Sun’s out, tops are down – it’s convertible season!
There’s no better way to soak in the spirit of summer than with the wind in your hair and the open road ahead. And if you ask us, no era did open-air cruising with more flair than the fabulous 1950s. Think bold tailfins, jet-age curves, sparkling chrome and paint colors as bright as a beachside sunset – these convertibles are rolling works of art sure to turn heads wherever they go.
At Barrett-Jackson, we’ve had the pleasure of watching some of the coolest drop-tops cross the auction block over the last year. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just dreaming of the ultimate summer ride, we’re excited to share these open-air classics with you.
MAIN PHOTO: 1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $330,000
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 crate V8 engine and 4L60 automatic transmission. Professionally built award-winner. Equipped with air conditioning, cruise control and a custom sound system, along with power steering, top, windows and seats.
1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $220,000
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Frame-off restoration. Powered by a supercharged 427/825hp by Texas Speed and Bowler T56 transmission. Equipped with Wegner front-drive accessories and a custom interior by Miranda Built.
1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $148,500
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
Powered by a fuel-injected 383ci stroker V8 with aluminum heads. Has an Art Morrison frame, Haartz convertible top, 17-inch Cragar Mag wheels, Vintage Air and power windows, steering and top. Two-year restoration completed in 2023 with less than 300 miles.
1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $143,000
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
Powered by a 5.7-liter crate V8 engine mated to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission. Body-off custom build; sits on an Art Morrison chassis with Budnik wheels. Equipped with Wilwood brakes, modern air conditioning and a power Haartz soft-top.
1958 CADILLAC ELDORADO BIARRITZ CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $137,500
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
No. 44 of 815 produced in 1958. Matching numbers, ground-up restoration. Powered by the original 365/352hp V8 engine paired with a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. Early production model No. 3254.
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL ROADSTER
SOLD! $225,500
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
Multi-year, ground-up rotisserie restoration powered by a 1.9-liter engine with twin side-draft Solex carburetors and a 4-speed manual transmission. Saddle interior. Has Coker classic whitewall tires and original factory hubcaps.
1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $528,000
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Built by Joe Clevenger. Powered by an LT1 direct-injected 460hp engine backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission. Features an Art Morrison chassis with independent suspension and one-off custom wheels.
1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 235/150 CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $370,700
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
No. 103 of the 300 built for the model year. Found stored in a Pennsylvania estate in 2003, where it had been unrestored since the now-deceased owner bought it in 1961. Formerly from the Bill Munday Collection.
1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $357,500
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Powered by a new LS7 570hp V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Features an Art Morrison chassis with rear independent suspension, DeWitts radiator, Vintage Air, custom wide quarters, and 18- and 19-inch rear wheels by Schott.
1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $220,000
2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION
Powered by a 350hp LS1 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission on a chassis with modern Corvette suspension. Features power steering, power four-wheel disc brakes and an Al Knoch blue leather interior. Built by Hendrick Performance.
This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.
