Any Possibility of a Retractable Hardtop for the 2010+ Redesign?
#21
I do like the idea of a retractible hard top, however I always thought that there should be a T-Top S197.
I know there is a photoshop of an S197 T-Top somewhere but I can't find it.
I know there is a photoshop of an S197 T-Top somewhere but I can't find it.
#22
Bullitt Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: June 7, 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#23
Bullitt Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: June 7, 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Thumb](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
#24
Mach 1 Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: October 15, 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Retractable hard tops can also have some serious issues:
Consumer reports and Motor Trend have both identified wind noise, leaks and rattles in the Sebring and the G6. Engineering has to be about perfect and it has to be adjusted right.
In a Motor Trend convertible comparo between a 2005 V6 Mustang and the G6 Convertible, they gave low marks to the G6 for trunk room. The retractable hard top eats up a lot of space! We took a trip to Denver with 3 adults (2 women) and the suitcases that go with them. My 2005 GT vert had plenty of room. We could actually drive with the top down. In the G6, you would be limited to a couple small duffel bags, or you would not be able to put the top down on the trip.
Weight of the assembly.
Consumer reports and Motor Trend have both identified wind noise, leaks and rattles in the Sebring and the G6. Engineering has to be about perfect and it has to be adjusted right.
In a Motor Trend convertible comparo between a 2005 V6 Mustang and the G6 Convertible, they gave low marks to the G6 for trunk room. The retractable hard top eats up a lot of space! We took a trip to Denver with 3 adults (2 women) and the suitcases that go with them. My 2005 GT vert had plenty of room. We could actually drive with the top down. In the G6, you would be limited to a couple small duffel bags, or you would not be able to put the top down on the trip.
Weight of the assembly.
Last edited by Juice; 11/8/08 at 06:13 PM.
#25
NTTAWWT
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
a retractable hard top would be really expensive, and really wouldnt sell, if there's an option for a cheaper soft top, which there will be for a long time, it's too much of a cost subject
#26
Mach 1 Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: November 3, 2007
Location: South Florida
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here you go, mustang GT Hardtop convertible. codename: muscat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC3VxGwVqp0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC3VxGwVqp0
#27
Bullitt Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: June 7, 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Thumb](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
#28
Mach 1 Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![Cool](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif)
Why not just make a solid hardtop coupe like Twin Turbo's picture of this red Stang on the beach? Shades of the original coupe design? Sure there could be a possible market for the people that just don't want or like a fastback or a vert! Or take the current nice shape of the vert top, when it is up and redo that in a sheet metal coupe body? That possibility might look pretty nice too?
CalStang
![Dunno](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
Last edited by CalStang'07; 11/9/08 at 07:26 AM. Reason: Additions
#29
Bullitt Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: June 7, 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here you go, mustang GT Hardtop convertible. codename: muscat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC3VxGwVqp0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC3VxGwVqp0
![Thumb](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
#32
Some time ago now rumors were circulating that a retractable hardtop Mustang of sorts was indeed in the plans, and that it was to be built on the upcoming GRWD platform. However, IIRC at that time the 'kicker' was that, while it would be heavily Mustang-based, it wasn't to be a Mustang at all and would instead be sold as a Thunderbird. The buzz was that this was to be another take on the classic, two seat Thunderbird the last gen tried to recreate but with better proportions this go 'round. Cars like the Aston Martin V8 and the Mercedes SL roadster were tossed around as examples of the basic car's layout.
Whether this car is still in the cards or not, or how solid the car or the info was in the first place, is something I cannot comment on.
Whether this car is still in the cards or not, or how solid the car or the info was in the first place, is something I cannot comment on.
#33
Bullitt Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: June 7, 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some time ago now rumors were circulating that a retractable hardtop Mustang of sorts was indeed in the plans, and that it was to be built on the upcoming GRWD platform. However, IIRC at that time the 'kicker' was that, while it would be heavily Mustang-based, it wasn't to be a Mustang at all and would instead be sold as a Thunderbird. The buzz was that this was to be another take on the classic, two seat Thunderbird the last gen tried to recreate but with better proportions this go 'round. Cars like the Aston Martin V8 and the Mercedes SL roadster were tossed around as examples of the basic car's layout.
Whether this car is still in the cards or not, or how solid the car or the info was in the first place, is something I cannot comment on.
Whether this car is still in the cards or not, or how solid the car or the info was in the first place, is something I cannot comment on.
![Thumb](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
#34
Well from the Ford survey I took, they were very specfic in about it being a Mustang option. It even had a series for questions on how much one would be willing to pay for such an option. I remember giving it the highest score on desireability, but only a mid-range score on how much I would be willing to pay for it. I didn't want Ford to go crazy with the price ![Thumb](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
![Thumb](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
#35
Bullitt Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: June 7, 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I remember the surveys. The RHT Thunderbird rumors arose some time after those surveys, with some of the insiders dispensing info on the potential project at the time hinting that the concept of building the RHT as a separate car won out over the idea of a simple RHT option for the Mustang. I don't remember anybody going into great detail regarding why the 'distinct offering' angle won out, but I would guess that the pricing issue you bring up had a lot to do with it.
![Frown](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
#36
MOTM Committee Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
#38
GT Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: September 8, 2008
Location: KCMO
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some time ago now rumors were circulating that a retractable hardtop Mustang of sorts was indeed in the plans, and that it was to be built on the upcoming GRWD platform. However, IIRC at that time the 'kicker' was that, while it would be heavily Mustang-based, it wasn't to be a Mustang at all and would instead be sold as a Thunderbird. The buzz was that this was to be another take on the classic, two seat Thunderbird the last gen tried to recreate but with better proportions this go 'round. Cars like the Aston Martin V8 and the Mercedes SL roadster were tossed around as examples of the basic car's layout.
Whether this car is still in the cards or not, or how solid the car or the info was in the first place, is something I cannot comment on.
Whether this car is still in the cards or not, or how solid the car or the info was in the first place, is something I cannot comment on.
#39
THE RED FLASH ------ Master-Moderator
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/ranks/veteran_army.png)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
If Ford sells a 2 seat Thunderbird on a GRWD platform, and makes it look like the last gen at all... then it'll flop like the first one did. Do the same type of car, and drop the retro theme... something new and modern. If Ford puts out this, with Mustang engine options... sign me up for 2! Probly just pipe dreams though... guess I'll have to keep driving my '95.
#40
Shelby GT350 Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
When I owned my 1994 Mustang convertible I was very happy with it...
Last edited by watchdevil; 11/10/08 at 08:25 PM.