Car: Ford Mustang Convertible

Year: 1966

What makes it special: Ford’s first generation Mustang ran from 1964 to 1973. Mustang introduced the world to the Pony Car classification, known for their long nose / short rear deck body style. It took the buying public by storm, proving not only wildly popular but also inspiring competition from other manufacturers. The initial year, Mustang was available as a Hardtop, Convertible, and a Fastback version appeared shortly afterwards. The original Mustangs shared underpinnings with the Ford Falcon model, even though Falcon was designated a Compact car. Gone was the Ford Falcon instrument cluster, and now round gauges and padded sun-visors were standard equipment.

What made it famous: A new grille, trim changes, side ornamentation, wheel covers and gas cap were part of the changes that debuted on the Mustang for the 1966 model year. The 289 “HiPo” K-Code V8 was offered with a C4 automatic transmission, but the C4 could also be available for the 225hp, 289 V8 as well. New paint and interior color options were now available, as well as an AM/Eight-Track sound system, and one of the first AM/FM Mono radios were offered for 1966.

Why I would want one: Actually had one, although the Hardtop Coupe model. Loved it, would do it again in less than a heartbeat.

Fun fact: Mustang would become the best-selling convertible in 1966, beating out Chevrolet’s Impala model.
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Car: Pontiac Catalina Convertible

Year: 1960

What makes it special: The Catalina was a part of the full-sized line-up for GM’s Pontiac division for the 1950 to 1981 model years. Originally, it’s name was used on Hardtop’s beginning with both the 1950 Chieftain Eight and Deluxe Eight models. Catalina became a separate model in 1959 as an “entry-level” full-sized car.

What made it famous: The Catalina got a face-lift for the 1960 model year, and now sported a horizontal bar grille, reminiscent of the Cord 810 and 812’s of 1930. It also received round taillights. It’s drivetrain offerings were the same as the 1959 model, most often powered by the 235hp, 389 cu in Tempest V8. With the optional 4-speed Hydramatic transmission, horsepower was bumped up to 280. Optional eight-lug aluminum wheels were available along with integral brake drums that gave the large Pontiac extra stopping power. The “Safe-T-Track” limited slip rear was a very popular performance option.

Why I would want one: It’s long, wide and low. It has a menacing look to it’s front-end. It’s a true cruiser.

Fun fact: The Catalina was discontinued after the 1981 model year when Pontiac abandoned the full-sized car market, but when it did, over 3.8 million Catalina’s total were sold since 1959.
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Car: Chrysler 300H Convertible

Year: 1962

What makes it special: The “Letter Series” Chrysler 300’s were the high-performance personal luxury cars of the 1955 to 1965 model years. Each model year was given the next letter of the alphabet with the exception of the letter “I.” The final letter was the “L” model of 1965. They are considered ancestors of the muscle car even though they are of larger size and more expensively priced.

What made it famous: The famed rear fins of previous models were gone for the 1962 Chrysler 300H. There now was an addition to the line-up, the 300 Sport Series that included a 4-door Hardtop and a 2-Door Hardtop Convertible. The only thing that was different in designation between the two was the “H” badge on the driver’s side trunk lid. The 300H had a cross-ram engine option, and the inline dual 4-barrel carb set-up was the base engine. The 300H was a faster and lighter car than the prior “G” model, but somehow was the slowest-selling of the series. Only 425 coupes and 135 convertibles were sold to buyers. Non letter series 300’s were fitted with a 383 cu in B engine.

Why I would want one: Even though the fins were gone, it’s more sporty and I love the slanted headlight look of the 1962.

Fun fact: Chrysler returned to the letter series with the 300M from 1999 to 2004.
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