Who was the First?

[HarleyEarl]

a.What car had the first retractable hardtop? b.What car was the first mass-produced retractable hardtop?

[Northstar]

a. A version of the Peugeot 402 b. Ford Skyliner (1957)

[HarleyEarl]

:)Northstar you are right.

Yes the Peugeot was the first and the Ford was the first mass-produced. The retractable hardtop was invented by Georges Paulin. 100 Peugeot Eclipse 402L convertibles were produced. This system and the one used by Ford are similar.

First retractable hardtop:

1937 Peugeot Eclipse



First mass produced retractable hardtop:

1957 Ford Skyliner

[Flybrian]

Don't know if I'd trust a French car with mechanisms that complex.

[razoredge]

skyliner looks better inperson than in photo. Someone locally was taking one around to auto shows.

[HarleyEarl]

Not to change the subject, but Harley I know exactly where that tractor trailer in your signature is. It is located on route 50 by Ocean City, Md. and is sitting in that exact spot in the pic, and it still has the same 3 vehicles on the back of it.

[post="1194"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

...lol, thats cool. I always liked car carriers as a little kid and this one had the great GM Corvair on it.

[ocnblu]

You've seen it too, GM1? I mentioned about the car carrier pic the "Name Those Cars!" thread here in the Trivia section. :) Edited August 20, 2005 by ocnblu

[rkmdogs]

You guys into Corvairs?
I loved'em. I had a 1960 Corvair 700 Coupe. With the "Sebring" option-engine.
95hp. Only problem -- had an 800 rpm idle, and in the winter the starter couldn't spin it fast enough to start on its' own. I also order the 4-spd., but they wouldn't give it to me--- held that back for the 1961 Monza feature!
Meanwhile, drool over this one!

B)

[HarleyEarl]

Definitely love Corvairs...start a thread anytime on this very interesting car. Had not seen the above Covair before...thanks.

[Sixty8panther]

Definitely love Corvairs...start a thread anytime on this very interesting car.  Had not seen the above Covair before...thanks.

[post="3166"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

This Corvair was partially responsible for giving Ford inspiration to make the Mustang!

BTW Fly: I would not trust most French cars to something as basic as providing part time transportation nevermind a complex folding roof. :lol: Edited August 25, 2005 by Sixty8panther