'59/'60 GM 4-dr hardtops ?

I've always been partial to the unique roof line GM used on many late 50s 4-dr hardtops such as the Buick below. I think it's a really cool look and I like the fact that it's sort of an oddball style you don't see very often. (As far as I know GM was the only company to use this sort of roof line, let me know if you know otherwise . . .) I think all the GM divisions had their version of this roof style in 1959.

Can someone tell me if GM had a specific name for this type of roof, and also, does anyone have pictures of customs based on these cars?

thanks,
James

 

I don't know what they cal it but here is my 1960 Olds 88... P.S. ask Gene winfield, he used this rof on his 61 cad. Also they used the rof til 61 on biscaynes with a post.

 

they were called "the vista roof " which probably was in reference to being a "hdt". for a 4dr. model they were one of the best looking i think.

 

Thats why I love you man

 

Yes, GM called them 'Vistas' but, I known many people over the years who refer to them as 'flat tops'.

Steve

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That '60 88 is awesome.

 

I installed a "flat top" 4drhdtp roof on my 60 elco:

 

THE_DUDE, I love your Oldsmobile. I found this picture before I started this thread and it made me go . What an awesome looking car!

Thanks for the replies so far guys!

 

We called them "aircraft carriers", as well as flat tops. I had pix of a guy in a Piper Cub landing on one at an air show!

 

GM used "vista" in reference to the "panaramic view" you were allowed by the "pillarless design" AKA: "the hardtop!" lets see some more views of that 60' elco.

 

59/60 Gm flattops...BEST LOOKING FOOR DOORS EVER!...IMHO

 

I have a 59 Oldsmobile dynamic 88 "flat top". Everyone that sees it says that is very unique. I think it looks quite different, that is what sold me on the car. Now if it only had good floor pans. I am working on it, otherwise is in solid shape, good paint, runs great, took it to the Ottawa, Ks. car show recently. Couple of people had questions about it. Fun car, hauls ass.

 

I agree with this for sure.

 

I have a 60 impala flattop my dad has a 59 chevy impala flattop an my mom has a 59 pontiac flattop!

 

i like them flattops, always thought it would be cool to convert one into a 2 door

 

Every time I see one of these I think about the book on bodywork that I once had. Several chapter showed how the restored the roof of a 60 Olds 4drht after it had rolled and crushed all 4 pillars. They cut it loose straightened all the glass channels etc. I suppose that they did it just to show off their talents. It was impressive but dumb.IMHO

We called them aircraft carriers too. I thought that they were ugly when they came out but their uniqueness has grown on me over the years.

 

Is this close enough?

 

I love the Elky, Always had a soft spot for 59 and 60 El Caminos...Great looking car you have......CR

 

almost if it was a hardtop it would be better and a 59-60 buick

 

would love to see a better pic of it. it looks pretty cool from what i see

 

here is my flattop as we call them in sweden....just out of the container this cold morning
regards stig

 

The 60-64 corvair sedans had a similar roof design. http://www.corvaircorsa.com/700.html Check out the bottom photo.

 

Yep, the 60 Corvair and Chevy pickup featured the little rear awning overhang.

 

my 60 buick has a flat top. some old guy told me they were called pancake tops but thats the only time i have heard that.... i will post a pick of it later.

 

way cool, any progress?