Four-Seat Convertibles That Ruled The Road Before SUVs Took Over

Not every convertible was built for chasing lap times or carving canyons. Some were designed to cruise in style, offering comfort and class to more than just the driver and passenger. These 20 four-seat cabriolets weren’t just about feeling the wind on your face—they brought luxury and elegance, and still do.
Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet

With its wood-trimmed dashboard and leather interior, this hand-built beauty from the late 1960s is considered among the finest Mercedes-Benz convertibles ever produced. Powered by a 3.5-liter V8, it had enough muscle to match its charm. Only 1,232 were made, making it a rare collector’s dream.
Lincoln Continental Convertible

From the early 1960s, this suicide-door stunner came with a massive V8 and enough legroom to stretch out like a king. Famously used by presidents and movie stars alike, it offered a blend of brute American styling and executive-level comfort that hasn’t been matched since.
Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

This one was all style with chrome and whitewall tires. The Eldorado Biarritz convertibles, especially those from the late 1950s, were peak Americana. They had a plush interior and a ride that felt like floating. It wasn’t about speed. It was about making an entrance and being remembered.
Rolls-Royce Corniche

Initially launched in the early 1970s, the Corniche was built for elegance. It was all about smooth, quiet luxury and refined design. With its massive weight and V8 engine, the Corniche didn’t rush—it cruised. Celebrities and dignitaries loved these, and the hand-finished details made every car unique.
BMW E30 325i Convertible

While not as plush as others on this list, the E30 convertible brought something new to the 1980s: sporty driving with rear seats that actually worked. A straight-six engine, paired with classic proportions and German build quality, made it a go-to for those seeking style and daily drivability.
Saab 900 Turbo Convertible

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, the Saab 900 Turbo convertible stood out with its angular, quirky shape. Turbocharged with front-wheel drive and heated seats, it made top-down driving doable in cold climates. It was practical, understated luxury with a Scandinavian twist that still turns heads today.
Aston Martin DB6 Volante

Elegant and rare, the DB6 Volante was James Bond without the spy work. Underneath its refined exterior sat a 4.0-liter straight-six capable of real performance. Only a handful were made, and every one came with the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from a true English coachbuilder.
Chrysler Newport Convertible

The Newport gave drivers a chance to ride in a massive convertible without needing to hit the lottery. Like other cars in the ’60s, the interior was roomy, stylish, and flashy. It wasn’t a corner-carver, but it let four people enjoy the sunshine in comfort and style.
Peugeot 504 Cabriolet

Styled by Pininfarina, this car was powered by inline-fours and later V6s. The Peugeot 504 Cabriolet looked every bit the Italian grand tourer—only it was French. Its long hood and short rear deck matched clean, elegant lines. Comfortable and extremely rare in America, it’s still a stunner decades later.
Bentley Azure

Unapologetically opulent, the Bentley Azure debuted in the mid-1990s as a four-seat convertible that weighed nearly three tons. A turbocharged V8 pushed it forward with surprising authority. The cushy ride was quiet and wrapped in enough leather, wood, and wool carpet to line a mansion.
Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

More than simply a sports car—this was a mobile living room. Spacious and dripping in chrome, the Bonneville was about cruising with all the windows down. It had a V8 under the hood and a trunk that could fit a month’s worth of luggage. It was the perfect car for road trips.
Jaguar XJ-S Convertible

Forget the clunky coupe looks—the convertible version of the XJ-S transformed the design into something special. The luxurious hood, cabin, and V12 engine made it one of the smoothest and most elegant grand touring convertibles of the ’80s and early ’90s. It’s still underrated, but that’s part of its appeal.
Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible

Few cars had as much presence in the ’60s as an Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight ragtop. Plush upholstery and enough chrome to blind you in the sun, this car knew how to show off. Add a massive Rocket V8, and you have one smooth cruiser for Sunday afternoons.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé

Built in the 2000s, this wasn’t for subtle show-offs. The Phantom Drophead was everything Rolls-Royce could pack into a convertible. It had everything from teak decking to a V12, and was eye-wateringly expensive. Crafted for those who had everything and still wanted to enjoy the fresh air.
Packard Super Eight Convertible

Before World War II, Packard was the name for American luxury, and the Super Eight convertible coupe was pure class. A long hood, running boards, and an intricate grille gave it curb appeal for miles. The straight-eight engine wasn’t quick, but it was smooth and felt like first class on wheels.
Volvo C70

Introduced in the late ’90s, the first-gen Volvo C70 convertible offered a soft-top cruiser with leather seats. It had a decent turbocharged punch and excellent safety features. Subtle and a bit boxy, it had the usual Volvo charm, just dipped in luxury.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Whether it was the ’90s A124-series or the more modern A207, the E-Class cabriolets always offered room for four without giving up prestige. With rich leather alongside powerful engines, they were solid everyday drivers that looked great at valet stands. Few convertibles manage that balance as well.
Buick Electra 225 Convertible

Nicknamed the “Deuce and a Quarter,” this full-size Buick floated like a cloud and could comfortably seat four with room to spare. The power came from massive V8s, but this was no racer—it was crafted for comfort. Driving an Electra made any errand feel like a parade.
Lancia Flaminia GT Convertible

Handbuilt in tiny numbers and styled by Carrozzeria Touring, the Flaminia convertible had sleek curves and a V6 engine up front. It wasn’t flashy, but it was exquisite, a real luxury cruiser with craftsmanship inside and out. Most Americans never saw one, which only added to its appeal.
Continental Mark II Convertible Concept

Ford’s Continental Division built one Mark II convertible prototype in the 1950s. Just one. It was designed by Derham to rival the finest European cabriolets. With its long body, upscale details, and Lincoln-era powertrain, it could’ve done it. Instead, it stayed a one-off. Too bad—it had serious curb appeal.