A retractable type wiper apparatus including a first crank connected to an output shaft of a reducer of a wiper motor and a second crank rotatably secured to the first crank by use of a first pivot shaft and so arranged that the second crank is maintained in a bent orientation at a predetermined angle relative to the first crank during the rotation of the first crank in the forward direction. The second crank is extended substantially straight relative to the first crank during the rotation of the first crank in the reverse directions. A stop member is provided on the first crank for defining a first locking recess and a second locking recess. A detent is longitudinally slidably mounted on the second crank. A spring means urges the detent selectively into the first and second locking recesses to thereby lock the second crank in place when the second crank is positioned at the predetermined angled position and at the straight extended position, respectively, relative to the first crank. The link member is rotatably connected to the second crank by a second pivot shaft for transmitting the motion of the second crank to a wiper blade. A cam member is rotatably mounted over the second pivot shaft and adapted to press and lock the detent as it is urged into either the first or second recess.