There’s an undeniable, almost visceral allure to a roadster. It’s not just a mode of transport; it’s an invitation to experience the road in its purest, most exhilarating form, with the wind in your hair and the roar of the engine as a symphony. The direct connection between driver and tarmac defines a machine built for pure, unadulterated driving joy, where practicality takes a backseat to igniting a passion for motoring and delivering smiles per mile.
Yet, even in this hallowed segment of the automotive world, change is the only constant. While some celebrated roadster names continue to evolve and capture new generations of enthusiasts, many extraordinary creations, once heralded for their innovation or sheer fun factor, have quietly slipped from the production lines. They’ve vanished, not necessarily because they were failures, but often due to shifting market tastes, economic realities, or simply the relentless march of progress. These aren’t just cars that ceased production; they represent styles, design philosophies, and unique driving sensations that are now the preserve of the used car market, leaving a wistful gap for those who cherished their particular brand of open-top excitement.
Today, we embark on a nostalgic, high-octane journey to revisit some of these magnificent, yet vanished, roadster styles. We’re talking about machines that carved out their own niches, thrilled their drivers, and left an indelible mark on automotive history before their final curtain call. From Japanese precision to Italian flair, and from British charm to American muscle, prepare to rekindle your appreciation for these two-door beauties that, though no longer new, continue to captivate the hearts of true petrolheads.
1. Honda S2000
When the Honda S2000 burst onto the scene, nearly two decades ago, it was nothing short of a revelation. A dependable addition to the roadster market, it rapidly garnered a fiercely loyal following, a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess and a commitment to driver engagement. Even years after its discontinuation in 2009, this open-top marvel continues to be held in such high regard that its asking price on the used market remains remarkably buoyant, often fetching figures that defy its age. This isn’t just a car; it’s a cult classic, a testament to the enduring appeal of finely tuned machinery.
At the heart of the S2000’s legendary status was its high-revving engine, an engineering masterpiece that truly pushed boundaries. Producing a respectable 240 horsepower, it wasn’t just about the peak output; it was about *how* it delivered that power. This powerplant could scream all the way up to an astonishing 9,000 RPM, a redline that would make lesser engines tremble. This meant an exhilarating, almost motorcycle-like rush as the needle climbed, delivering a driving experience that was both intoxicating and utterly unique in its class, truly making it a great pick for anyone seeking an uncompromised thrill.
Beyond its mechanical brilliance, the S2000 captivated with a rather timeless and minimalistic design. There were no superfluous curves or aggressive angles, just a sleek, purposeful form that hinted at the performance lurking beneath. This understated elegance, combined with its direct steering and communicative chassis, ensured that the S2000 wasn’t just fast; it was incredibly engaging, fostering a deep connection between car and driver. It’s this holistic package – raw power delivery, sublime handling, and understated aesthetics – that has cemented its place in the pantheon of great roadsters.
For those looking to experience a slice of this automotive legend today, the used market offers a fascinating hunt. While a 2001 Honda S2000 in its base trim might be found for a little less than $20,000, expect to shell out closer to $25,000 or even more for a newer model in truly excellent condition. This sustained demand, years after the last unit rolled off the assembly line, speaks volumes about the S2000’s enduring quality and the singular driving pleasure it continues to provide. It’s a reminder that some cars are simply too good to fade away quietly.
Car Model Information: 2002 Honda S2000 Base
Name: Honda S2000
Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1999–2009 (110,673 produced)
Class: Sports car
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout#Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
BodyStyle: Roadster (automobile)
Designer: Shigeru Uehara
Caption: 2005 Honda S2000 (AP2)
Predecessor: Honda S800
Categories: 2000s cars, All articles lacking reliable references, Articles lacking reliable references from May 2024, Articles with short description, CS1: unfit URL
Summary: The Honda S2000 is a front-mid engine open top sports car that was manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda, from 1999 until 2009. First shown as a concept car called the SSM at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, the production version was launched on April 15, 1999, to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. The S2000 is named for its engine displacement of two liters, while “S” stood for “sports” carrying on in the tradition of the S500, S600, and S800 roadsters of the 1960s.
Several revisions were made throughout the car’s production life, including changes to the engine, gearbox, suspension, interior and exterior. Officially two variants exist: the initial launch model was given the chassis code AP1; though cosmetically similar, the facelifted version, known as the AP2 in North America and Japan, incorporated significant changes to the drivetrain and suspension. Production of the S2000 ceased on August 19, 2009.
The Honda S2000 was notable for its exceptional specific power output of about 92 kW (124 hp) per liter, or about two horsepower per cubic inch, the highest of any mass production, naturally aspirated car, until 2010.
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Brand: Honda Model: S2000
Price: $29,950 Mileage: 91,409 mi.
2. Fiat 124 Spider
When the Fiat 124 Spider debuted in 2016, it was an instant hit, a beautiful blend of classic Italian styling with modern engineering that charmed its way into many hearts. This good-looking and stylish roadster proved Fiat could still inject ‘la dolce vita’ into a contemporary two-seater, and even though it’s no longer in production, older models are highly sought after, proving its lasting appeal.
The familiarity of its silhouette isn’t a coincidence; the Fiat 124 Spider was actually built alongside the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata at one of Mazda’s Japanese plants. This unique collaboration meant they shared a common platform, allowing Fiat’s roadster to benefit immensely from the superior handling and balanced driving dynamics that have long made the MX-5 a perennial favorite among enthusiasts, all while infused with Italian personality.
Despite the shared underpinnings, and its affectionate, almost cheeky nickname of the “Fiata,” it would be a disservice to simply call it a rebranded MX-5. Fiat meticulously ensured the 124 Spider possessed its own distinct identity, most notably through its powertrain. The 2020 model, for instance, came with three enticing trim levels: the approachable base-spec Classica, the more luxuriously equipped Lusso, and the truly exhilarating Abarth performance version, each offering a slightly different flavor of the roadster experience.
What truly set the Fiat 124 Spider apart was its engine: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder unit. Unlike its naturally aspirated Japanese cousin, this engine brought a different character to the driving experience. The Classica and Lusso trims delivered a sprightly 160 horsepower, while the performance-focused Abarth variant cranked out a slightly higher 164 horsepower, coupled with a more aggressive exhaust note and sharper dynamics. This turbocharged punch gave the 124 Spider a unique feel, providing a surge of torque that differentiated it significantly from its platform-mate.
For those yearning for a blend of Italian panache and reliable Japanese engineering, a used 2020 Fiat 124 Spider remains a compelling option. Expect to pay at least $25,000 for a well-maintained example, with prices potentially climbing higher if you’re eyeing the more potent and characterful Abarth trim. It’s a stylish and spirited roadster that, despite its relatively short production run, left an undeniable impression and continues to turn heads wherever it goes.
Car Model Information: 2025 Genesis GV80 2.5T
Name: Fiat 124 Sport Spider
Caption: Fiat 124 Sport Spider (CS)
Aka: Fiat Spider 2000 , Pininfarina Spider (1982–1985)
Manufacturer: Fiat Automobiles
Production: 1966–1985
Assembly: Turin
Designer: Pininfarina,Tom Tjaarda,Franco Martinengo (design director),Battista Pininfarina
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: Cabriolet (automobile)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Related: Fiat 124
Engine: {{convert,1438,cc,L,1,abbr=on,Inline-four engine
Abbr: on
Transmission: Manual transmission,5-speed manual,Automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 89.75 in
Length: 156.25 in
Width: 63.5 in
Height: 49.25 in
Weight: 2028 lb
Predecessor: Fiat Pininfarina Cabriolet
Successor: Fiat Barchetta,Fiat 124 Spider (2016)
Sp: uk
Categories: 1960s cars, 1970s cars, 1980s cars, All articles with dead external links, Articles with dead external links from August 2025
Summary: The Fiat 124 Sport Spider is a convertible sports car marketed by Fiat for model years 1966–1982 and by Pininfarina for 1982–1985 model years. Designed by and manufactured at the Italian carrozzeria Pininfarina factory, the monocoque, front-engined, rear-drive Sport Spider debuted at the November 1966 Turin Auto Show with styling by Tom Tjaarda.
Fiat later marketed the car as the Spider 2000 (1979–1982). After being retired by Fiat, Pininfarina continued the production of the model under its own brand as Pininfarina Spider Azzurra for the North American market and Pininfarina Spidereuropa for the European market for three more years, from August 1982 until 1985.
In 2015, a successor of the Fiat 124 Spider was presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
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Brand: Fiat Model: 124 Spider
Price: $54,355 Mileage: 19,781 mi.
3. MINI Cooper Roadster
The MINI Cooper Roadster, a distinctive two-seater produced between 2012 and 2015, had a relatively short but memorable run. Despite its brevity, this open-top gem made a significant impact on the roadster-convertible market, embodying the quintessential MINI spirit with its renowned agility and fun-to-drive character condensed into a sleek, open-air package.
As is characteristic for vehicles in its class, and indeed for any MINI, the Cooper Roadster delivered sharp and precise handling that made every twist and turn of the road an absolute joy. This inherent nimbleness, combined with its compact dimensions, translated into a supremely engaging driving experience, whether navigating bustling city streets or carving through winding country lanes. Crucially, the turbocharged engines available across the range provided the spirited acceleration needed to truly make the drive more thrilling, perfectly complementing its dynamic chassis and responsive steering. It was a car that encouraged you to find the long way home.
MINI, understanding the varied appetites of its customers, offered the Cooper Roadster in three distinct trims: the accessible Base, the more potent S, and the ultimate performance-focused JCW (John Cooper Works). Each variant brought its own level of excitement to the table. The 2015 Base trim, for instance, was fitted with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced a respectable 121 horsepower, providing ample pep for joyful open-top cruising and making it a genuinely great option for those seeking an affordable entry into the roadster world.
Stepping up to the S trim introduced a significantly more powerful experience, thanks to its turbocharged version of the engine, which punched out a lively 181 horsepower. This gave the Roadster a much more urgent character, perfect for those craving extra acceleration and a more exhilarating sprint. But for the true adrenaline junkies, the JCW trim was the undisputed king, the zippiest of the three, producing a potent 208 horsepower. This top-tier variant transformed the already nimble roadster into a genuine pocket rocket, delivering blistering performance and an addictive exhaust note that was pure motoring theatre.
With its brief yet impactful presence, the MINI Cooper Roadster remains a compelling option on the used market. The opportunity to find the Base trim for as low as $16,000 makes it an incredibly attractive proposition for those seeking an affordable yet genuinely characterful roadster. It’s a brilliant example of how a relatively short production span can still leave an enduring legacy, cementing its place as a cherished, albeit vanished, icon of open-top motoring.
Car Model Information: 2025 Genesis GV80 2.5T
Name: Mini Coupé,Mini Roadster
Manufacturer: BMW
Production: 2011–2015 (Coupé),2012–2015 (Roadster)
ModelYears: 2012–2015
Assembly: Cowley, Oxfordshire
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Related: Mini Hatch
Engine: PSA Group,Inline-four engine,Prince engine#Mini N14 and N18 versions
Transmission: Steptronic,Automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 97.1 in
Abbr: on
Length: 146.8 in
Width: 66.3 in
Height: 54.5 in
Sp: uk
Successor: Mini Hatch#Third generation (F55/56/57; 2013)
Categories: Articles with short description, Cars introduced in 2011, Coupés, Front-wheel-drive sports cars, Mini (BMW) vehicles
Summary: The Mini Coupé and Mini Roadster are two-seater sports cars that were engineered and manufactured by German automaker BMW under the Mini marque between 2011 and 2015.
The hardtop Coupé was unveiled in June 2011 and formally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. Production was shown in the 2011 documentary Megafactories. It is the first two-seater Mini. It was joined by a convertible version called Mini Roadster in 2012, following its showing as a concept car in 2009. The Coupé is known by the internal code R58 and the Roadster by code R59.
In February 2015 Mini announced the end of production for both models.
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Brand: MINI Model: Cooper Roadster
Price: $54,355 Mileage: 19,781 mi.
4. Chrysler Crossfire
Ah, the Chrysler Crossfire. Produced between 2004 and 2008, this older, often-overlooked model in the roadster-sports car market boasts a unique narrative deserving more attention. In an era of automotive collaborations, the Crossfire emerged from an intriguing partnership between American ambition and German engineering precision, creating a truly distinctive machine.
Indeed, one of the most notable and certainly most fascinating facts about the Crossfire is its genesis as a Chrysler-Mercedes collaboration. This wasn’t merely a badge engineering exercise; underneath its distinctly American styling, the Crossfire literally utilized the formidable Mercedes SLK’s 3.2-liter V6 engine. This meant a heart of pure German muscle, pumping out 215 horsepower, which, when paired with the car’s relatively compact dimensions and stiff chassis, resulted in a vehicle that was undeniably nimble and quick on the road, offering a driving experience that might surprise many unaware of its roots.
To cater to different driving preferences, the Crossfire offered a choice in transmissions. Base trims featured a highly engaging six-speed manual, enhancing that direct connection to the road, while the Limited trim allowed buyers to choose between the crisp manual and a smooth five-speed automatic. This selection broadened the Crossfire’s appeal to a wider spectrum of roadster enthusiasts.
However, like many ambitious projects, the Crossfire wasn’t without its quirks. While the Mercedes underpinnings undeniably added a premium feel and a certain level of build quality to the vehicle’s core mechanics, the interiors, frankly speaking, left a lot to be desired. Much like similar Chrysler models of the time, the cabin design and material choices often failed to live up to the promise of its European engineering, creating a noticeable disconnect between its sophisticated driving dynamics and its somewhat less refined cockpit. It was a clear case of beauty and the beast, where the beast was on the inside.
Still, for the discerning buyer today, the Crossfire presents a truly compelling value proposition. Given that used models can often be found priced under $10,000, it becomes an option you absolutely shouldn’t knock off your list, especially if you’re in the market for an affordable roadster that’s both stylish and boasts a genuinely unique history. It’s a tangible piece of automotive history, a blend of continents and design philosophies, waiting to be rediscovered and enjoyed for its distinctive character.” , “_words_section1”: “1964
Our journey through vanished roadster greatness continues as we delve into four more captivating machines that have slipped from production lines. These cars, in their time, offered unique charms and faced distinct challenges, holding a special place for those who appreciate the art of open-top motoring. Prepare to unearth these beauties and understand why they are remembered, even if only by a passionate few.
Car Model Information: 2007 Chrysler Crossfire Base
Name: Chrysler Crossfire
Caption: 2004 Chrysler Crossfire coupe
Manufacturer: DaimlerChrysler
Production: February 2003 – December 2007 (76,014 units)
ModelYears: 2004–2008
Assembly: Germany
Designer: Eric Stoddard
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: convertible (car),fastback
Platform: Chrysler ZH,Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)
Related: Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Engine: Mercedes-Benz
Transmission: Mercedes-Benz,Chrysler NSG370 transmission
Wheelbase: 94.5 in
Abbr: on (roadster)
Length: 159.8 in
Width: 69.5 in
Height: {{convert,51.5,in,mm,0,abbr=on
Predecessor: Chrysler Prowler,Chrysler TC by Maserati
Categories: Articles with short description, Cars discontinued in 2007, Cars introduced in 2003, Chrysler vehicles, Commons category link from Wikidata
Summary: The Chrysler Crossfire is a rear-wheel drive, two-seat sports car, marketed by Chrysler and manufactured by Karmann of Germany from 2004 through the 2008 model years.
Developed during the period when Chrysler and Mercedes Benz had merged, known as Daimler Chrysler, the two-seater uses the Mercedes-Benz R170 platform and shares 80% of its components with the first generation SLK.
Beginning in 2001 as a concept car styled by Eric Stoddard, the Crossfire was further refined by Andrew Dyson before production started in 2003 for the 2004 model year sales.
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Brand: Chrysler Model: Crossfire
Price: $10,995 Mileage: 40,388 mi.
5. Triumph TR7
When the Triumph TR7 first graced the roads, it arrived as a truly bold, almost audacious, departure from the traditional British roadster design. With its distinctive wedge shape and those iconic pop-up headlights, it looked like something beamed in from the future of the mid-1970s. Enthusiasts and critics alike initially lauded it for its promised sharp handling and, perhaps most importantly for a sports car, an affordable price tag that put open-top thrills within reach of more drivers. It was, in many ways, an attempt by Triumph to redefine itself.
However, the dream of a new-era Triumph began to fray due to rampant quality control issues, particularly electrical gremlins common in many British cars of that era. This meant that what was intended to be a sleek, modern sports car often became a frustrating ‘wedge of woe’ for owners, diluting initial enthusiasm with practical headaches.
This cloud of unreliability, unfortunately, overshadowed many of the TR7’s more positive attributes. While dynamically capable in some respects, offering a surprisingly comfortable ride and decent grip, it struggled to shake off its tarnished reputation. Compared to the more robust and traditionally styled Triumph roadsters that came before it, the TR7 often felt like a step backward in terms of perceived build quality, eroding trust in a brand that already had its battles to fight.
The performance aspect also left true petrolheads wanting a little more, especially when pitted against its more potent European and Japanese rivals. It was a car that represented a significant stylistic leap for Triumph, an attempt to grab a slice of the futuristic pie, but its mechanical execution and relative lack of brute force meant it ultimately stumbled where it needed to excel, leading to its gradual, yet inevitable, slide into obscurity within collector circles.
Car Model Information: 1981 Triumph TR7
Sp: uk
Name: Triumph TR7
Caption: 1975 Triumph TR7
Production: unbulleted list
Manufacturer: Triumph Motor Company
Class: Sports car
Layout: FR layout
Predecessor: Triumph TR6
Transmission: unbulleted list
Related: Triumph TR8
Engine: unbulleted list
Abbr: on (coupé)
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Wheelbase: 85 in
Length: 160 in
Width: 66.2 in
Weight: 1101 kg
Order: flip (coupé)
Height: 50 in
Assembly: unbulleted list
Designer: Harris Mann
Categories: 1980s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles tagged with the inline citation overkill template from January 2024, Articles with short description
Summary: The Triumph TR7 is a sports car that was manufactured in the United Kingdom from September 1974 to October 1981 by British Leyland Motor Corporation (BLMC), which changed its name to British Leyland (BL) in 1975. The car was launched in the United States in January 1975, with its UK home market debut in May 1976. The UK launch was delayed at least twice because of high demand for the vehicle in the US, with final sales of new TR7s continuing into 1982.
It was initially produced at the Speke, Liverpool, factory, moving to Canley, Coventry, in 1978 and then finally to the Rover Solihull plant in 1980.
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Brand: Triumph Model: TR7
Price: $12,000 Mileage: 83,693 mi.
6. Fiat X1/9
The Fiat X1/9 stands as a testament to Italian design genius and packaging innovation. Born from the visionary pen of Bertone, this mid-engine roadster was an absolute revelation upon its launch in the early 1970s. With its unmistakable targa top and razor-sharp, angular lines, it exuded the aura of a junior supercar, delivering exotic aesthetics and a genuinely sophisticated layout for a fraction of the cost of its more illustrious, high-horsepower brethren. It was pure theatre, beautifully condensed.
Driving the X1/9 was an experience in itself, a testament to the magic of a mid-mounted engine. The car was incredibly agile and direct, offering a kart-like feel that rewarded precision and spirited driving. Every input felt immediate, every corner a joy to carve, fostering an intimate connection between driver and machine. It wasn’t about outright speed, but about the purity of the driving experience, the balance, and the sheer delight of its nimble dynamics.
Yet, even this Italian gem had its Achilles’ heel, one that, regrettably, many contemporary Italian cars shared: a notorious susceptibility to rust. The X1/9’s elegant bodywork, unfortunately, wasn’t always matched by robust anti-corrosion treatments, meaning many examples succumbed to the elements over time. This, coupled with engines that, while willing, felt a tad underpowered for its sporty aspirations, started to create a tension between its promise and its practical reality.
What was initially a fresh, exciting, and accessible proposition slowly evolved into a more challenging car to own and maintain for the average enthusiast. While the allure of its pioneering design and engaging dynamics persists to this day, the practical realities of battling rust and the availability of more powerful, robust, and often less demanding alternatives have, sadly, nudged the X1/9 out of the mainstream collector’s spotlight, making it a beautiful, but often overlooked, relic.
Car Model Information: 1980 FIAT X1/9
Name: Fiat X1/9
Manufacturer: Fiat
Aka: Bertone X1/9
Production: [object Object]
Assembly: Fiat,Gruppo Bertone
Designer: Marcello Gandini
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: Targa top
Layout: Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Related: Fiat 128,Fiat Ritmo
Engine: Fiat 128 SOHC engine,Fiat 128 SOHC engine
Transmission: Manual transmission
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: cvt
Height: cvt
Weight: cvt
Predecessor: Fiat 850,Vignale Gamine
Successor: Fiat Barchetta
Sp: uk
Categories: 1980s cars, Articles with short description, Bertone vehicles, CS1 Italian-language sources (it), Cars introduced in 1972
Summary: The Fiat X1/9 is an Italian two-seater mid-engined sports car designed by Bertone and manufactured by Fiat from 1972–1982 and subsequently by Gruppo Bertone from 1982–1989.
With a transverse engine and gearbox in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive configuration, the X1/9 was noted for its balanced handling, retractable headlights, lightweight removable hardtop which could be stowed under the bonnet, front and rear storage compartments — and for being the first Fiat to have been designed from its conception to meet US safety regulations.
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Brand: Fiat Model: X1/9
Price: $29,900 Mileage: 1 mi.
7. Sunbeam Alpine
The Sunbeam Alpine, a truly elegant British roadster, arrived on the scene in the late 1950s, immediately captivating with its graceful, flowing lines and a distinctly sophisticated presence. Powered by a spirited 1.5-liter engine, it embodied a classic era of open-top motoring, offering a refined driving experience that was perfect for leisurely cruises and continental tours, a stark contrast to some of the more spartan offerings of the time.
This stylish convertible even had its moment in the cinematic spotlight, securing a place in automotive legend as James Bond’s car in “Dr. No.” This appearance cemented its image as a vehicle of understated cool and undeniable charm, presenting a polished and comfortable alternative to more raw, uncompromising sports cars of its time.
However, the relentless march of automotive evolution, and indeed family rivalry, proved to be a cruel mistress for the Alpine. Its own sibling, the ferocious V8-powered Sunbeam Tiger, burst onto the scene with a thunderous roar, instantly overshadowing the Alpine’s more gentle, four-cylinder nature. Suddenly, the Alpine, despite its inherent beauty and poise, seemed a little too sedate, a little too modest in a world increasingly craving raw power and aggressive performance.
Today, while the Alpine’s aesthetic beauty remains undiminished, its modest performance is often deemed insufficient by those scouring the classic car market for a truly spirited drive. It remains a wonderful car for a relaxed, sun-drenched outing, but in a marketplace saturated with vintage roadsters that offer more exhilarating power or a more significant competition pedigree, the elegant Sunbeam Alpine, regrettably, often gets overlooked, a forgotten star despite its silver screen heritage.
Car Model Information: 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
Manufacturer: Rootes Group
Production: 1953–1975
Layout: FR layout
Designer: Roy Axe
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: Fastback,coupé
Assembly: Ryton-on-Dunsmore,Warwickshire,England
Categories: 1960s cars, 1970s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All pages needing cleanup, Articles needing cleanup from January 2015
Summary: The Sunbeam Alpine is a two-seater sports roadster/drophead coupé that was produced by the Rootes Group from 1953 to 1955, and then 1959 to 1968. The name was then used on a two-door fastback coupé from 1969 to 1975. The original Alpine was launched in 1953 as the first vehicle from Sunbeam-Talbot to bear the Sunbeam name alone since Rootes Group bought Clément-Talbot, and later the moribund Sunbeam from its receiver in 1935.
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Brand: Sunbeam Model: Alpine
Price: $16,500 Mileage: 77,977 mi.
8. MG Midget
For decades, the MG Midget stood as the quintessential British enthusiast’s car, a small, lightweight, and delightfully unpretentious roadster that was all about accessible, unadulterated driving fun. Produced from the early 1960s right through to 1980, it served as the entry point to open-top motoring for countless generations, embodying a back-to-basics philosophy that prioritized engagement over outright speed or luxury.
The Midget’s lightweight construction and incredibly direct, unfiltered driving experience were its greatest assets, forging an almost visceral connection between car and driver. You felt every undulation of the road, heard every mechanical symphony, and experienced every nuance of motion, creating an intimate bond that many modern, insulated vehicles simply cannot replicate. It was an honest, simple, and utterly charming machine in its purest intent.
However, this very simplicity, while endearing, also became its ultimate limitation. As automotive technology galloped forward and driver expectations for performance, comfort, and safety grew, the Midget’s modest power output, basic amenities, and somewhat agricultural handling began to feel increasingly dated. Even the later addition of cumbersome rubber bumpers, while mandated by safety regulations, did little to enhance its once-pure aesthetic appeal.
While still cherished by a dedicated core of enthusiasts who appreciate its no-frills, back-to-basics ethos, the MG Midget has somewhat faded from the broader collector market’s memory. It stands as a brilliant testament to pure, unpretentious motoring joy, a car that delivered smiles per gallon in abundance. Yet, in a world that often chases power, sophistication, and modernity, its humble, unfiltered charms are perhaps too easily, and unfairly, dismissed.
As we reluctantly close the chapter on these magnificent roadsters, we’re left with a potent sense of nostalgia for an era when driving was an art form. Each of these vanished beauties reminds us that the automotive landscape constantly shifts, taking cherished styles with it, but their spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved them and the enduring allure of the open road.
Car Model Information: 1971 MG Midget
Caption: MG Midget Mark I (1963)
Name: MG Midget
Manufacturer: MG Cars
Production: 1961–1979
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: Roadster (automobile)
Layout: FR layout
Successor: MG F / MG TF
Related: Austin-Healey Sprite
Engine: BMC A-Series engine,MkII: 1.1L (1098 cc) A-Series I4,MkIII: 1.3L (1275 cc) A-Series I4,Standard SC engine
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: Mk I and II {{cvt,54,in,mm,0
Height: cvt
Weight: cvt
Assembly: Abingdon-on-Thames,Australia
Categories: 1970s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, Articles with short description, CS1 Swedish-language sources (sv), Cars discontinued in 1979
Summary: The MG Midget is a small two-seater lightweight sports car produced by MG from 1961 to 1979. It revived a name that had been used on earlier models such as the MG M-type, MG D-type, MG J-type and MG T-type.
Get more information about: MG Midget
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Brand: MG Model: Midget
Price: $11,996 Mileage: 60,403 mi.
