A convertible vehicle top displaceable between closed and storage positions, and which has a top linkage, which, on both sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle, may extend through a linkage exit opening of a vehicle trim when the top is in the closed position, each of the linkage exit openings on both sides being provided with a cover, the cover having a panel which can be displaced between a cover position, in which it covers the linkage exit opening, and an open position, in which the linkage exit opening is open. Each cover can have a guiding device, which guides the respective panel on a curved track in the direction of the vehicle front and outward in the transverse direction with respect to the vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle when the panel is displaced from the cover position into the open position.

A convertible vehicle top displaceable between closed and storage positions, and which has a top linkage, which, on both sides with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle, may extend through a linkage exit opening of a vehicle trim when the top is in the closed position, each of the linkage exit openings on both sides being provided with a cover, the cover having a panel which can be displaced between a cover position, in which it covers the linkage exit opening, and an open position, in which the linkage exit opening is open. Each cover can have a guiding device, which guides the respective panel on a curved track in the direction of the vehicle front and outward in the transverse direction with respect to the vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle when the panel is displaced from the cover position into the open position.

Method of functioning the retractable hard top system for convertible vehicles which implies splitting the ceiling in the middle (through the longitudinal axis of the vehicle), moving the rear window with the frame-like area around it on top of the trunk lid, opening the upper areas of the rear wings and folding compactly the remaining components of the roof inside the lateral areas of the trunk. This method significantly increases the usable volume of the luggage compartment and offers an easier access to the items carried in the trunk. Also, this method requires a less complex operation system which leads to less expensive manufacturing and maintenance costs.

A linkage flap arrangement of a convertible vehicle includes a flap bearing mounted permanently to the vehicle. A cover panel arrangement is pivotably mounted to the vehicle by the flap bearing. The cover panel arrangement is movable between a closed position closing a linkage opening of the vehicle and an open position releasing the linkage opening and includes a main cover panel and an additional cover panel. The additional cover panel is pivotable with respect to the main cover panel and is driven by a drive motor arranged at the flap bearing. The drive motor drives a cover panel transmission when pivoting the cover panel arrangement with respect to the flap bearing, the cover panel transmission being arranged at the cover panel arrangement and driving the additional cover panel in order to pivot it with respect to the main cover panel.