Vehicle manufacturers in the early 2000s made a song and dance about producing cars with retractable metal roofs. However, Ford beat them to the punch by decades with cars like this 1958 Fairlane 500 Skyliner. It offered buyers a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience, but the weather protection provided by the top was typically better than what owners experienced from a soft-top when conditions turned unfavorable. This gem stands out, courtesy of its overall condition and the claimed 40,000 original miles showing on its odometer. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Skyliner listed here on Facebook in New Salisbury, Indiana. The seller set their price at $35,000 for a car that seemingly needs nothing.
Ford introduced the Skyliner to its Fairlane 500 model range in 1957, with the final cars leaving the factory in 1959. This classic splits the difference, with its first owner ordering it in 1958. The car’s history isn’t specified in the listing, although its impressive presentation suggests that it has either undergone some form of restoration or that it is an amazing survivor that has led a sheltered existence. Its color combination of Gulfstream Blue and Colonial White shines beautifully, with the car’s long and low lines accentuated by the rear fender skirts and the Continental Kit. The latter is a wise addition, because the top consumes a lot of trunk space once retracted. The seller states that the roof works perfectly, which will allow potential buyers to breathe a sigh of relief. The mechanism is horrendously complicated and would potentially baffle Rocket Scientists if it ever fails. There is no evidence or mention of rust, the trim looks excellent, and the glass is clear.
Buyers could choose from three V8s to power the 1958 Skyliner, with this car’s first owner selecting the mid-range 332ci “Interceptor” V8. They teamed the engine with a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission and power steering. Ford’s Sales Brochure quotes a power output of 165hp, and although the Skyliner tipped the scales at around 4,400 lbs, its performance was still considered very respectable by the standards of the day. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching and that it runs perfectly. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the claimed odometer reading of 40,000 original miles, so that must be taken on face value.
The color combination set by the Skliner’s exterior continues inside, with the interior trimmed in vinyl and cloth. The painted surfaces look crisp and clean, while there is no visible wear on the seats or carpet. The bright trim sparkles nicely, and the wheel looks excellent. It isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, although the clock and pushbutton radio would have felt pretty special in 1958. One thing is certain: This interior won’t cause shame if the buyer hits the road with the top down.
Some cars inherently possess a “wow” factor, which is undoubtedly the case with this 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner. Regardless of where the new owner takes it, they are virtually guaranteed to draw admiring crowds who will marvel as the top is raised and lowered. The seller’s price sits above the market average, but it seems justified when you consider how beautifully it presents. It is possible to buy cheaper examples, but this one is a beauty that appears to need nothing. If a classic Convertible has been on your radar, could this Skyliner bring your search to an end?
WOW! Another FORD first swimming in a Sea of not so hot water in 58. Not sure where New Salisbury is but this is a prime piece of automotive BEEF. I wonder if EDSEL had offered a similar retractable,,would it have helped EDSEL 🤔? Love everything about this big boat, including The Continental rear end. It would be a Dream to own it, but the price brings THAT Dream to an abrupt end. The BARN pictured looks like the perfect place for a classic, with Col. Sanders looking on! Guess he might fancy this As Fair a Lane as his famous Friend Chicken.Sure makes my mouth water!
No Edsel’s had or were even thinking about a retractable top…lots of engineering problems to say the least…..
$35K will make a mere down-payment on something a whole lot less pizzazzy than this. I do admit the ’57s and ’59s styling always looked a whole lot more appealing to me, and apparently many others. A great color combo though!! Instant neck-twisting at any show!
During my six day visit to Havana, Cuba back in January, my wife and I spent over six hours, (over two days) being driven around in a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 convertible. So while that car was not a “RETRACTABLE HARDTOP” Skyliner, just a normal “RAGTOP” Sunliner, since we come home, I’ve been watching a large number of videos on U-Tube about Havana in particular, Cuda in general, as well as many, many videos about the antique cars that are literally all over the place. Well in one of those videos, I saw a beautifully restored (or perhaps still in original condition) 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 SKYLINER being driven through the streets of Havana.I wish I could say that I actually saw that car in person, but that would be a lie, just as I did not see the 1956 Lincoln Continental MK II or the 1956 Cadillac Sedan de Ville that looks like it just came off the showroom floor, or the 1960 Corvair 4 door sedan, 1952 Kaiser Frazer 1962 Pontiac Bonneville convertible, or 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix taht I spotted in those videos that I know are still being driven around the streets of Havana. But I did see in person, a fanatic 1955 Cadillac Eldorado convertible as well as a beautiful, red 1959 Thunderbird convertible that like the 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner my wife and I rode around in, are used primarily for the “TOURIST TRADE”.
Dig into the Cuba “Taxi ” cars videos and you will see some of the worst, cobbled together cars imaginable- after all there are no NAPA’s or AUTOZONE’s there for parts..some of these rides that are picked for the tourist trade, yes they are picked, have little diesel motors and alot of bailing wire and duct tape at work..and those are the “best of the best” on the island….most are pretty much junk 50’s American cars, in shell only.
YES I agree. I wish I could attach a photo of that 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 convertible that my wife and I rode around in for two days, but I can’t figure out how to post a photo to these Barnfinds listings. But needless to say, that car would never win a “CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE” award at Pebble Beach or even a “Best in Show Award” at a local car show here. Still it was a 100 point ”SHOW CAR” when compared to some of the ”CLAPPED OUT” stuff you see ridings round on the streets of Havana and elsewhere in the country. That 58 Ford was somewhat of an exception inasmuch as it had a later model 302 Ford Small block instead of the old 312 Y-Block or 352 Fe-Block, something that is not uncommon here. Still I take my hat off to the Cubans who find a way to keep those relics running and being used daily.
In the day when these were new it appeared to my eye that the tail fins were asymmetric. My poor Father had to take me to the local store and measure them from the ground to the tip. Having me for a kid had to be a decidedly mixed bag. This is an example of a spotless car. The Pebble crowd speaks of 100 pt. cars, but a 90 pointer would have me over the moon. This has to be at least 9/10ths. Beautiful. Wonderful example.
This looks as good as it can get for the controversial 58 Ford styling BUT those fender skirts have got to go! Does nothing but make the overall “non-aerodynamic” body design even worse.
This is one of Ford retractable’s and very nice one!
These cars (any of the three years) are my number one dream car. I’m old enough to remember when they were new cars. A friend of mine has a nice red 58 model that’s loaded with options. This one with crank windows, no factory a/c and no spotlight rear view mirrors brings the value to about half what they’re asking. While the 332 was enough engine to cruise around in you had more powerful choices even in 58. Perhaps that’s why I always preferred the 59 with better power options. There’s one on Marketplace here in the Houston area for the same price that’s been listed for several months. I also saw a low optioned 59 yesterday listed for $17 K. I hope this one finds a good home.
God Bless America
’59 did not have better power options. The top engine was still a 300 hp 352 just like in ’58. The 4-barrel 265 hp 332 like in this car was dropped with only a 2-barrel 332 downrated to 225 hp (from 240) and the 200 hp 292 (downrated from 205) offered (no sixes in Skyliners).
I like to be critiqued Vance, even if you don’t know what you’re talking about, it means you read my post. Ha, ha.
God Bless America
You are absolutely right Vance,, 1958 and 1959 offered the same V-8 engines, but the 59’s offered a 223 6 cyl.
That’s beautiful. It would never fit in my garage!
@Robert Gill
You need to become a member to post photos.
Not true Angel……
@”Edsel”
Could you please elaborate. I do not have a computer or pad. I am only working on a smart phone and cannot see how you can post photos without being a member.
I see you do not have the member logo next to your name but you keep posting a photo.
Don’t know “Angel”…have been doing it for years!!!!