"George Paulin's Eclipse construction was not the first retractable hardtop. In 1922 Ben P. Ellerbeck in the US had already build a manually operated ‘shiftable top' on a 1919 Hudson. His hardtop moved over the outside of the luggage compartment (trunk) at the rear of the two-seater body and thus did not limit the luggage capacity, even with the top down. However, Ellenbeck’s idea was never commercialized on a production car."
@chav This is fascinating given all the info' regarding Paulin's Eclipse and the copyright issues with Peugeot. I've never heard of this Ellerbeck design.
Great shots of my favorite retractable from the mints. I also have the two-tone black/red one from DM and the red/white one from FM. But this green/white version from DM is my favorite of them. Anytime I see a real one at old car shows, they always have an audience around them. The older folks still marvel at at them and the younger generation are in awe as well.
@chav Chav, when I operate the top on my 1963 Thunderbird Sports Roadster, I have to start the car or it will drain the battery...and that's with a twelve volt system and alternator.
@chav Chav, when I operate the top on my 1963 Thunderbird Sports Roadster, I have to start the car or it will drain the battery...and that's with a twelve volt system and alternator.
I can do it on my retractable hard top but Mercedes says to start the car first. It has two batteries - one under the hood to start the car but a large 'supply battery' in the rear to generate power to all other functions including the top.
