Framework for a vehicle folding roof

A trapezoidal main bow 11 which can pivot about a horizontally running vehicle transverse axis has inclined side struts 16. Side roof frames 7 interconnected by a front roof frame 5 are coupled to the main bow 11 by means of further framework members 18, 24, 25 in such a way that, during the shifting of the upright main bow, they are forcibly controlled into a stowage position near to the inclined structs 16 (Fig.5). In order to retain substantially the width of the passenger compartment of the vehicle when the top is folded back, the inclined struts 16 have an inward offset with respect to the lateral contour of the vehicle and on the outside of each of the struts there is arranged a roof skin retaining rail 8 which is moved from a roof skin stretching position into a folded position with its lower end moved closer to the strut.