Abstract: The sliding tailgate is adapted for use with an automobile. The automobile is further defined with a working space. The working space is an interior space within which the load carried by the automobile is stored. The sliding tailgate is an apparatus upon which the tailgate of the automobile is attached such that: 1) the tailgate can be opened and closed to provide access into the working space of the automobile; and, 2) the tailgate can be retracted to a location underneath the working space to provide less restricted access to the working space of the automobile. The sliding tailgate comprises a storage slot, a mounting structure, a track system, and a locking system. The track system is contained within the storage slot. The mounting structure attaches the tailgate to the track system. The locking system locks the tailgate in the extended position.