Abstract: A folding-top drive has a motor (13) that transmits forces to a first gear (14) and then to a folding-top linkage via a second gear (15). The first gear (14) and a guide (23) are pivoted to a housing (19) and a spring (22) acts on the guide (23). The first gear is guided on the guide (23) so that the guide (23) can be moved automatically with the first gear (14) counter to the force of the spring (22) from a first position where the gears (14, 15) engage to a second position where the gears (14, 15) are disengaged if a force on the first gear exceeds a defined limit. Additionally, the spring (22) can move the guide (12) automatically with the first gear (14) from the second position to the first position if the force on the first gear falls below the defined limit.