Retractable Hardtop For The 2009 Mustang?

Recent unveilings of the Camaro and Challenger have inspired Ford to think of new, innovative ways to keep the Mustang fresh. Ford calls this new way of thinking “Bold Moves”, we call it… well we haven’t really thought of another name for it - but it’s got every Mustang enthusiast excited to see what Ford’s going to do next.

How about a retractable hardtop for the 2009 Mustang? General Motors is already utilizing retractable powered hardtops in the Pontiac G6 and Cadillac XLR, and Mustangs Plus built a non-powered retractable hardtop for classic Mustangs - but nothing yet from Ford.

Ford is no newcomer to retractable hardtops, back in the 50’s they were developed for the ‘57-’59 Skyliners.  In 1966 Ford had the same engineer, Ben J. Smith, build a prototype for the ‘67 Mustang. When Smith reported it wouldn’t be feasable to motorize the top, Ford cancelled the project.

After Smith retired, he decided to build a retractable Mustang for himself and, shortly thereafter, decided to market the kit. In 1994 he sold 10-15 retractable tops for ‘65-’68 Mustang convertibles. CDC also produced a prototype retractable hardtop on a 2006 Mustang, with videos posted on various message boards (falsly claimed to be a Ford concept). Here you can see the top up and top down from CDC’s prototype. The ‘06 from CDC had to be made into a 2 seater to fit the hardtop, though the trunk area remained untouched.

Now, to our knowledge, Ford hasn’t released any information hinting to a motorized retractable top for convertible Mustangs - but they have been toying with the idea. Ford’s first test for the retractable hardtop will be the European Focus CC, shown at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show. Ford has to either to move foward or fall behind, Bold Moves means new innovations. If all goes well, look for a motorized hardtop to be fitted on the redesigned 2009 Mustang convertible.