More Convertibles

The golden age of the convertible in the United States arrived with the post-World War II designs. This '49 Ford convertible was one of about 201,000 built that year. By 1965, more than half a million convertibles were built in a single year. That was the peak. This '49 Ford convertible was derived from the total restyling of Ford for that year. Many claims have been made for credit for the design of this "car that saved an empire" (it propelled Ford back into second place in sales after it had trailed Chrysler through much of the '30s and '40s), but the strongest seems to be that of Richard Caleal.

This 1952 Packard convertible was one of 1,133 built. Packard was well beyond its classic period by then and was headed for its end, merged into Studebaker in 1954. This Packard is popular with collectors, although its "Korean War" chrome with reduced nickel content usually requires restoration.

This 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible was the last of the transition Chevrolet before introduction of the modern high-compression V-8 Chevy in 1955. The '54 was powered by Chevrolet's "Blue Flame" engine, an improved version of its "Stove Bolt" six which it had used since the '30s. It also had Powerglide torque converter automatic transmission, which gives the Chevys of that era a distinctive sound and feel.

The end was near for Studebaker when it produced this beautiful '64 Lark Daytona convertible. Facilities in South Bend, Ind., where Studebaker had built automobiles and trucks since 1902, were closed during the '64 run and production was moved to Canada. Studebaker ceased automobile production in 1966.