Found: Dream of Better Weather With These 5 Affordable Convertibles

Editor’s Note: We love scouring the internet for reasons to spend money we don’t have on cars we daydream about owning, and these are our picks this week. All prices listed are bid amounts at the time of publishing.

The Northeastern United States just got its first snowstorm of 2017, and by this time next week, most of that snow will have melted, probably just in time for another fresh layer of powdery commuting hell, as is tradition. The more northern states will most likely hold on to that snow, only to get more. The point is, it’s that time of year where winter has overstayed its welcome and daydreaming of warmer climates takes up most of your time. So to aid you in the process of dissociating from the gray and white mess outside, here are five convertibles perfect for when the weather turns for the better.

2001 Mercedes-Benz SL600

What we like: What really sweetens the deal on this SL600 is that the seller includes the factory hard-top, so you always have the choice of coupe or convertable and aren’t just stuck with one or the other.
From the seller: This example is powered by a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. The seller has driven the car around 3K miles since purchasing it last year, and it is equipped with clear front turn signal lenses and AMG wheels.

Mileage: 46,000
Location: Allen, Texas

2006 BMW M3 Convertible

What we like: E46-generation M3s are holding their value pretty well and a low-mileage example like this one is a sure thing for a good return-on-investment. But the VANOS (BMW’s variable valve timing system) was known to be a problem and a hefty repair, which, fortunately was just replaced on this M3. One less thing to worry about.
From the seller: The car had an MSRP of $62,995 and is optioned with the Cold Weather Package, including heated seats, parking back-up sensors, Xenon Headlights, Harmon Kardon stereo, and 19-inch wheels. The 3.2-liter S54 inline-six is paired to a six-speed manual and received a top-end rebuild by BMW in 2011 at 30K miles following damage to the valve train.

Mileage: 59,000
Location: Argyle, Texas

1975 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 Targa

What we like: Okay, so technically this isn’t a convertible, but how could you turn down a black and red Targa with a whale tail?
From the seller: This 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa is a life-long California car that has 121K miles. The 2.7-liter flat-six is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and was rebuilt by the previous owner with pressure-fed tensioners, 930 lower valve covers, case savers, and SSI stainless steel heat exchangers. Following his purchase a year ago, the seller commissioned a $9K repaint that was accompanied by new trim, seals, glass and gaskets upon reassembly.

Mileage: 121,000
Location: San Clemente, California

Fully Restored 1979 Triumph Spitfire

What we like: Old British roadsters were fantastic little cars in their prime. However, time (and rust) were not kind to them. So to see a Spitfire restored in such detail is incredible heartwarming.
From the seller: Complete nut-and-bolt restoration: new glass, chrome, trim, complete interior, brakes, shocks, tires, leaf springs, clutch, convertible top, boot, tonneau cover.

Mileage: 1 (restored)
Location: Clinton Township, Michigan

Fully Restored 1975 Ford Bronco

What we like: Convertible life isn’t just for open roads and low-slung sports cars. Vintage Broncos like this one prove drop-tops can be just as enjoyable off-road and a few feet off the ground.
From the seller: A lot of this restoration was done at the amazing ASC Bronco in Venice Beach, California. It has an amazing light brown metallic paint job with a very custom light chocolate brown interior. The sound system is top-of-the-line Focal Audio.

Mileage: 845 (restored)
Location: Hermosa Beach, California,

And If You Want Gear Patrol’s Own Vintage Convertible

Over the past several months, Gear Patrol’s Editor-in-Chief Eric Yang has worked with the fine folks at The FJ Company to coordinate style, design and performance details for this unique FJ40 that capture an essence of Gear Patrol. Read the Story

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