Skip to content
 
Open-Air Exotics Built for the World’s Most Elite Collectors

Open-Air Exotics Built for the World’s Most Elite Collectors

Exploring today’s most uncompromising open-top machines, highlighting ultra-limited production, race-bred inspiration, and exclusivity

There was a time when serious performance cars did not bother with a roof or even a windshield. Think cars like the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, the Maserati 300S, the Jaguar D-Type, with its iconic fin and minimal screen, and the Porsche 356 Speedster, all embracing the same principle: less weight equals more speed. But over time, evolving safety and regulations meant that such cars fell out of favor. But with advancements in technology, these bodystyles have been making a quiet comeback.

A speedster is a pared-back version of a production sports car, with a lower windshield. A barchetta, or little boat in Italian, removes the roof entirely and a conventional windshield, featuring twin humps instead, blurring the line between road car and race machine. While you may need a helmet and racing gloves with the prior two, a roadster remains the most usable, complete convertible top, and everyday drivability.

What remains common across these modern revivals is extremely limited production, selective allocation, a heritage angle, and a sense of theater that places these highly exclusive, coach-built automobiles well above conventional supercars in the collector market. Rare examples often fetch millions at auction. With duPont REGISTRY Live listing its first-ever barchetta last week, a low-mileage McLaren Elva, it felt like the right moment to revisit this roofless movement in all its forms in the modern age. Here are some of the most exclusive open-top exotics arranged in terms of production numbers.


Ferrari Monza SP1 / Ferrari Monza SP2

Production: 499 Units Combined

Ferrari introduced the Monza SP1 and SP2 in 2018 at Maranello as the launch of its ‘Icona Series’, inspired by 1950s barchettas like the 166 MM. The SP1 features a single seat; the SP2 features two seats. Both pack the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 from the 812, producing 799 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. Ferrari capped production at 499 units combined, with pricing around $1.8 million at launch. The Virtual Wind Shield system redirected airflow over occupants at speed.


Jaguar F-Type Project 7

Production: 250 Units

Unveiled at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the F-Type Project 7 is amongst the top 10 Jaguars of all time. It was built to celebrate the British marque’s Le Mans legacy and the D-Type’s 1950s dominance. Limited to just 250 units worldwide, it was the most powerful production Jaguar at launch, priced around $165,000. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 puts out 575 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic. The bespoke speedster features a lowered windshield, removable roof panel, carbon fiber aero pieces, and a D-Type-inspired rear fairing. 0 to 60 mph takes 3.8 seconds, with a 186 mph top speed.


Mercedes AMG PureSpeed

Production: 250 Units

The Mercedes AMG PureSpeed was shown in December 2024 as the first model in its Mythos series, previewing an ultra-limited production speedster. Inspired by Formula 1 halo safety structures, it replaces the windshield with a central structural element. A twin-turbocharged V8 powers the car, with output expected beyond 600 horsepower. Production will remain tightly capped at just 250 units for top-tier AMG clients. More recently, we got an up close look at the AMG PureSpeed on the opening day of the 1000 Miglia Experience, UAE, in November last year, and the announcement of the Mercedes-Benz Places Binghatti City in Dubai in January. The PureSpeed highlights AMG’s move into ultra-exclusive territory, targeting collectors who demand rarity within the Mercedes performance portfolio.


McLaren Elva

Production: 149 Units

The McLaren Elva was first unveiled in 2019 as part of its Ultimate Series, taking its name from Bruce McLaren’s 1960s race cars. The Active Air Management System channels airflow over the cabin, eliminating the need for a conventional windshield. Extensive carbon fiber construction keeps weight low at just under 2,531 pounds, making it the lightest McLaren road car. The Elva delivers a pure, exposed driving experience while maintaining the performance benchmarks expected of a modern hypercar. A Napier Green example (pictured above) with just 653 miles on the odometer is currently up on duPont REGISTRY Live, our exclusive auctions platform with a 14-Day Return Policy and 100% Sell-Through rate.


Spyker C8 Spyder

Production: 121 Units

First unveiled in 2000, the C8 Spyder marked the rebirth of Dutch marque Spyker in the early 2000s, with aviation-inspired flair and meticulous hand craftsmanship. Built in limited numbers over the following decade, it paired an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, putting out up to 400 horsepower in later iterations. 0 to 60 mph arrived in about 4.5 seconds, with a top speed near 186 mph. Exposed aluminum switchgear and steering wheel, a visible gear linkage, and quilted leather defined the cabin, making the C8 Spyder as much a mechanical art as a modern roadster. Based on a recent report, the forgotten Dutch supercar maker may soon make a comeback.


Aston Martin V12 Speedster

Production: 88 Units

The Aston Martin V12 Speedster was revealed in 2020 through its Q division, and draws inspiration from the DBR1 and the Centenary CC100. Limited to 88 units at approximately $950,000 each when new, it features a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 that produces 690 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. A dramatic center spine separates the driver and passenger. Carbon fiber body panels and a bonded aluminum structure keeps weight at 3,891 pounds. 60 mph takes 3.5 seconds, and top speed is rated at 186 mph. The V12 Speedster combines heritage cues with contemporary engineering, offering collectors a rare factory-built Aston that bridged motorsport nostalgia with modern grand touring performance.


Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

Production: 75 Units

Unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the SLR Stirling Moss marked the dramatic finale of the SLR McLaren era. Mercedes built just 75 examples, offered exclusively to existing SLR owners at roughly $1 million when new. With no roof and no windshield, it recalls the 1955 300 SLR that Sir Stirling Moss drove to Mille Miglia victory. A supercharged 5.4-liter V8 delivers 641 horsepower, pushing the carbon fiber speedster beyond 200 mph. Side deflectors replaced glass, and a retractable airbrake stabilized high-speed runs. It remains one of AMG’s boldest modern collector cars to date. 


Wiesmann MF5 Roadster

Production: ~44-55 Units

The Wiesmann Roadster combines prewar proportions with modern German engineering. Handbuilt in Dülmen, the MF5 Roadster elevated Wiesmann’s retro silhouette into genuine supercar territory. Crucially, it adopted BMW’s howling 5.0-liter V10 from the E60 M5, delivering 500 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed SMG transmission.  The lightweight aluminum chassis allows for a 0 to 60 mph in about 3.9 seconds, with a top speed beyond 190 mph.  Production is believed to be somewhere between 43 and 55 units, reinforcing its status as a boutique alternative to mainstream performance roadsters. More recently, Weismann made a comeback with the all-electric Thunderball.


Automobili Mignatta Rina

Production: 30 Units per year

Automobili Mignatta debuted the Rina at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed as a lightweight, analog barchetta inspired by 1960s Italian sports racers. A naturally aspirated 500-horsepower V8 paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox drives the rear wheels, prioritizing engagement above all else. Carbon fiber construction keeps weight low at just 1,000 kg or 2,205 pounds. The overall form emphasizes exposed mechanical elements and minimalist interiors. Rina should appeal to those collectors who value tactile driving experiences and boutique craftsmanship.


Bertone Runabout

Production: 25 Units

Bertone revived its 1969 Runabout concept with a 2026 production model limited to roughly 25 units. Introduced as a neo-retro-inspired barchetta, it embraces a nautical theme and recalls the glorious wedge-era, a design trend that the Italian coach builder pioneered in the 1960s. A mid-mounted supercharged V6 produces about 475 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. You can choose from a pure Barchetta or Targa configuration. 

Ahead of the Runabout's public debut at the 50th Edition of Rétromobile in Paris at Ultimate Supercar Garage last month, duPont REGISTRY, in a feature exclusive, spoke with the Runabout's designer, Andrea Mocellin, who revealed details about the design process and the extensive range of options and customization possible. Priced from €390,000 (~$461k), the Runabout presents an opportunity for collectors to acquire a contemporary coachbuilt car rooted in one of Italy’s boldest design eras.


Bentley Bacalar

Production: 12 Units

Revealed in 2020 as the first project under Bentley Mulliner’s revived coachbuilding division, the Bacalar reimagines the open-top grand tourer for a new era. Production is limited to just 12 individually commissioned examples. A twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 produces 650 horsepower and 667 pound-feet of torque, driving all four wheels through an eight-speed dual clutch transmission. 0 to 60 mph arrives in about 3.5 seconds, with a top speed near 200 mph. With no traditional roof and fully bespoke interiors, the Bacalar blends modern performance with old-world craftsmanship.


Pininfarina B95

Production: 10 Units

Pininfarina introduced the B95 at Monterey Car Week in 2023 as the world’s first all-electric barchetta hypercar. Limited to 10 examples, priced at around $4.8 million, it shares its 1,900-horsepower quad-motor platform with the Battista. The T-shaped battery pack allows a 0 to 60 mph sprint in under two seconds. Adjustable aero screens replace a traditional windshield, while Carbon fiber construction and bespoke detailing reinforce exclusivity. Subsequently, a Bruce Wayne-inspired version was also shown in 2024. The B95 signaled that the open-air hypercar formula could transition into the electric era without sacrificing performance or rarity.


Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster

Production: 6 Units

Revealed in 1999 as the open-top counterpart to the homologation special, the CLK GTR Roadster is among the rarest modern supercars ever built. Mercedes produced just six roadsters after the 20 coupe examples. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 6.9-liter V12 delivering 604 horsepower and 572 pound-feet of torque, paired to a six-speed sequential gearbox. With carbon fiber construction derived from FIA GT racing, it can hit 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds and can top 200 mph. The CLK GTR Roadster remains a landmark in road-legal race car engineering.


Ken Okuyama Cars Kode 57

Production: 5 Units

Introduced in 2016, the Kode 57 marked Ken Okuyama’s return to pure, coachbuilt expression after his tenure shaping icons such as the Ferrari Enzo. Built across just five units, each example was handcrafted in Japan with extensive carbon fiber bodywork. Based on Ferrari V12 underpinnings, it sends around 600 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed automated manual transmission. The barchetta design features a low wraparound windscreen, dramatic haunches, and exposed mechanical detailing. Top speed is rated 200 mph, but exclusivity and bespoke craftsmanship defined its appeal far more than outright numbers. In 2017, the car was featured on Jay Leno’s Garage.


Zagato Mostro Barchetta

Production: 5 Units

Zagato unveiled the Mostro Barchetta at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2022, celebrating Maserati’s 1957 450S, nicknamed Il Mostro. Production was limited to five units. Under the hood, it packs a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 and pairs with a six-speed automated manual gearbox. Carbon fiber bodywork wraps a tubular frame, emphasizing lightweight construction, tipping the scales at just 2,644 pounds. The design showcases Zagato’s signature double bubble theme reinterpreted for an open cockpit. Built for seasoned collectors, it represents coachbuilt craftsmanship in a modern regulatory environment, preserving the art of low-volume Italian automotive creations.


Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta

Production: 3 Units

Horacio Pagani revealed the Zonda HP Barchetta at Pebble Beach in 2017 as a personal tribute and farewell to the Zonda lineage. Production was capped off at just three units, including Pagani’s own car, with reported pricing near $17 million. A naturally aspirated 7.3-liter AMG V12 puts out about 789 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed manual transmission. Exposed carbon fiber bodywork, partially covered rear wheels, and a chopped windshield result in an unmistakable silhouette. The overall formfuses old school mechanical purity with aerospace materials. For collectors, this Barchetta represents the ultimate expression of the Zonda’s long, uncompromising evolution.

View All Supercars and Exotic Cars For Sale


 

Khris Bharath