Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Crazy Horse - 1967 Ford Mustang with butterfly doors and folding hardtop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-crazy-horse-1967-ford-mustang-with-butte/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-crazy-horse-1967-ford-mustang-with-butte/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-crazy-horse-1967-ford-mustang-with-butte/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


1967 Ford Mustang hardtop convertible custom - Click above for an image gallery

According to this eBay seller, this is the only 1967 Ford Mustang ever fitted with a retractable hardtop. As we've never seen one before (or one wearing butterfly doors, for that matter), we'll give the auctioneer the benefit of the doubt.

In any case, this restomod 'Stang has been comprehensively reworked, including a new Ford Racing 302 crate motor, along with a new Tremec T5 gearbox, a fully reworked suspension and a set of four-wheel discs hiding out under the American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels.

Of the staffers we surveyed here at Autoblog, we're not crazy about the paint or the doors, but the retractable fiberglass top unit from Mustang Plus is something we can't help but find interesting, particularly if this conversion was done to a donor car that wasn't originally terribly collectible (non numbers-matching, etc.). Admittedly the lines of the top don't blend with the rest of the design as nicely as a stock hardtop's roofline does, but that's to be expected with conversions like this. Besides, both the engine bay and the underbody are incredibly sanitary - certainly cleaner than they were the day this 'Stang rolled off the assembly line.

The seller says that the droptop conversion is something of an homage to a concept Mustang model that Ford originally considered building back in 1967. According to the listing, the Blue Oval invested some $250,000 in exploring the concept, only for it to get nixed by Henry Ford II because it couldn't be motorized. A quarter century later, retired Ford designer Ben J. Smith apparently devised the system seen here. Be sure to check out the huge gallery of images and the link below... only a few hours left to get your bid in!


Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: Custom 1967 Ford Mustang hardtop convertible


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Crazy Horse - 1967 Ford Mustang with butterfly doors and folding hardtop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben J. SmithBenJ.SmithBlue OvalBlueOvalbutterfly doorsButterflyDoorscustom carCustomCareBayFordFord RacingFordRacinggullwinghardtop convertibleHardtopConvertiblemuscle carMuscleCarMustangMustang PlusMustangPluspony carPonyCarRestomodretractable hardtopRetractableHardtopStangTremecMon, 27 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/29/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mazda-mx-5-miata-retractable-hard-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Mazda MX-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just as it appeared that winter was finally drawing to close here in Michigan, one of the definitive summertime cars turned up on our doorstep -- the Mazda MX-5 Miata . Somewhere back in the middle part of the last century, small, lightweight, roadsters flourished with a variety of models available from mostly British manufacturers. Names like MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey and Lotus defined the genre. Unfortunately, a number of factors such as random intermittent windshield wipers, intermittent headlights, intermittent ignition, persistent oil leaks and predisposition for the bodies to convert to iron oxide soured the reputation of these and other car builders. This was followed by the consolidation of the most of the British car industry into British Leyland and then the onset of safety and emissions regulations. By 1980, the classic British sports car had become all but extinct.

Then a strange thing happened. Mazda, always had a reputation as being slightly offbeat (witness its dedication to the Wankel rotary, which exists to this day) introduced a new model dubbed the MX-5 Miata . This compact, rear-drive two-seat roadster bore a strong resemblance to a '60s vintage Lotus Elan. However, unlike the Elan and its compatriots, the Miata started every time you turned the key, didn't leave you drenched when it rained, and didn't leave puddles of oil on your garage floor. In other words, it was a classic British sports car that worked like a modern Japanese car. Read on after the jump to find out how the latest incarnation fares.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Hardtop


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Brad Wood / Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top

Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmazdamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 hardtopmazda mx-5 miatamazda mx-5 roadster ...MazdaMx-5MazdaMx-5HardtopMazdaMx-5MiataMazdaMx-5Roadster...mx-5retractableretractable hardtopretractablehardtopreviewSun, 29 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter the rumormill: Nissan 350Z retractable hardtop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/27/enter-the-rumormill-nissan-350z-retractable-hardtop/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/27/enter-the-rumormill-nissan-350z-retractable-hardtop/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/27/enter-the-rumormill-nissan-350z-retractable-hardtop/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Autoblog reader Sei tipped us off to an article over at the GT Channel that purports to have the inside scoop on the development of a prototype retractable hardtop that can be fitted to the 350Z. Autech, an arm of Nissan whose focus is on specialty vehicle conversions, has developed a system that is likely to be equipped on the next Z car - if it's deemed cost effective and can fit within the Z's pricing structure.

If certain rumblings are to be believed, the next Z could debut as early as this year's Tokyo Motor Show in October, likely a refresh rather than an outright redesign. The coupe would be shown in concept form, with sales likely to begin in 2009, and that's when we'd expect this rumor to be confirmed.

[Source: GT Channel]

Enter the rumormill: Nissan 350Z retractable hardtop originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>350z370zconvertiblenissanretractable hard-topretractable hardtopRetractableHard-topRetractableHardtoptokyo motor showTokyoMotorShowWed, 27 Jun 2007 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW leaning towards soft top for M3 convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/bmw-leaning-towards-soft-top-for-m3-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/bmw-leaning-towards-soft-top-for-m3-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/26/bmw-leaning-towards-soft-top-for-m3-convertible/#commentsFiled under: ,



Winding Road's adding credence to the belief that the new M3 convertible coming from BMW will be a ragtop. As in cloth instead of a retractable hardtop, which seems to be de rigueur these days. Even though the 330i and 335i E92 platform mates have a retractable hardtop, the extra weight is considered anathema to the M Group philosophy. The extra 440 pounds of that folding top is a big sacrifice for the noise and safety benefits. So a soft top seems to be plausible. If a soft top is used, however, it will need to be pretty strong. The added speed promised from that new V8 is going to require extra work from the Bavarian engineers. If the cloth can't stay quiet and sealed at speed, another option apparently being considered is a carbon fiber version of the hardtop. Sounds expensive. But cool.

[Source: Winding Road]

BMW leaning towards soft top for M3 convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>M3 ConvertibleM3Convertibleretractable hardtopRetractableHardtopsoft topSoftTopFri, 26 Jan 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Auto Show: The full skinny on Chrysler's 2008 Sebring Convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-the-full-skinny-on-chryslers-2008-sebring-convert/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-the-full-skinny-on-chryslers-2008-sebring-convert/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-the-full-skinny-on-chryslers-2008-sebring-convert/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image to enlarge

UPDATE: Added a video walkaround/top demonstration and Frank's live pics of the debut with Jennifer Love Hewitt after the jump.

In the immortal words of Paul Harvey, "And now, the rest of the story..."

A few hours ago, we gave you the first look at the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The details we gave were for the UK version because, well, we couldn't talk about the North American car yet. But now we can. As was widely rumored, the new Sebring will be available with a choice of two soft tops (cloth or vinyl) or a retractable hardtop. The soft tops are a no-brainer because the Sebring's a warm-weather rental fleet staple. The new droptop's wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer than the sedan's, and the car's length overall is increased by 3 inches. Like past versions, it's designed to comfortably seat four and carry a reasonable amount of stuff in the trunk. A "reasonable amount" here is equal to two golf bags with the roof stowed under its hard tonneau (another new feature). Raise it, and you can carry the clubs for a foursome.

The top operation is fully automatic, with no more need to undo any latches before you let the sun in. In addition, the top can be operated from the car's key fob. Inside, you're greeted by the same plastacular interior introduced in the sedan, but it should be noted that the lighter colors look worlds better (in pictures, anyway) than the gray interior on the Sebring sedan we drove recently. All the goodies you can get on the sedan, such as the heated/cooled cupholders and the MyGig entertainment system, are available here, too.

Motivation comes from either the 173 horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder World Engine, a n E85-capable189 horsepower 2.7L FFV V6, or the Limited's 3.5L V6 with 235 ponies. The two V6s get six-speed automatic transmissions, while the four-banger makes do with a 4- forward gears. We definitely like the look of the convertible over the sedan, and the addition of the retractable hardtop is a welcome development, as the Sebring truly becomes a four-season machine when so equipped. Overall, we count the Sebring convertible as a pleasant surprise. Stay tuned this week for more feedback from the gang we've got on the ground.

Check out the full photo gallery and Chrysler's extensive press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading LA Auto Show: The full skinny on Chrysler's 2008 Sebring Convertible

LA Auto Show: The full skinny on Chrysler's 2008 Sebring Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jennifer Love HewittJenniferLoveHewittretractable hardtopRetractableHardtopsebringsebring convertibleSebringConvertiblevinyl top cloth topVinylTopClothTopWed, 29 Nov 2006 00:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Open-air mafia: 2010 Chrysler 300C]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/open-air-mafia-2010-chrysler-300c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/open-air-mafia-2010-chrysler-300c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/open-air-mafia-2010-chrysler-300c/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Sure, it may seem like a stretch, but when Chrysler develops the new LX platform, the idea of a retractable-hardtop sedan is certainly on their minds.

The current front-engine, rear-drive platform will be due for a refresh towards the end of the decade and Motor Trend maintains that in order to make the most (money) from the LX's evolution, DaimlerChrysler needs to use the new platform to underpin as many vehicles as possible.

Currently, the LX is only found under the Dodge Magnum, Charger and Chrysler 300C, but as the market evolves, so will D.C.'s offerings. The new 300C will undergo a thorough redesign by 2009, utilizing the new platform to its fullest extend, which may include the aforementioned retractable hardtop.

Earlier this year, rumors were swirling that DaimlerChrysler would partner with ASC, who unveiled their own version of an open-air 300C at this year's Detriot Auto Show. Unfortunately, the conversion proved to be too expensive to adopt on a large scale and was also a cloth top, versus the retractable hardtop design that's currently in vogue. Forward progress is being made however, as D.C. is collaborating with the Canadian parts supplier Magna Steyr on the development and production of a "vario-roof" design.

Open-air mafia: 2010 Chrysler 300C originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Sep 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler 300CChrysler300cDaimlerChryslerLXretractable hardtopRetractableHardtopSun, 10 Sep 2006 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe retractable hardtop in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/20/video-mazda-mx-5-roadster-coupe-retractable-hardtop-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/20/video-mazda-mx-5-roadster-coupe-retractable-hardtop-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/20/video-mazda-mx-5-roadster-coupe-retractable-hardtop-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is the latest in a wave of retractable hardtop roadsters entering the market. We've seen static shots of the new MX-5's hardtop both up and down, but until have not taken in the retractable roof in action. Autoblog reader Jerry Standefer pointed us to this Mazda UK promotional video that not only shows the hardtop going up and down, but also shows how the hard top stows away without consuming any trunk space.

[Source: Mazda]

VIDEO: Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe retractable hardtop in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jul 2006 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MX-5 Roadster CoupeMx-5RoadsterCouperetractable hardtopRetractableHardtopRoadster CoupeRoadsterCoupeThu, 20 Jul 2006 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Pontiac hangs 'Sold Out' sign on G6 convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/20/pontiac-hangs-sold-out-on-g6-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/20/pontiac-hangs-sold-out-on-g6-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/20/pontiac-hangs-sold-out-on-g6-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's not surprising that the extremely popular Pontiac Solstice roadster is sold out for 2006. But the G6 convertible, which went on sale in April, is also gone for the rest of the (model) year. The convertible completes the G6 lineup that includes the sedan and the coupe and is one of the least expensive hardtops in the market at less than $30,000.

Jim Mateja of the Chicago Tribune found the convertible pleasant to drive and quite roomy for passengers though the trunk shrinks considerably, a common problem among hardtop convertibles. Mateja asked Pontiac if the brand's considering bringing back the Firebird due to the G6's success. Spokesperson Jim Hopson replied, "We have no plans to revive the Firebird name, but have made no secret that if GM decides to build the Chevy Camaro, that rear-wheel-drive architecture would make a great basis for other rear-drive cars and Pontiac is interested."

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

Pontiac hangs 'Sold Out' sign on G6 convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesAutoSalesG6G6 convertibleG6Convertibleretractable hardtopRetractableHardtopsold outSoldOutTue, 20 Jun 2006 14:53:00 EST