Our reader Mike, tipped us off to an article in the Times of Malta that discusses the development of a hard top folding system for the Ford Mustang. The setup, developed by Peter Muscat, a Detroit ex-pat, folds into what looks like two pieces and resides in the space normally reserved for its cloth counterpart. The powered roof will come down in 30 seconds, although an upgrade will cut off another seven seconds, and won't utilize any space in the trunk, since, according to the article, "golf-mad Americans" wouldn't stand for it.
Five prototypes, ready for prime time, are currently being run through their paces and Mr. Muscat's company plans to build 500 systems over the next six years. According to Muscat, he already has orders for over 100 units.
Whether or not such a system would be utilized as an OEM part remains to be seen, although we doubt the aftermarket manufacturer would take issue with selling the system to FoMoCo for use in the redesigned Mustang, likely to be built in 2009.
UPDATE: We touched base with Ford, which confirmed that it is not involved with, nor does it have details on this particular project. The automaker added that it's always investigating new features and special editions to help feed the Mustang enthusiast desire for more and to maintain its pony car segment leadership.
[Source: Times of Malta via MuscularMustangs.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael @ Mar 19th 2007 4:09AM
This will be a very small operation at first employing only a handful of people. I guess its size will depend on the commitment by the big guns to this idea. I knew that work was going on during the last Summer to impress the big guys from Ford to sign the final contract, and I'm glad they succeeded. As they say, Viva Malta!
DPC car videos @ Mar 19th 2007 4:30AM
By just looking at it, it seems like they have done a nice job. But who knows how this holds up at high speeds and over time you also may have unacceptable creaking and rattling, but then again most rag tops do that anyway.
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
Deezee @ Mar 19th 2007 5:21AM
I doubt you'll be able to hear the squeaks and rattles over the beautiful sound of the V8. haha
I'd definitely get a roll bar or something tho. It doesnt look like it could support the weight of the car.
Bob R. @ Mar 19th 2007 8:03AM
I'm impressed that it does not take up to much room even though it is a hardtop. How is it that they can put a hardtop on the Mustang and still have a trunk when the top is down but Pontiac puts a hardtop on the G6 and when it is down, there is no trunk at all.
Jay Ray @ Mar 19th 2007 8:16AM
Looks like it kept its trunk and lost the back seat area.
Fletcher @ Mar 19th 2007 8:26AM
Actually, it looks like it consumes the space previously occupied by the back seats. Anyone remember the video circulating a few months ago showing a prototypical Mustang hard top convertible in action?
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/16/ford-may-be-considering-mustang-hardtop-convertible-for-2009/
Sandy @ Mar 19th 2007 12:23PM
Surprised that nobody recalls the name Peter Muscat. He the Father of the 1984-1990 ascMcLaren 2-Seat Roadster convertibles with the Mercedes-like 3-window roof.
ttruck @ Mar 20th 2007 2:40AM
Now thats a true waste of money!!!!!!!
TeamNutmeg @ Mar 24th 2007 1:49AM
It looks like the greenhouse of an SN-95 on an S-197 body. Meh.
Emmanuel Agius @ Mar 24th 2007 6:15AM
You can visit www.imalta.net to view more images and a video of this hardtop convertable.
Emmanuel Agius @ Mar 24th 2007 6:21AM
You can visit www.imalta.net for more pictures and videos of this car