Convertible top having over center linkage

A retractable top for a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment and a storage space located behind the passenger compartment, wherein the top is movable between an extended position covering the passenger compartment and a retracted position disposed in the storage space, said top comprising:

• a linkage mechanism pivotally coupled to the vehicle, the linkage mechanism including a rear link pivotally coupled to the vehicle;
• a rear bow pivotally coupled to the vehicle;
• a roof cover having a forward portion supported by the linkage mechanism and a rear portion interconnected with the rear bow;
• an overcenter linkage having front and rear overcenter links that extend between the rear bow and the rear link of the linkage mechanism, the front and rear overcenter links each having opposite first and second ends, the first end of the rear overcenter link being pivotally coupled to the rear bow at a first pivot, the first end of the front overcenter link being pivotally coupled to the linkage mechanism via a coupling bracket at a second pivot, and the second ends of the front and rear overcenter links being pivotally coupled to each other at a third pivot, the overcenter linkage being movable to an overcenter position to retain the rear bow in the extended position;
• and
• an actuator directly pivotally coupled to the rear overcenter link adjacent the third pivot for actuating the overcenter linkage into and out of the overcenter position.