Abstract: A vehicle roof system for comprises a closure panel having a panel support and a stationary guide rail at each longitudinal side of a roof opening for slidably guiding an operating mechanism that operates the closure panel. The operating mechanism comprises a rear device for moving the closure panel rear edge towards a raised position. A front device includes a first lever for moving the closure panel front edge vertically. A driving slide is drivable by a drive member to move the closure panel both in vertical and horizontal directions through the front and rear devices. The first lever is pivotally connected to the panel support only and has a first slide shoe engaging a stationary guide curve of the guide rail, that includes a downwardly and forwardly inclining front portion. The first lever slides and tilts when the shoe travels through the front portion of the stationary guide curve.