T-top
An automotive T-top (UK: T-bar) is an automobile roof with removable panels on either side of a rigid bar running from the center of one structural bar between pillars to the center of the next structural bar. The panels of a traditional T-top are usually made of auto grade safety glass.
The T-top was patented by Gordon Buehrig on June 5, 1951.[1] It was used in the design of the unsuccessful TASCO sports car.[2]
The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette coupe was the first U.S.-built production automobile to feature a T-top roof.[3] This increased the popularity of the coupe, such that it outsold the convertible and later led to the discontinuation of the Corvette convertible after 1975 until it was revived in 1986.[citation needed] Post-C3 models were built with a targa top instead of a T-top.
The T-top was made famous in the movie Smokey & the Bandit, mainly because the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am driven by Burt Reynolds in the movie was outfitted with a T-top.
[edit] Examples of traditional T-Top
- Chevrolet Corvette (1968–1982)
- Chevrolet Camaro (1978–2002)
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- Chrysler Cordoba
- Datsun 280ZX
- Dodge Magnum
- Dodge Mirada
- Ford Thunderbird (7th generation)
- Ford Mustang (2nd generation)
- Ford Mustang (3rd generation)
- Mercury Capri
- Nissan NX
- Nissan 300ZX
- Nissan EXA
- Nissan URGE (concept)
- Pontiac Fiero
- Pontiac Firebird/Pontiac Trans Am (1976–2002)
- Pontiac Grand Prix
- Rover 200 Coupe (1992-1999)
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
- Suzuki Cappucino (has an optional solid roof which can be converted into a T-top)
- Suzuki X-90
- Subaru Brat
- Toyota MR2 (AW11/SW20/SW21/SW22)
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "This Day In History - June 5: Automotive". History.com. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&id=7461. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
- ^ "Gordon Buehrig 1904–1990". Coachbuilt. http://www.coachbuilt.com/des/b/buehrig/buehrig.htm. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
- ^ Muscle Car Club: Chevrolet Corvette - History, Third Generation, 1968–1982.
