.
1989–97 Mazda Miata:
There are many naysayers when it comes to this vehicle. Regardless of their opinions, this two-seater convertible is one of the world-wide best-selling sports cars of all time. We have to believe that the anti-miata crowd has never gotten behind the wheel of one of these rides. They might be inexpensive, but they certainly do not feel cheap and actually deliver quite an exhilarating driving experience. All it will take is about $4,500 to get a 1995 Miata with a drop top.
1986–89 Mercedes-Benz 560SL:
Mercedes Benz has always been known for their motoring excellence. Over the past year the 560SL has really taken off on the popularity scale. The earlier 450SL and 380SL models haven’t caught on like the 560SL has. They might be the next best thing though in the near future. If you have your heart set on the 560SL you can still pick one up for as low as $19,400.
1972–1976 Porsche 914:
This could very well be the only Porsche still available for less than $35,000. While it certainly isn’t going to deliver like a 911 or many of their other models, it certainly is no slouch. The cost of a 914 hasn’t really changed for some time now and we are waiting for them to spike. Who knows when that will happen. For now you can still tell your friends you own a Porsche and spend less than $10,000. There early 914s still out there for as low as $9,700.
1987–89 Toyota MR-2 T-Bar:
These cars are super unique with their mid-engine chassis. This type of driving experience is hard to find in a collector car for less than $10,000. Its a Toyota so you know it will be reliable and it has a wide range of aftermarket parts and features that can be added as well. The Tuner crowd has really latched on to these either. These cars are somewhat sitting in limbo waiting for their time to shine once again. You can find a 1987 MR-2 with T-Bars for the low price of $6,200.
Do you think we forgot to mention a convertible that should have made the Hagerty list? Leave us a comment and tell us what ragtop classic should have been on the list.