Our Favorite Movie Convertibles

Many of our favorite cinematic moments have a convertible in them. Whether it’s a hero’s sidekick, the villain’s getaway car, a hot girl in a hot car, they have one thing in common: they became iconic. We have assembled a list of notable cars on the big screen that make us want to pop back the convertible top and go for a drive:

Source: Paramount Pictures

Grease (1978) - 1949 Mercury Custom
It’s no surprise that the 1950’s set musical Grease features a 1949 Mercury Custom called ‘Hell’s Chariot.’ The signature convertible with flames painted on the side might as well have been considered a major character in the film, from its initial assembly that inspired a whole musical number to revving up the engine and coming out victorious in a drag race against a rival clique. Go greased lightning!

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California
What’s a perfect day off without a hot shot ride to cruise around in through the city of Chicago? That’s exactly what Ferris Bueller thought when he convinced his pal Cameron to take out his father’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California. This is a car cherished so much that it is regularly kept on display in an all-glass garage.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) - 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster
As if Indiana Jones himself didn’t already provide us with enough thrill escaping collapsing temples and avoiding his demise, the 1935 Auburn 851 Speedster kept us even further on the edges of our seats. When Indy’s sidekick, Short Round, goes for wild rides including speed chases with the soft top down, watching the movie we could feel the breeze.

Thelma and Louise (1991) - 1966 Ford Thunderbird
This critically acclaimed road movie left audiences speechless when heroines Thelma and Louise drove off a cliff into the Grand Canyon in a vintage green 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible.

Scarface (1983) - 1963 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
Business was business for Tony Montana in Scarface, and his yellow 1963 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible was not an exception. The convertible, used frequently for pulling up to business drug deals, becomes an icon of this film in itself especially next to an Al Pacino in an all-white suit.

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) - Ferrari 308 GTS
The Ferrari 308 GTS, famously driven by supermodel Christie Brinkley, is a convertible so notable that it is cast as a character in National Lampoon’s Vacation and reprises its role several times throughout the National Lampoon franchise. It’s hard to say if Clark was more tempted by girl in the convertible or the convertible itself.

The Birds (1963) - 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe
Though Hitchcock’s masterpiece The Birds is known for the bizarre behavior of birds attacking humans, it is also recognized for the appearance of the 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe. The last scene we see in the movie is the Aston Martin driving through a scenic shot to what we hope is safety.

The Graduate (1966) - 966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto
Mrs. Robinson wasn’t the only one doing the seducing in this classic. The appeal of the red 966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto is almost as irresistible as the infamous character herself. The famous appearance of this car inspired a model of the Series 3 Spider to be dubbed “The Graduate.”

What’s your favorite movie car? Let us know in the comments below!