In automotive circles, the 1950s are remembered best for the overt use of tailfins. From small to large, it seemed like every new car had them back in the day. But the decade was also known for innovation (or novelties), a case in point being the Ford Skyliner. Not to be confused with the Sunliner (a full-fledged convertible), the Skyliner was the one with the retractable hardtop. They were offered from 1957 to 1959 and then disappeared into obscurity. The seller has a beautiful example from 1959 that is an older restoration, and the top works perfectly! Located in Prospect, Kentucky, this quirky invention is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $24,500.
When Ford redesigned its cars for 1957, two new types of vehicles emerged. One was the Ranchero, a station wagon-based pickup, and the other the Skyliner, often referred to as the “Hideaway Hardtop.” As part of the Fairlane Series, the first two years and the Galaxie, the last, the car wore a full metal roof that would retract into the trunk via a complicated system of wiring, switches, and levers. More than 48,000 were produced in three years, with 13,000 in 1959 when the Fords were heavily restyled. Perhaps the engineering work was something Ford didn’t want to repeat, so the Skyliner did not return in 1960.
This ’59 Skyliner was treated to a restoration, but not recently, given the seller’s reference to it needing a bit of detailing. The overall vehicle has 76,000 miles and is powered by a 352 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel) and an automatic transmission. Some new parts have been installed recently, including the starter, radiator (aluminum?), and battery. The top is said to work great, and a video is provided of it in action. But I’d hate having to find someone to repair one of those electrical marvels.
From the images provided and the seller’s description, it shouldn’t take much to turn this Ford into a show car. But for now, it should sufficiently “wow” the crowd at Cars & Coffee. These automobiles were around just as the Space Race was kicking off, so the Skyliner must have seemed like something out of this world to those developing Baby Boomers! Thanks for the way-out tip, “Pnurs.”
These converts were a one off year and I suspect ford said they would never do it again. Repairs and experience with these tops got better with age. I’d love to have one.