What was the first car with a retractable hardtop?
The automotive industry has seen countless innovations over the years, but few have been as striking and ahead of their time as the retractable hardtop. This feature, which combines the durability of a hard roof with the versatility of a convertible, was a groundbreaking development in car design. But what was the first car to introduce this ingenious feature? Let’s dive into the history of this automotive milestone.
The Birth of the Retractable Hardtop
The first car to feature a retractable hardtop was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. This French automobile was a marvel of engineering and design, showcasing a roof that could be folded and stored in the trunk at the push of a button. The concept was developed by Georges Paulin, a dentist and amateur engineer, who patented the design in the early 1930s.
Why the Peugeot 402 Eclipse Stood Out
The Peugeot 402 Eclipse was revolutionary for several reasons:
- Innovative Design: The retractable hardtop was a completely new concept, offering the comfort and security of a hard roof with the open-air experience of a convertible.
- Engineering Excellence: The mechanism to fold and store the roof was highly advanced for its time, requiring precise engineering and craftsmanship.
- Luxury Appeal: The car was marketed as a luxury vehicle, appealing to affluent buyers who wanted both style and functionality.
The Legacy of the Retractable Hardtop
While the Peugeot 402 Eclipse was the first car to feature this technology, it paved the way for many other manufacturers to adopt and refine the concept. In the 1950s, Ford introduced the Skyliner, which brought the retractable hardtop to a broader audience. Today, modern convertibles often feature retractable hardtops, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless appeal.
Conclusion
The Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable was more than just a car; it was a symbol of innovation and forward-thinking design. Its retractable hardtop set a precedent for future automotive advancements, proving that functionality and style could coexist seamlessly. As car enthusiasts, we owe a debt of gratitude to pioneers like Georges Paulin, whose vision continues to inspire the industry today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first folding hard-top?
1935 Peugeot purchased Paulin's patent, and introduced the first factory production, power-operated, retractable hardtop in 1935, the "402BL Éclipse Décapotable", of which some 470 were built.
Did Edsel make a retractable hardtop?
They gave their car a retractable roof. This was doable because entry-level Edsels shared the same body as the Ford Fairlane models. From 1957-59 the automaker's low-priced brand offered a retractable metal roof on a top-end Skyliner model.
What was the first power convertible top?
1939 Plymouth Convertible
Another innovation that saved the convertible from its 1920s nadir was the power-operated convertible top, which Plymouth introduced in 1939. The innovation made raising and lowering the top (done manually before) a much faster and less labor-intensive operation.
What is the value of a 1959 Ford Skyliner?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,350 for a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner? The highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner at auction over the last three years was $105,300.
What is a retractable hardtop convertible called?
Soft-top convertibles, on the other hand, feature a retractable top made of polyester, vinyl and canvas, with a glass or plastic rear window. These hardtop convertible cars are also called coupe cabriolets, and French manufacturers such as Peugeot were among the first to build the concept.
What was the first car with a retractable roof?
1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable
The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. Since then, there have been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles.
What was the first year of the T tops?
1948
It was first used in a 1948 prototype by The American Sportscar Company or “Tasco.” The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette coupe was the first U.S.-built production automobile to feature a T-top roof.
Why was the Edsel car so unpopular?
Introduced in a recession that catastrophically affected sales of medium-priced cars, Edsels were considered overhyped, unattractive, distinguished by a vertical grille said to resemble a horse collar, and low quality.
Did Ford make a retractable hardtop?
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is a two-door full-size retractable hardtop convertible, manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for model years 1957–1959. However, early into the 1959 model year, its name was expanded to Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner.
How many years did Ford make the retractable hardtop?
three years
For three years, from 1957 to 1959, Ford produced this unique convertible with a steel top that folded into the trunk.
