21 Once-Legendary Roadsters That No One Wants Anymore

Back in college, my roommate bought a beat-up Alfa Spider for $1,200. It barely ran, leaked more oil than a fryer, and needed a push-start half the time.

Still, everyone thought it was the coolest thing in the parking lot. Now? That same car might not get a second glance.

Some roadsters were once the stuff of posters and dreams, but the years haven’t always been kind. Whether it’s poor reliability, changing tastes, or just plain bad luck, some legends fade hard.

1. MG Midget

Back in its prime, the MG Midget was the epitome of British charm. With its petite stature, it zipped through the streets like a playful kitten.

Today, it’s more likely to be found collecting dust in a garage than on the open road.

Despite its small size, the Midget offered big fun, especially with the top down. Yet, practicality wasn’t its strong suit, and modern drivers demand more.

For those nostalgic weekends, though, it can still whisk you away to simpler times.

2. Triumph Spitfire

Once a poster child of British motoring charm, the Triumph Spitfire oozed vintage cool with its classic lines and top-down driving pleasure. It was nimble, affordable, and made winding back roads feel like racetracks.

But time hasn’t been kind. Fragile electrics, rust-prone bodies, and outdated performance make it a tough sell today.

While collectors may keep its memory alive, modern drivers aren’t itching to babysit a temperamental classic, no matter how cheeky and cheerful it once was.

3. Fiat 124 Spider (original)

The original Fiat 124 Spider was Italy’s answer to affordable, stylish driving. Its amazing design and spirited performance made it a favorite among enthusiasts.

But as time passed, its reliability issues and lack of modern amenities left it in the dust. Today, it’s a relic of a bygone era, cherished by collectors but overlooked by mainstream drivers.

Still, in the right hands, it can transport you to la dolce vita, capturing the essence of carefree Italian motoring.

4. Alfa Romeo Spider (Series 3)

Alfa’s Series 3 Spider had flair, no doubt—Pininfarina styling, rear-wheel drive, and that sweet Italian engine note.

But for all its charisma, it also brought the usual Alfa headaches: electrical gremlins, spotty reliability, and a driving experience that was more romantic in theory than execution.

Enthusiasts loved it once, but now most prefer roadsters that won’t leave them stranded. The passion is still there, but practicality and performance have long sped ahead, leaving this one behind.

5. Jensen-Healey

The Jensen-Healey was a unique Anglo-American hybrid that aimed to blend British style with American muscle. Its sleek lines and powerful engine made it an intriguing choice.

However, quality control issues and a rapidly evolving market led to its decline. Today, it’s more of a footnote in automotive history than a mainstay.

For those who appreciate its distinct charm, it remains a quirky reminder of what could have been, a testament to ambitious but flawed innovation.

6. Datsun Fairlady Roadster

Before the Z cars made Datsun a household name, the Fairlady Roadster delivered open-air fun with nimble handling and Japanese reliability.

It was Datsun’s answer to British convertibles, minus the quirks—or so we thought. Today, the Fairlady has largely vanished from roads and auctions alike.

Despite its pioneering spirit, it’s been overshadowed by more iconic successors and suffers from a parts scarcity that scares off casual collectors. Its “legend” status has quietly slipped into nostalgia territory.

7. Chevrolet SSR

The Chevrolet SSR was a bold experiment, blending a roadster’s spirit with a pickup’s practicality. Its retro design was eye-catching, but its execution left much to be desired.

With limited practicality and a hefty price tag, it became more of a curiosity than a bestseller. Today, it’s a unique slice of automotive history, a reminder of daring but flawed ambition.

For those who own one, it offers a chance to stand out, to drive something decidedly different and undeniably bold.

8. Chrysler Crossfire Roadster

The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster came with Mercedes underpinnings and a bold design that looked like it was flexing even at a stoplight. Unfortunately, it never backed up the look.

Handling was just okay, the ride was stiff, and the interior felt half-baked. Built during DaimlerChrysler’s identity crisis, it now sits in used-car lots collecting dust.

The Crossfire’s roadster variant has flair, sure—but it never earned enough street cred to warrant a revival or serious collector love.

9. Pontiac Solstice

The Pontiac Solstice was GM’s attempt to reignite the roadster flame. With its eye-catching design and affordable price, it promised much.

Yet, quality issues and a lack of refinement meant it never quite lived up to the hype. Today, it’s a relic of a bygone era, overshadowed by more polished competitors.

For those who appreciate its bold lines, it remains a reminder of the excitement and optimism of its era, a time when dreams seemed possible.

10. Saturn Sky

For a brief, shining moment, the Saturn Sky looked like it would shake up the roadster world with bold styling and an optional turbo engine. Sadly, GM’s timing was off.

The brand folded, support vanished, and the Sky quickly faded from the spotlight. Even with Lotus-like proportions, it never hit the sales numbers or performance benchmarks to become a legend.

Today, it’s a curious footnote—more “remember that?” than “you’ve gotta drive one of these.”

11. Honda Del Sol

The Honda Del Sol was a playful reminder of Honda’s innovative spirit. Its removable roof panel offered a taste of open-air freedom without committing to a full convertible.

Yet, its quirky design and lack of power limited its appeal. Today, it’s a rare sight, a nostalgic nod to the ’90s.

For those who remember its debut, it remains a symbol of youthful exuberance and a time when driving was all about fun, not just function.

12. BMW Z3 (early 4-cylinder models)

The early Z3 had Bond-car status and the badge to match—but those base 4-cylinder models were all show, no go.

With modest power and underwhelming dynamics, it couldn’t quite deliver the Bavarian thrills enthusiasts hoped for.

Later six-cylinder variants fixed that, but the 4-cylinder Z3s remain the forgotten siblings.

Today, they’re cheap used convertibles that no one’s clamoring to restore or modify. For a BMW, it’s about as unloved as a roadster can get.

13. Nissan 300ZX Convertible

The Nissan 300ZX Convertible was a part of the legendary Z-car lineup, offering open-air excitement. Its design was futuristic, and its performance was exhilarating.

Yet, its complexity and maintenance costs made it a challenging ownership prospect. Today, it’s a rare gem, desirable for those who appreciate its blend of style and speed.

For the fortunate few, it’s a nod to a time when innovation was at the forefront, when cars were more than just transportation—they were statements.

14. Mazda RX-7 Convertible

The RX-7 was a rotary-powered rocket ship—except in convertible form. While it still looked the part, the added weight and softer structure dulled its famous handling.

And with all the usual rotary engine quirks (oil thirst, rebuilds, low torque), the drop-top RX-7 wasn’t the enthusiast’s choice.

Now, with skyrocketing prices for hardtops and RX-7 coupes, the convertible gets passed over, unloved and forgotten. It’s the cool car that just couldn’t quite live up to its siblings.

15. Cadillac Allanté

The Cadillac Allanté was a bold statement, blending Italian design with American luxury. Its Pininfarina body turned heads, but its execution was a mixed bag.

With a high price and complex electronics, it struggled to find a wide audience. Today, it’s a rare piece of automotive art, a reminder of Cadillac’s ambitious, if flawed, vision.

For those who appreciate its elegance, it offers a taste of luxury from an era when Cadillac aimed for the stars, if only briefly.

16. Peugeot 306 Cabriolet

Designed by Pininfarina and surprisingly pleasant to look at, the Peugeot 306 Cabriolet never quite made waves beyond Europe.

With front-wheel drive and modest power, it leaned more boulevard cruiser than performance machine. Reliability concerns and parts availability haven’t helped its case over time.

Despite its stylish presence, most buyers now chase roadsters with more speed, support, and heritage. The 306 cabrio might still catch an eye or two, but it rarely steals hearts anymore.

17. Ford Thunderbird (retro 2002–2005)

The Ford Thunderbird’s return in the early 2000s was a nod to its glamorous past, blending nostalgia with modern touches. Its retro design was polarizing, yet undeniably eye-catching.

However, its performance and practicality left much to be desired. Today, it’s a collectible for those who cherish its unique place in automotive history.

For enthusiasts, it offers a ride down memory lane, capturing a time when American cars had charisma and character in spades.

18. Mercedes-Benz SLK230

The SLK230 brought a folding hardtop and that slick German badge, promising both style and substance. It delivered the former, not always the latter.

With stiff suspension, lifeless steering, and so-so performance, it quickly became known more for midlife crisis vibes than driving thrills. It’s affordable now—but cheap doesn’t always equal desirable.

For every enthusiast who appreciates its engineering, there are ten who’ve forgotten it existed. It was flashy in the ’90s, but not exactly timeless.

19. Volvo C70 Convertible (first gen)

The Volvo C70 Convertible was a departure for Volvo, offering open-top luxury with Scandinavian sensibility. Its design was understated, yet its comfort was unmatched.

However, it never quite captured the imagination beyond its niche audience. Today, it’s a rare find, a testament to Volvo’s brief flirtation with convertible elegance.

For those who seek it out, it offers a blend of safety and style, a reminder that even practical brands can have a touch of glamour.

20. Toyota MR2 Spyder

Light, nimble, and mid-engined—the MR2 Spyder had everything going for it, on paper. But its awkward styling and tiny trunk space didn’t win fans over, and the dreaded pre-cat failure scared off potential owners.

It handled like a dream but lacked the polish and practicality many expected from Toyota.

Today, it’s a cult favorite for hardcore enthusiasts, but most casual buyers have long since moved on. It’s one of those “if you know, you know” cars.

21. Opel Tigra TwinTop

The Opel Tigra TwinTop was a quirky European convertible, offering a dose of fun with its retractable hardtop. Its compact design was appealing, yet it lacked power and refinement.

As time went by, it became a rare sight on the roads, overshadowed by more polished competitors. Today, it’s a unique find for those who appreciate its distinctive charm.

For fans, it remains a symbol of the playful side of European motoring, a reminder that cars can be fun without being flamboyant.