Consumer confidence was sky-high during the late 1950s, and nowhere was this better demonstrated than in the new car market. Manufacturers produced vehicles that pushed the boundaries of luxury, style, and cutting-edge engineering as they sought to liberate potential buyers from their hard-earned cash. The 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner is a perfect example of this approach. Its retractable metal roof offered the convenience of a Convertible with the all-weather protection of a sedan. These weren’t cheap when they were new, which is understandable when we examine the engineering that went into the roof. Our feature car is a gem that is mechanically sound and presents nicely. It is a turnkey proposition with one notable mechanical upgrade that will improve safety. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Galaxie listed here on Craigslist in Santo, Texas. You could head down to Texas and drive it home from its sunny location after handing the seller $26,800.
Ford introduced the Galaxie badge in 1959 as the range-topping model within the Fairlane range. It soldiered on gallantly in various forms until the company placed it out to pasture at the end of 1974. Our feature Galaxie is a first-year example, and when it comes to top-level vehicles, it is the cream of the crop. The Skyliner had previously been available as part of the Fairlane 500 range since 1957 but became exclusively available wearing a Galaxie badge in 1959. It was also the final year that buyers could park one in their garage, as Ford discontinued it due to flagging sales. The first owner ordered this Skyliner in Colonial White, and its presentation remains pretty impressive. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, although the lack of panel and paint imperfections could indicate a previous refresh. There is no visible rust, and the current location may have protected it from corrosion and other nasty surprises. Sadly, the seller only provides one low-quality image of the Galaxie with the top down, which is a shame considering that this is its party piece. However, they are willing to supply a video to interested parties, and that’s an invitation I would gratefully accept.
One of the things that I love most about cars from this era is the adventurous paths taken by manufacturers when choosing trim materials and combinations. We live in an era where, with a few notable exceptions, most new cars feature Gray in various shades. This Galaxie makes a bold statement in Red, Black, and White, and the overall condition is as difficult to fault as the exterior’s. There is no appreciable wear or evidence of abuse The painted and bright trim are excellent, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. The only item vaguely deserving criticism is the wheel, which sports a solitary crack near the bottom spoke.
Lifting the hood reveals where things become slightly confused because the seller essentially supplies no information regarding the Skyliner’s mechanical specifications. Since it isn’t a six or a Y-Block occupying the engine bay, this V8 could be a 332 or 352ci FE-Series V8. The smaller motor was the most popular, generating 225hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque. If this is the larger powerplant, those figures climb to 300hp and 380 ft/lbs. It would be wonderful if it were the 352 because with the Skyliner tipping the scales at around 4,300 lbs, every pony counts. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, and it is worth noting that the seller claims the car is mechanically original. The only exception is the braking system. This Ford would have left the line equipped with four-wheel drums, which was a common configuration during this era. They would have been adequate, but anyone who has pushed a car with drums to the limit can confirm that they have their shortcomings as heat builds. That won’t be a problem with this Galaxie, because the drums have made way for four-wheel power discs that should significantly improve braking ability and safety. The seller states that the Skyliner is mechanically sound and ready to drive off into the sunset with a new owner behind the wheel.
I typically prefer classics that are original and unmolested, but I believe that the brake upgrade performed on this 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner is a wise move. Safety is a key consideration, and this car ticks that box. Galaxie production for the 1959 model year hit over 460,000 vehicles, but only 12,915 buyers paid the required premium to park a Skyliner in their garage. There can be few cars from this era that are better for making the most of the summer sun. That might be a few months away, but there’s nothing like being prepared.
This is a total bucket-list car for me. I couldn’t give a shit about the torque or horsepower or any quarter-mile ETs; the cool factor is an 11 on scale to 10.
Com’on Rex. Language. “No profanity” includes you.
Agreed, love for this beauty, Rex.
Like the brake upgrades but appreciate it As Is.
Red Interior would make my day tooling around or just sitting in it on a sunny day.
This is a retractable hardtop, not a convertible.
It is a convertible, with a hard roof versus a fabric one.
If you ever see one in the wild tell the owner “nice convertible” and see how fast they correct you.
I’m glad that BF featured this beautiful car again. For 1959, the top of the Ford line was the “Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner”! If you have never seen these stow the roof, it’s something to see.That whole roof gets lifted, the front lip drops, then the whole assembly moves up and back, then lowered into the enormous trunk. When the trunk is full of “roof”, there’s very little storage space. No matter, it’s the existence of this car that matters. Ford built these strictly because they could.
This “retractable hardtop” made a deep impression on car enthusiasts from the moment it first arrived on the scene and certainly beyond, as evidenced by previous comments. There was even a popular musical group called The Skyliners (“Since I Don’t Have You”). Being seven at the time, I remember and was impressed by both! Hope this beauty brings all the money and further hope that some handling upgrades were included with the discs. I should think that 300hp pushing 4700lb (2 passengers included) would demand nothing less.
How about a Retract I ble? PUHLEESE stop arguing! IMO 59 Ford styling was far better than the bat wing 59 Chevrolet. But the long rear deck (needed for the top) gives it an awkward look 😬. With a three 🤔 year run, parts and expertise for repairs must be rare as the proverbial DODO 🦤 bird. (One name not considered for the Ill-fated EDSEL).The price definitely puts it in a Galaxie FAR away.
How about a Retract I ble? PUHLEESE stop arguing! IMO 59 Ford styling was far better than the bat wing 59 Chevrolet. But the long rear deck (needed for the top) gives it an awkward look 😬. With a three 🤔 year run, parts and expertise for repairs must be rare as the proverbial DODO 🦤 bird. (One name not considered for the Ill-fated EDSEL).The price definitely puts it in a Galaxie FAR away.
The 59 Retractable is my all time favorite car. Options are what increases value. Power widows, A/C dual spotlights with built in rear view mirrors all these things plus many more add value. You could also get a 390 in these cars. I bid on one last summer from Ellingson Motors that had a full rotisserie restoration and was loaded with factory options including the 390, but someone else out bid me. I will get one but it will be fully loaded.
God Bless America
Ford did not offer the 390 engine until 1961.
If it had a 390 it wasn’t the original motor. The 390 didn’t come until 1961!
I’m sorry Al but you’re wrong about that. I’ve owned several 59 Fords including a one ton all with 390 engines.
Sorry John bit there were no 390 engines in 59. You may have had many 59 fords with a FE engine, but they were not 390 cu. I was thrilled in 61 when they came out with the 390 engines.so, I bought a white Starliner with 390, and 3 2 barrel carbs rated at 401 HP. My only disappointment was that they didn’t have 4 speed transmissions for them. When Ford was starting to prep for the 62-model year the put some 4 speeds in about 100 to 120 61’s. when the 62 fords came out they at first had the 401 hp 390 engines and converted over to the 406 later on. I good friend had ordered a 62 and wasn’t positive it would be a 390 or 406 (it was a 406).
If I were a rich man. Duh duh duh duh. It would be a tough choice between this and the same year Ranchero featured awhile back. But if I were rich I’d have both! Problem solved.
Neighbor has a ’58. Shake, rattle, and roll. A good home mechanic can keep the top going up and down, lots of wires, relays, and motors, but once you get it (he does), it works well. But before VW invaded, followed by the Japanese, US built cars had random rattles – today we have Chinese electronics 90% of which are good, and 10% skipped the quality control step, whether a car part or a refrigerator. My Audi, bought new, spent 10 days in the shop in the first 50,000 miles replacing Chinese electronics, next 100,000 miles have been trouble free. But bet this Ford rattles so much that you will be really impressed with how quality control has improved here.
Cool story bro.
What a stunning Galaxie Skyliner 59 beauty, if you got the cash, go grab it. One of Ford’s most beautiful cars ever built. Shame it wasn’t a factory AC car, that would increase the value. Ford FE 390s were indeed great engines in the early/mid 1960s, but this one doesnt have the FE setup, so what engine was this? 392?
Sorry, was this the 362, not the 390?
Writer is correct, it’s an FE series & a 352-going by the blue air cleaner. The 292 has 2 center holes in valve cover to fasten & a red air cleaner. No 392.
First off, cool car.
2) no 390s (or 362s ?) in ‘59- no matter how many you think you had.
3) Last, and least- Late ‘50s were not consistently filled with consumer confidence. Major recession in ‘58- new car sales suffered significantly in that year.
I had to go Google it, because i had forgotten, so 1959 Galaxie Skyliner had either a 292 or 352 V8, im guessing the precursor to the 390 FE offered in the early to mid 60s
Also 332 FE
I LOVE the 1959 Ford Galaxie — always wanted one — but, as beautiful as this one is, I would not want either a retractable or a convertible: period. But, locate a four-door hardtop in this condition, and you’d have my dream car!
I LOVE the 1959 Ford Galaxie — always wanted one — but, as beautiful as this one is, I would not want either a retractable or a convertible: period. But, locate a four-door hardtop in this condition, and you’d have my dream car! The smaller of the two available Y-block V-8s, and Cruise-O-Matic — and NO LATER-ADDED SEAT BELTS, please!
Also 332 FE