14Glassback

In 2014 there were fewer Glass Backs made than 50th Anniversary Cars the following year. It is my favorite option on my car by far!

SpectreH

I wonder if it wasn't offered on the 6th generation cars due to the fact they already weighed more than the s197s.

kanine

Seriously, I think 30lbs is negligible, I would love to have a glass roof. You can lighten the weight elsewhere, like get rid of the stock mufflers for something lighter, lighter wheels, etc. Plus, weight of the car can vary depending on driver alone, I'm a small guy, weighing 150lbs compared to the average male, I don't think someone weighing about 30lbs more than me would affect speed and handling by much, or even noticeable at all.

berzerk_1980

Didn't mean to imply otherwise. I know our cars are plenty fast and suspension goes a long way.

Let's put it this way: If you're the type to remove your radio and air conditioner to reduce weight, the glass roof might not be for you. Otherwise, go for it if you have the cheddar.

laserred38

I know, just messing with ya!

And that is absolutely true.

1 Alibi 2

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The shape of the roof on the S550 is the reason it wasn't offered.
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laserred38

They say that, but the S197 roof is curved too. Albeit, not as severe of a curve, but it *is* curved nonetheless.

tourer

I LOVE mine, it was worth the money.

m05fastbackGT

Patrick ! 1 Alibi 2 just might be onto something there.. You would think if the S550 could be offered with a glass roof option, that Ford would've done so by now.. I'm also sure that Classic Design Concepts would've also came out with a conversion kit, just as they did for the early S197 models.. Just saying

laserred38

I think the take rate was so low, they didn't see the point in bothering to engineer it. I really thought we'd see a sliding panoramic roof by now - like the Lincoln MKZ - but, nope. I think Ford is content offering the vert and won't go back to the glass roof.

m05fastbackGT

But look at the difference between the Lincoln MKZ and the S550.. The MKZ has very little curve in it's roof compared with the S550..

I'm not trying to say that it's impossible to offer a glass roof option for the S550, but I can certainly understand where 1 Alibi 2 is coming from though..

As I mentioned earlier, you would also think that Classic Design Concepts would come out with a glass roof conversion kit, just as they did for the early S197 models before Ford began offering them in house as factory OEM options..

On the other hand, I also understand where your coming from as well and when it comes to Ford, who really knows for certain what their objectives are sometimes

laserred38

Yeah I know the MKZ is flatter. Look at the 911 though. Porsche offers a sliding pano roof...

Honestly I think CDC is a shadow of what the company used to be. Their parts for the S550 are very minuscule and I don't think they even make them anymore. Even for the later S197s, they basically only made upper and lower grilles.

1 Alibi 2

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I think it's more than just the curve.

laserred38

Other than those two strakes that are there for aero purposes, I see no reason why it couldn't be done

jim010

I think I remember reading that it just wasn't a big seller, so they didn't bother with the new car.

The dip in the roof is irrelevant, as they could just make a smooth curved glass roof without the middle dip and have it fit just fine.

laserred38

Exactly my thoughts...I'm sure it wasn't cheap to engineer a second roof for the car. Why bother for less than 2k sales a year. Plus, they'd have to certify for all the other markets too. Not like other luxury marques don't offer Glass Roofs too, but for international sales, they'd probably sell less than 100 copies with the GR. Not worth it.

I've been thinking about a Vert for my next Mustang, but I just don't know if I could do it. We'll see. Mama is getting a Flex to replace our Focus soon, and after that I'm getting a truck. Either Raptor or Super Duty, haven't decided yet. Then after that I'll think about my next Mustang

m05fastbackGT

Agreed ! And very good point indeed

I don't see any reason why it couldn't be done either Patrick

If Ford really wanted to offer a glass roof, they would.. If Porsche can offer a glass roof on it's 911, so can Ford on the S550.. It's just like you said Jim, If Ford didn't think it was a big enough seller, they're not going to bother offering it on the current model anyhow

This would seem to make the most logical sense Patrick

You could always just hold onto your S197 Patrick and keep it in the family

laserred38

Oh no, I would keep my S197 for sure. Just thinking about adding down the road. That's why I was considering a vert. At that time I'll be in my late 30s so a fully loaded A10 convertible with all the luxury options might make for a fun Grand Tourer in the best definition of "GT."

m05fastbackGT

Once you add a vert down the road, you'll then have the best of both worlds for sure

shaneyusa

+1 on loving this option. I will have a very tough time ever giving it up. I have a fairly well optioned car, but this is one that I put at the top of my favorites about the car. I do not look at other similar cars the same way as the ones with this option. After test driving a car with the option back in 2013 it became a must have option. I still feel it is well worth the extra that I paid. Makes the car one in a very elite club. I feel this will make these cars very collectable in the future.