The '65-'66 Mustang surprised everyone--even Ford--with its amazing success during the mid-1960s. With nearly 1.3 million sold, aftermarket companies climbed on the bandwagon to offer products that would appeal to the new ponycar market. One of those products was the Hobo, a fiberglass roof that converted a '65-'66 Mustang convertible into a station wagon.
Recently, Source Interlink Media photo archivist Thomas Voehringer ran across photos of the Hobo hardtop from a photo shoot for Motor Trend magazine. He then traced the photos to a one-page article, titled "Hobo on Horseback," in the May 1967 issue. Only four photos were used, so here, for the first time, are a number of photos showing more detail.
According to the Motor Trend article, the Hobo top was designed by Arthur Camp and manufactured by Joel Patrick, Inc. in Sherman Oaks, California. Retailing for $595, it was promoted as a 15-minute installation to provide extra luggage capacity or even additional seating for children with Ford's Astro-Guard child seats mounted in the trunk (don't try that today). Apparently, the Hobo top was not very popular; we've never seen one in use or at a swap meet. We doubt you'll see reproductions in Mustang vendor catalogs any time soon.
Although promoted as a 15-minute...
Although promoted as a 15-minute conversion, installation of the wagon top required removal of the trunk lid, as demonstrated here by Dennis Devine from Hobo manufacturer Joel Patrick, Inc.
With the convertible top down...
With the convertible top down and stored in the well, the hobo hardtop could be positioned and secured to the Mustang.
Although difficult to see...
Although difficult to see in this photo, the mid-section apparently attached to the interior quarter trim panel via a bracket and screws.
If you find something that...
If you find something that looks like a Hobo top in a barn or at a swap meet, you can identify it by this emblem on the side panel. We doubt that it will be any more popular today than it was in 1966, other than as a conversation piece.
Removal of the side trim was...
Removal of the side trim was also required to install the Hobo top.
At the front, the Hobo top...
At the front, the Hobo top was secured with the convertible top's windshield header latches.
In this never before seen...
In this never before seen photo, Hobo designer Arthur Camp shows off his new creation to Motor Trend's Bob Schilling.
The top demonstrated by Motor...
The top demonstrated by Motor Trend was a prototype with plexiglass windows. According to the article, plans called for production versions to use glass windows and a padded headliner. Note the hinged rear window.