24 Funky Classic Roadsters Everyone Loves
When it comes to classic cars, roadsters hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. These sleek, open-top vehicles exude timeless style and offer an exhilarating driving experience. However, not all roadsters are created equal, and some of them come with a quirky and unexpected twist that sets them apart from the rest.
Citroën 2CV Sahara
The Citroën 2CV Sahara, also known as the “Twin Engine” 2CV, takes the concept of a roadster to new heights, or perhaps we should say, new terrains. This French gem was designed with a twist – it featured not one but two engines, each powering one set of wheels. The result? An off-road adventurer that could conquer rough terrain with ease. With its unconventional engineering and go-anywhere attitude, the Citroën 2CV Sahara is a true icon of quirky roadsters.
Amphicar Model 770
If you’ve ever dreamt of a road trip that seamlessly transitions into a boating adventure, the Amphicar Model 770 might be your dream come true. This extraordinary roadster was designed to operate both on land and in water, making it the only production amphibious passenger car ever manufactured for public use.
With its quirky yet functional design, the Amphicar Model 770 offered a truly unique twist on the classic roadster experience, ensuring that every journey was an unforgettable one.
Triumph Spitfire Mark IV
The Triumph Spitfire Mark IV is the epitome of British roadster charm. Its sleek lines and distinctive styling set it apart from the crowd, and it exuded an air of sophistication. While it might seem conventional at first glance, the Spitfire had a quirky charm all its own. Its compact size and lively performance made it a favorite among roadster enthusiasts, proving that sometimes, the twist lies in the details.
Porsche 914
The Porsche 914 is a true fusion of two automotive giants: Porsche and Volkswagen. This mid-engine roadster was quite different from the typical Porsche lineup of its time. With its unconventional styling and the choice of four-cylinder engines, including a VW-sourced powerplant, the 914 brought a unique twist to the Porsche family. It’s a testament to the versatility and innovation of both Porsche and Volkswagen, resulting in a roadster that stands out in the crowd.
Mazda Cosmo 110S
The Mazda Cosmo 110S is a roadster that brought a touch of Japanese innovation to the world of sports cars. What makes it truly funky is its rotary engine, a technology that Mazda was known for. With its distinctive styling and performance capabilities, the Cosmo 110S was a breath of fresh air in the realm of classic roadsters, showcasing that innovation knows no boundaries.
Datsun 2000 Roadster
Datsun, now known as Nissan, introduced the 2000 Roadster, a stylish and performance-oriented roadster that left its mark in the world of classic cars. With its sleek design and impressive performance for its time, the Datsun 2000 Roadster was a breath of fresh air among its competitors. Its ability to combine style and speed gave it a unique twist that continues to captivate enthusiasts to this day.
Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder Convertible
Chevrolet’s Corvair Monza Spyder Convertible dared to be different with its rear-engine layout and the availability of a turbocharged engine option. This unconventional configuration gave the Corvair a unique twist in the world of American roadsters. It was a sporty and stylish option that offered a driving experience unlike any other Chevy of its era. With its turbocharged power and distinctive design, the Corvair Monza Spyder Convertible was a roadster with a funky flair that set it apart from the rest.
Morgan Plus 8
The Morgan Plus 8 is a quintessential British roadster that effortlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with a dose of modern muscle. Under its classic exterior lies a V8 engine, a departure from the typical inline-six or four-cylinder powerplants found in many British roadsters. This combination of old-world charm and contemporary power gives the Morgan Plus 8 a unique twist that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate the best of both worlds. With its timeless design and unexpected performance, this roadster is a true classic with a funky edge.
Saab Sonett
The Saab Sonett is a quirky Swedish roadster that showcases Saab’s penchant for unconventional design. With its fiberglass body and unique styling, the Sonett stood out in the roadster crowd. Its small but spirited nature made it an enjoyable and offbeat choice for those seeking something different in their roadster experience. The Saab Sonett’s distinctiveness and Swedish charm make it a true funky twist in the world of classic roadsters.
Austin-Healey Sprite (Frogeye)
The Austin-Healey Sprite, affectionately known as the “Frogeye” due to its distinctive round headlamps, exuded a playful and whimsical appearance. Its quirky styling and compact size made it a favorite among roadster enthusiasts who appreciated a touch of lighthearted charm. Despite its small stature, the Frogeye had a big personality and a devoted following, showcasing that sometimes, a roadster’s twist can be found in its delightful design.
Lotus Elan
The Lotus Elan is a British roadster that took a different approach to performance. Instead of raw power, the Elan emphasized lightweight construction and excellent handling. This approach resulted in a roadster that was agile and nimble, offering a thrilling driving experience. With its fiberglass body and innovative engineering, the Lotus Elan brought a unique twist to the world of classic British roadsters, proving that agility and finesse could be just as exciting as brute force.
Fiat 124 Sport Spider
The Fiat 124 Sport Spider is an Italian roadster that oozes elegance and style. With its timeless design and a twist of Italian flair, it was a standout among European roadsters. The 124 Sport Spider offered a balance of sophistication and spirited performance, making it a beloved classic with a funky twist. Its combination of sleek aesthetics and driving fun left an indelible mark in the world of roadsters, showcasing that Italian design could be both beautiful and engaging.
Plymouth Prowler
The Plymouth Prowler is a modern interpretation of the classic roadster with a distinctive retro-futuristic design. Its bold and unconventional styling set it apart from traditional roadsters. The Prowler’s unique appearance, combined with a V6 engine, created a roadster that looked like it came from the future while paying homage to the classics of the past. With its audacious design and forward-thinking approach, the Plymouth Prowler is a funky twist in the world of contemporary roadsters.
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is often overshadowed by its legendary sibling, the 300 SL, but it had a unique charm of its own. Positioned as a more affordable alternative, the 190 SL featured elegant styling and solid craftsmanship. While it may not have had the same high-performance pedigree as the 300 SL, the 190 SL offered a twist on the classic roadster experience with its accessible luxury and distinctive Mercedes-Benz appeal.
MG MGB GT
The MG MGB GT takes the classic British roadster formula and adds a twist with its unique fixed-roof design. While many roadsters embrace the open-top experience, the MGB GT offers the versatility of a hardtop, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate the benefits of both worlds. Its distinctive styling and practicality set it apart in the world of classic British sports cars.
Buick Reatta
The Buick Reatta is a luxury roadster that arrived in the 1980s with a twist—advanced technology. Featuring a touchscreen control system, it was ahead of its time in terms of in-car electronics. The Reatta combined comfort and style with cutting-edge features, making it a unique offering in the era of traditional American luxury cars.
Chevrolet SSR
The Chevrolet SSR is a modern American roadster that takes the classic roadster formula and adds a pickup truck bed. With its retractable hardtop, it seamlessly transitions from a sleek convertible to a practical pickup. The SSR embodies the spirit of innovation and versatility, offering a twist on traditional roadster design
Volvo P1800 Convertible
The Volvo P1800 Convertible is a Swedish roadster with a distinctive design that gained fame as the car driven by Roger Moore in the TV series “The Saint.” Its elegant lines and unique styling set it apart from other roadsters of its time. The P1800 Convertible represents a Swedish twist on the classic European sports car formula, making it an icon in both automotive and television history.
TVR Grantura
The TVR Grantura is a British roadster that goes against the grain with its unconventional fiberglass body construction. TVR’s focus on performance shines through in this unique roadster. With a lightweight and agile chassis, the Grantura offered a spirited driving experience, distinguishing itself from the traditional British sports car crowd.
AC Ace
The AC Ace is a British roadster with a remarkable twist—it served as the precursor to the legendary Shelby Cobra. What sets the Ace apart is its Ford engine under the hood, which laid the foundation for Carroll Shelby’s iconic Cobra. With the Ace, you have a piece of automotive history that played a pivotal role in American muscle car culture.
Sunbeam Tiger
The Sunbeam Tiger is a British roadster with a surprising twist—American muscle. Featuring a V8 engine sourced from Ford, the Tiger combined British charm with robust American power. It’s a classic roadster that delivers a unique blend of performance and style, appealing to enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider is an Italian roadster celebrated for its sleek design and spirited performance. With its charismatic styling and peppy engine options, the Giulia Spider showcases Italian engineering and design prowess. It’s a classic roadster that embodies the essence of la dolce vita.
Honda S600
The Honda S600 is a small Japanese roadster with a twist—a high-revving engine. Honda’s engineering prowess shines through in this classic, which features a 600cc inline-four engine capable of revving to a remarkable 9,500 RPM. The S600 proves that Japanese manufacturers were ready to make their mark in the world of sports cars from an early age.
Triumph TR250
The Triumph TR250 is a British roadster that artfully combines style and performance. With a smooth inline-six engine and distinctive design, it’s a classic that offers a delightful blend of driving dynamics and visual appeal. The TR250 is a true representation of the British sports car tradition with a twist of modernity.
Similar Posts
15 Cars From the 1950s That You Forgot About
When it comes to classic cars, roadsters hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. These sleek, open-top vehicles exude timeless style and offer an exhilarating driving experience. However, not all roadsters are created equal, and some of them come with a quirky and unexpected twist that sets them apart from the rest….
15 Classic Cars from the 1940s: Can You Identify Them All?
When it comes to classic cars, roadsters hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. These sleek, open-top vehicles exude timeless style and offer an exhilarating driving experience. However, not all roadsters are created equal, and some of them come with a quirky and unexpected twist that sets them apart from the rest….
10 Coolest Roadsters to Ever Grace the Streets
When it comes to classic cars, roadsters hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. These sleek, open-top vehicles exude timeless style and offer an exhilarating driving experience. However, not all roadsters are created equal, and some of them come with a quirky and unexpected twist that sets them apart from the rest….
10 Super Rare Muscle Cars You’ll Never See In Real Life
When it comes to classic cars, roadsters hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. These sleek, open-top vehicles exude timeless style and offer an exhilarating driving experience. However, not all roadsters are created equal, and some of them come with a quirky and unexpected twist that sets them apart from the rest….
New Chevelle 70/SS by TransAm WorldWide is 2024’s Coolest Car
When it comes to classic cars, roadsters hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. These sleek, open-top vehicles exude timeless style and offer an exhilarating driving experience. However, not all roadsters are created equal, and some of them come with a quirky and unexpected twist that sets them apart from the rest….
10 Most Ahead-Of-Their-Time Cars Ever Built
When it comes to classic cars, roadsters hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. These sleek, open-top vehicles exude timeless style and offer an exhilarating driving experience. However, not all roadsters are created equal, and some of them come with a quirky and unexpected twist that sets them apart from the rest….