Few auto designs have withstood the test of time like the roadster. Some of the most iconic cars in history were of the two-seat, open-top variety, from James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder to the Ferrari 250 GT Spyder featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Below are some of the most influential classic roadsters on Earth, followed by a list of modern versions destined to become classics.
Before we get started, though, I should quickly clarify some things about terminology. A classic roadster, sometimes referred to as a spyder (or spider) provided a truly open-air driving experience. Modern roadster design has evolved to feature conveniences such as a retractable roof and windows. Officially that means they are convertibles, but automakers routinely still use the “spyder” designation to label their roadster offerings.
Let’s get to the list!