Everybody knows driving with the top down is better than driving with the top up, especially if you're handling something with a bit of performance.
But the 1950s took things to a whole new level, with manufacturers making sure that every model under the sun could also put you under the sun. Especially the sports cars.
Here are 25 photos of 1950s roadsters ready for the open road.
1
Sophia Loren
Posing on her Mercedes-Benz 300 SL near Rome, 1955.
2
James Dean’s Last Photo
With his Porsche 550 in 1955.
3
Steve McQueen
Cool in his Jaguar.
4
Beach Posing
Made better with no roof.
5
Carhop
Order made easier in a roadster.
6
Marilyn Monroe
And a 1953 Singer SM1500 4AD Roadster
7
1950s Drive In
Perfect in a classic ‘Vette.
8
Oldsmobile Roadster
From a 1956 press release.
9
Front Yard Seat
Perfect for relaxing.
10
Steve McQueen and Neile Adams
Relaxing in their Porsche 356.
11
Buick Convertible
Perfect for the beach in 1953.
12
Buick XP-300
Rocking that 1951 style.
13
Steve McQueen and Carroll Shelby
Photographed with a Cobra 289 Roadster.
14
Too Cold
No good for winter in New Hampshire, as seen here.
15
George Maharis
Hopping a classic Corvette.
16
Daytona Beach Speed Week
Trials in 1957.
17
Ford Thunderbird
At the 1957 Daytona Beach Speed Week.
18
Shelby 260 Cobra
Richard Janusz and Phil Long in Colorado.
19
James Dean
In his Porsche 550.
20
Boxer Ingo Johansson
In his Corvette.
21
Rambler American
An ad for a roadster.
22
Polara 500
A Dodge roadster.
23
Watching the Sun Set
From a Chevy Impala.
24
Test Drive a ‘50s Ford
Preferably with the top down.
25
Diana Dors
With her Delahaye Roadster in 1955.
