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10 Classic Convertibles at Which You Can’t Say No
Words by Roberto Marrone
On our new issue you can take a look at the best fresh production convertibles available today. Here, we want to give space to 10 alternatives that smell vintage and that will only make you want to drive as our fathers were doing in the good old days! Gloves (The Outlierman), arm out of the window and that unstoppable want to feel free.
Lancia Aurelia B24 spider first series (’54 -’55)
cc. 2451 6-cylinder 118 hp 180 kp/h
Monocoque body, rear-wheel drive, front wheel with independent suspension, rear wheels with semi-independent de Dion structure
Jaguar XK 140 roadster (’54 -’57)
Replacing and improving the already excellent and successful XK 120
cc. 3442 6-cylinder 195 hp (213 hp C Head) 210 Kph from 0-100 in 8.5″
In 1956 it was also available with automatic transmission
It was possible to have a version with fairing rear wheels, or with spoked wheels too.
Two open versions: Roadster and Convertible, differed for the front window and for the interior (of course there was also the coupe version).
BMW 501 convertible (’52 -’60)
1971 cc 6-cylinder 65 hp 140 kph
2580 cc 8-cylinder 95 HP 160 Kph
Single-plate dry clutch
It had a wraparound design, soft and dynamic, despite the considerable size and was nicknamed “Barockengel”, which in German means “Baroque Angel.”
Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Veloce
It was first released in 1964 as an evolution of the Giulietta Spider, from which it differs in some details, such as the air intake on the hood of the Giulia and the inscription 1600, different rims and a few changes to the dashboard and the steering wheel. Four-cylinder 1570cc, light alloy head, 112 hp version for the “Veloce”, compared to 92 hp for the standard.
Maserati Mistral
Built between 1963 and 1970, in both coupe (830 specimens) and Spider (125 specimens), and designed by Frua. 6-cylinder engine 3500cc, 235 bhp, Lucas indirect injection, many converted to the carburetors (Weber). Over the years the model passed before from 3700cc 245 hp to 4014cc with 256 hp. 240 Kph and 5.8″ from 0 to 100 Kph. The gearbox was a ZF five-speed. One of the finest Maserati built and with great performance.
Aston Martin DB5
Produced from 1963 to 1965. 1021 of which only 123 units built in convertible version called “Volante”. Designed by Carrozzeria Touring, but built in England. Comfortable and very big in size, but at the same time sporty and full of precious leather and wood panels. 6-cylinder engine 282 hp and 3995cc. SU carburetors and despite the considerable weight was able to reach 238 Kph. In 1964 there was also the Vantage version built in 65 units, fitting Weber carburetors and developing a maximum output of 314 hp.
Ford Mustang II Series
Born in 1974, modeled on a bit ‘the lines of the first version and was slightly smaller, but the Ford was aiming the best quality and finishes. Different engines were available: 2300 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder 105 hp in 2800, and by popular demand, or should I say for major protests, in 1975 came the long-awaited classic 8-cylinder 4900cc, which forced several design changes.
Rolls Royce Corniche II (1977)
Born in 1971, it is updated in a few details such as bumpers and dashboard, following the stylistic innovations of the sedan version from which it comes (Silver Shadow). The convertible has two doors only maintaining a large interior space for the rear seats. Its extremely clean and classic lines make it timeless and thus remains unchanged until 1989. Despite the Shadow is replaced by the Spirit, the Corniche undergoes minor updates and adopts the electronic ignition; produced until 1996. The engine is always the classic 8-cylinder 6750cc, which allows it respectable performance and a quiet cruise feeling, typical and worthy of a true RR.
Alfa Duetto Coda Tronca (1975)
4-cylinder 1600cc and 2000cc that because of the oil crysis lost a few horses (respectively 106 and 128). Three years later, minor changes to the interior and becomes a two-seater, since the rear bench could not be approved for the lack of safety belts. It could have been mated to different kinds of carburetors like: Dell’Orto, Weber or Solex. Top speed at 180 Kph, from 0 to 100 Kph in 10″. Clean lines, instant classic, weighed down by mid-80s onwards, for the adoption of a black plastic rear spoiler, mirrors and other exaggerated inelegant choices.
Mercedes 350 SL (R107)
In production from 1971 to 1989, it was equipped with an 8-cylinder 3499cc with 205hp, 210 Kph. 0 to 100 kph in 8.8”. It could fit both the manual or the automatic transmission. Elegant as a few other cars, it had the ability to fit a rigid hard top. The wide selection of engines with the specific code declares the engine capacity: 280, 300, 420, 450, 500.
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