In the 1950s, while many U.S. carmakers focused on family-friendly vehicles—and as such eyesores as those from Ford’s Edsel marque came off the assembly line—these topless European beauties presented racier alternatives. Such superior performers as the Ferrari 212 and Lotus Type 15 were clearly built for life in the fast lane (and the spotlight), some of them making fine showings from Mille Miglia to 24 Hours of Le Mans. And while high speeds with the top down can send the heart racing, these iconic cars inspi…