1970s Classic Convertibles Growing in Value Each Year
Are you an enthusiast of convertibles from the 70’s? Or simply a fan of classic cars? If so, you probably already know that not all cars keep their value as they age, but which ones made the cut? Continue reading to unearth the top classic convertibles from the 1970s that actually gained value!
Alfa Romeo Spider (Series 2)
The Series 2 Spider embodies romance on wheels with its sleek lines and Italian appeal. It's not the fastest, but it doesn't have to be; simply locate a meandering road, drop the top, and let the charm speak for itself!
Triumph TR6
The TR6 combines roadster simplicity with British muscle. Its squared-off stance and straight-six snarl are pleasantly archaic, reminiscent of a bygone era of classic cars. It's a vehicle that equally rewards weekend tinkering and aggressive driving - you can’t go wrong with it!
MG MGB Roadster
The MGB Roadster is famous as a friendly face in British motoring. It's easy to drive, simple to maintain, and incredibly fun to take for a spin. It exudes appeal without trying too hard, which is precisely why it’s so adored, whether it’s parked at a neighborhood meet or touring country lanes.
Fiat 124 Spider
Italian elegance is brought to daily driving with the Fiat 124 Spider. For its class, it’s remarkably sophisticated, energetic, and light. It creates a feeling of luxury without requiring a garage full of gear, whether you're chasing sunsets or navigating congested city streets.
Mercedes-Benz 280SL (R107)
The R107 280SL combines leisure and luxury; it's the type of convertible that never fails to provide a smooth ride thanks to its sturdy construction and subtle grace. So, whether it’s your daily car or a weekend adventurer, it’ll never let you down!
BMW 2002 Cabriolet (Baur)
The Baur-converted 2002, which is uncommon yet pleasantly eccentric, provides outdoor excitement with vintage BMW handling. Its semi-convertible roof makes the perfect driver’s car - but with a twist! For anyone who values engineering over looks, this is the car for you.
Porsche 914 Targa
Mid-engine, low-slung, and unmistakably Porsche, the 914 Targa is a rebel in the classic car market. Although it lacks traditional beauty, it’s nimble, captivating, and full of personality. It has a cult following and is a true driver's car thanks to the Targa top's added adaptability.
Chevrolet Corvette C3 Convertible
Charm and curves abound in the C3 Corvette Convertible. It’s unabashedly American with its tall hood and powerful V8. Even though it doesn't corner like a competitor from Europe, it still attracts attention and roars confidently, especially when the roof is down.
Ford Mustang Convertible (1971-73)
The early 70s Mustang convertibles were large, aggressive, and distinctive, embracing the decade's penchant for extravagance. They still have that distinctive rumble and open-road freedom, despite being heavier than their 1960s forebears. This vehicle is heavily American, but with a little extra spice!
Datsun 240Z Roadster Conversion
Roadster-converted 240Zs, despite not being factory-built, provide a distinctive take on a well-loved classic. They offer outdoor appeal while preserving the essence of the original with their streamlined design and awesome performance. For Z fans who long for the wind in their hair, it's a special treat!
Triumph Spitfire Mk IV
The Spitfire Mk IV is a fun drive as it’s small yet powerful! Its powerful engine and low-slung attitude give the impression that it’s faster than it actually is, but part of its allure is its simplicity. Thanks to this, this car continues to gain value, even after 50 years.
Jensen-Healey Convertible
The Jensen-Healey has a simple design and jaw-dropping performance, and because of its Lotus engine, it has more power than many British roadsters from the same era. Despite being less well-known, it has certainly acquired recognition due to its basic mechanical structure and unmatched driving experience.
Saab Sonett III (Targa)
The Sonett III stands out with its fiberglass body and front-wheel drive. But that’s not all! It's small in size, quirky-looking, and surprisingly fun to drive. Collectors looking for something different have taken notice of its unique appearance, and the Targa roof provides versatility that drivers love.
Panther J72
The Panther J72 was constructed in the 1970s using contemporary foundations and had a pre-war Jaguar-like appearance. Although it's more of a display than a drivable sports car nowadays, its vintage appearance and handcrafted quality have made (and kept) it popular.
Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
Big and bold, the Eldorado Convertible is distinctly American. Its large V8 engine and front-wheel drive make it comfortable to drive around curves, and collectors value its existence because of its exceptional size and opulent features, which set it apart from other cars.
Buick Riviera Convertible
The Riviera Convertible offers smooth cruising and good build quality, despite not being as ostentatious as some competitors. It’s spacious, cozy, and exudes a calm vibe. Fans of vintage American elegance have come to appreciate its subtle design and dependable performance.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible
The Cutlass Supreme Convertible combines traditional design with practical functionality - all while providing comfort and easy handling. Because of its popularity in the 1970s, components are still accessible, and mint-condition models are becoming more and more desirable.
Pontiac Firebird Convertible
The Firebird Convertible thrives with the appeal of an open-air vehicle with muscle car styling. It has the Pontiac flare that made it popular, and it's also sporty and responsive. Despite being eclipsed by the Trans Am, convertible variants have become more valuable due to their great style and rarity!
AMC Javelin Convertible (Customs)
AMC never officially built a Javelin convertible, but custom conversions exist. These uncommon cars impress all with their drop-top fun and muscle car performance. Collectors find them intriguing because of their distinctiveness, particularly those who are interested in underdog American businesses.
Peugeot 304 Cabriolet
The 304 Cabriolet is a compact French convertible with practical (yet impressive) engineering. Although it's not the quickest, it's cozy and manageable. Its popularity among collectors seeking something unusual has increased thanks to its rarity outside of Europe.
Citroen Méhari
The Méhari is easy to drive, lightweight, and designed for enjoyment. Its practical shape makes it perfect for rural roads and beach communities, and its plastic body prevents rust perfectly. Although it isn't super-luxurious, its allure and distinctiveness have contributed to its increasing worth over time.
Mazda RX-3 Convertible
There are RX-3 convertible conversions that give a distinctive twist on Mazda's rotary-powered classic, even while not being factory-built. The RX-3 is lightweight, fast, and has an intriguing mechanical design. It remains a favorite among rotary aficionados because of its performance and rarity.
Toyota Celica ST Convertible
Although the majority of Celica ST convertibles were aftermarket conversions, their attractive appearance and dependable performance have gained notice. Collectors looking for something enjoyable and low maintenance will find these drop-top models appealing due to the Celica's reputation for style and longevity.
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet (1303S)
Smiles are the Beetle Cabriolet's main goal, not speed. It's the type of vehicle that transforms errands into adventures thanks to its distinctive shape and carefree attitude. The brand is certainly known to provide pleasantly joyous and uncomplicated driving experiences, but the 1303S offers even more vigor!
Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible
The main focus of the Corniche Convertible is luxury - and it has certainly succeeded! It’s designed for comfort and grandeur and has a smooth ride, sophisticated style, and handcrafted detailing. Sure, it can be costly to maintain, but its exclusivity has contributed to its value retention.
Lincoln Continental Mark IV Convertible
These vehicles are roomy, cozy, and loaded with luxuries from the 1970s. They’re eagerly hunted by collectors who value American excess due to their scarcity and striking design - no wonder their value continues to rise.
Opel Manta A Cabriolet
An uncommon sight, the Manta A Cabriolet is frequently the product of aftermarket adaptations. It’s easy to drive, compact, and balanced, and has quietly gained a following among fans searching for something unique and reasonably priced!
Volvo P1800 ES Targa
Although there are several Targa-style adaptations, the P1800 ES was renowned for both its distinctive shooting brake design and dependability. Due to their rarity, these modified variants have increased collector interest and provide open-air driving with a vintage Volvo look.
Lancia Beta Spider
The Beta Spider was constructed by Zagato and has a rear soft top and detachable roof panel. Although it doesn't have a lot of power compared to similar vehicles, its appearance and scarcity have made it more valuable to enthusiasts of classic Italian design. We get it.
Renault 5 Convertible
Convertible versions of the Renault 5 are rare and mostly aftermarket. The car’s compact size and cute styling make it fun to drive, and its uniqueness has helped it gain attention among collectors who appreciate French cars with perky personality.
Morgan Plus 8
The Morgan Plus 8 combines V8 power with classic British workmanship. It has a hardwood frame and is quick and unpolished, which has made it a favorite among collectors. Plus, thanks to its limited manufacturing, its value has continually increased over the years.
TVR 3000S Convertible
The Ford V6 engine powers the lightweight British sports automobile known as the TVR 3000S. It’s responsive, fast, and designed to make driving enjoyable. It has increased in value as collectors cherish TVR's audacious engineering.
Austin-Healey Sprite Mk IV
The Sprite Mk IV is easy to drive, compact, and a joy to drive - not to mention that it offers a sense of classic vintage British driving. Despite its lack of driving power, its allure and affordability have made it a well-liked option for novice collectors and vintage lovers.
Plymouth Barracuda Convertible
The Barracuda Convertible combines open-air driving with muscle car design. It is bold, strong, and becoming increasingly hard to find. Because of their dynamic appearance and powerful performance, early 1970s models have become more valuable, particularly among admirers of American classics.
Dodge Challenger Convertible
Convertible Challengers are one of the most uncommon and sought-after cars from the 70’s. They have powerful engines, eye-catching designs, and the sense of a real muscle car. With this in mind, it’s understandable why the Challenger made this list.
