Abstract: An automobile rigid convertible roof (4) retracts horizontally rearward over the rear part of the upper body. The rear end of the roof is supported by two external elongated struts (12L and 12R) which are permanently attached to the rear corners of the roof at their upper ends and retract with it as a unit. Strut bottom rollers (18) are guided by guides (22) mounted adjacent the vehicle rear deck. The struts (12) are outside of the vehicle cockpit enclosure. The retracted roof is moved horizontally so that the retracted roof panel does not interfere with rear vision from the cockpit and in the retracted position does not use any cockpit or vehicle trunk volume for roof storage.