When is the best time to buy a Convertible? The obvious answer would seem to be on a warm day when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. However, that may not necessarily be accurate. Take this 1959 Ford Fairlane Galaxie Skyliner as a prime example. It has hit the market at the same time as the winter solstice, allowing potential buyers to assess its weatherproofing under real-world conditions. Vehicles of this type often sell for lower figures in winter than in summer, opening the possibility of someone scoring a bargain. The seller admits that the Skyliner isn’t perfect, preferring to view it as an extremely tidy driver. Located in Clermont, Florida, the seller has listed the Ford here on Craigslist. They set their price at $23,000 and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Randy J for spotting this beauty.
Ford introduced the Fairlane 500 Skyliner in 1957, although it had previously used the “Skyliner” name on a production model as early as 1954. The name grew to Fairrlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner in 1959, which was the year our feature car rolled off the line. The seller candidly admits that this isn’t a show car, and should be considered a driver-grade classic. Its Light Aqua paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no mention or evidence of rust. The trim looks nice for its age, and the glass is clear. However, it is the top that is the Skyliner’s party piece. Ford ignored the cheap and easy route of creating a traditional soft-top, equipping the Skyliner with a retractable hardtop that folds into the trunk. It is a marvel of engineering, controlled by six motors, and four lift jacks, along with an array of relays, switches, locks, and solenoids. Watching the top in operation is an awesome sight, although the complexity of the system has seen some owners contemplating the “gallon of gas and box of matches” solution when trouble strikes. That isn’t a consideration with our feature car and provided the new owner continues routine maintenance, it is unlikely to be in the future.
We have seen a growing trend of sellers not supplying engine photos in their listings, and this Skyliner continues that theme. Buyers could order these classics with a six under the hood, but this car’s first owner selected to team the range-topping 352ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. With 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque on tap, the Ford is a surprisingly energetic performer for a car tipping the scales at 4,340 lbs. Cruising on the open road at 70 won’t present many problems, although cruising beachside boulevards at 20 with the top down might be a more appropriate and enjoyable alternative. The seller includes some Service Records in the sale, indicating that this Skyliner runs and drives extremely well. The buyer might need to wait for appropriate weather before enjoying this car at its best, but it appears they will do so from behind the wheel of a classic with no mechanical shortcomings.
I admire the consistency of this Ford because its interior condition mirrors the exterior. That means there are no glaring faults or imperfections, no evidence of abuse or neglect, and no rips or tears in the upholstered surfaces. It probably won’t win much show silverware, but lobbing at a Cars & Coffee with the top down won’t cause the buyer embarrassment. Someone added an aftermarket stereo and, unfortunately, it appears they cut the dash in the process. That would make returning the interior to its original form difficult, but by no means impossible.
My father had a deep passion for American Fords, particularly those from the 1950s and 1960s. As a result, many of the daily drivers from my younger days wore the Blue Oval badge, and that love for the marque has rubbed off on me. I find this 1959 Ford Skyliner extremely attractive, and I’m sure that my father would agree. If you share those feelings, there is an opportunity to park it in your garage today. Summer might seem a long way away, but this classic would give you something to look forward to as the warm weather emerges. Can you resist the temptation?
That color is gorgeous. Nothing says the Fifties like Aqua. Price seems reasonable too, it seems like muscle cars from the sixties are commanding higher dollars than cruisers like this. I would find that top scary though once it had problems. Does anyone even know how to fix one anymore?
Amazing. The price on this beauty is half of a price tag on a rust-encrusted MoPar of the late 60s. And this car is far more desirable.
When I was volunteering at the LeMay Museum about 14 years ago someone donated a ’58 with a non-op top. Although I had never worked on one before, I just attacked it logically. I started by jumping the solenoids behind the back seat. After getting the top about half way through its movement it stopped. I found a limit switch that was crusty and not working, so removed it and took it home, where I disassembled and cleaned it. Next day the top was working like new. This one needs the trunk lid closure adjusted, but I don’t think that is a major task.
I’ve had two convertibles, a red 66 Olds Dynamic 88 and yellow 73 LTD. Both were fun in the sun 🌞, but in the Midwest winters, I stored the 73 at some considerable expense. The retractable top was a great idea, but problematic, as evidenced by its demise after a short (3 year 🤔 run). Even if you could find someone who knew how to make repairs, parts would be hard to find. Still, this is a striking beauty. 👍 Happy Holidays to ALL Barn Finders! 🎄
We can also keep our eyes out for the spring loaded convertible hardtop offered as aftermarket kits for 64-65-66 Mustangs.
This is a nice looking car, and as a retract owner I can confirm — this is a very good price. I’m surprised it hasn’t been snatched up already. Regarding the radio, there’s a good chance it simply has the black plastic face plate that came with the modern radio — the dash may not have been cut to install it.
My father bought a silver and white 1958 Skyliner with a red interior. It never gave him any problems. As a curious 11-year-old, I laid my arm on top of a quarter panel as the top was being raised. To my pleasant surprise, the top stopped moving downward as soon as it encountered my arm’s resistance. Imagine, a 21st century safety device in the 1950s!
Seller, add more info and photos. It could bring more or at least sell faster with more info and photos, especially of the engine compartment. I am not banging on the seller as not all folks are not up on how to sell a car on craigslist. Beautiful ride, good luck.
I would also tell the seller there are better places than craigslist for selling a car like this.
Deleted and likely sold. Good deal.
Nice cool old Ford. Pretty color and seems to be in reasonable shape. Good luck to whomever buys it. I think it would be a gas to own, (and I’m a died in the wool Chevrolet sort of a guy)
Unless that car was half bondo? This was a half price sale!