U.S. automakers were into gadgetry in the 1950s and no automobile probably exemplifies that more than the 1957-59 Ford Skyliner, aka Hide-Away Hardtop. Using a complex set of hardware and wiring, the hardtop roof would disappear completely into the trunk, turning the machine into a convertible. It was popular enough, selling nearly 50,000 examples, yet the concept was abandoned with the full-size car’s redesign in 1960. This final year example looks in rough shape but may be complete after sitting for several years. On a trailer in Dongola, Illinois, this interesting project is available here on eBay where the bidding of $610 is likely nowhere near the reserve. Kudos to T.J. for this space age era tip!
The Skyliner was Ford’s top-of-the-line car, initially part of the Fairlane series and later the Galaxie as that took over the top nameplate spot. Besides its unique design, the Skyliner concept was exclusive to Ford-branded products as it had no counterpart at Mercury, Lincoln, or Edsel (during its short time on Earth). Other than an attempt by Peugeot in the 1930s, the Skyliner was the first mass-produced retractable hardtop. But unlike the French version, the hardtop roof had a folding front-section that tucked under for hiding in the trunk, all but eliminating any storage space.
Depending on who you talked to (designer vs. mechanic), the complex design was either the greatest thing since sliced bread or a huge headache to work on. The “gee-whiz” factor of the car led to sales of 20,766 units in 1957 (its peak year), with a drop to 14,713 in recession-torn 1958, and finally 12,915 in 1959. So, the ’59 was the rarest when new and 64 years later – and the seller’s car is one of them. After Ford pulled the plug in 1960, the design was repeated in a way with the Lincoln Continental convertible of 1961 to 1967.
From the looks of things, this pink and white Ford has been off the road for many years. Perhaps that was due to an accident as part of the front clip is missing although those pieces may be in the assortment that comes separately with the car. The odometer is approaching 100,000 miles, which also suggests a mechanical malady occurred with the 352 cubic inch V8 or automatic transmission. In any event, the Skyliner will need restoring from head to toe.
The rear quarter panels (especially on the driver’s side) show some degree of frailty due to rust. But the floors are said to be good so the foundation to work from may be solid. The interior is a mess and comes with things not necessarily a part of this car. For example, it looks like at least one 1965 Mustang wheel cover is in the mix. The seller indicates that shipping and delivery may be available (well, it’s already on a flatbed trailer), so that might be worth checking into.
I will say that it’s rather refreshing to see an unmolested engine on something this rare.
Agree on the under hood – salvage yard buddy just brought in two of these from a collector that passed – getting hard to find folks willing to undertake these.
I’m my opinion this car should be restored. A complete body off restore should be done all the rust blasted off so rust issues can be assessed and addressed. Keep in mind there are 5 electric motors 610′ of wire and numerous relays and switches for top and trunk operation so you will need to be well versed in electrical repair. These cars depending on the quality of restoration can sell for upwards of six figures and the enjoyment to be had owning and driving it will be well worth it. GLWTA
I like 59s and have had a full optioned Country Squire for going on nearly 40 years. This example here is a parts car. There is a dealer about 50 miles from me with a decent original running turquoise and white one for 17,500.00. The car has no rust, runs and has power windows, seat, steering, and brakes. This unit could not be brought back for three times that.
Dear Chris, what is the name of this dealer and where is he located? I would like to talk to him about that ’59 if his.
Thank you. Jim Monti
Boy, I just don’t know, you got the “koyach”( ambition) to take on a project like this? The top mechanism alone is right out of the space shuttle( dates me) and while it did work well, I’d have to think a nightmare to repair. These were popular in colder climates, no rag top flapping in the cold Wisconsin air, open top for the 9 nice days but severe rusters, like headlights falling out. Few survived. My 2nd cousin had a ’57, rusted like an old battleship, still, I believe the top still worked. I say, if you have the money to restore this, why would you put up with the heartaches of a total restoration? Under a grand, probably just a parts car for someone. Again,, auction, pay, done, top down a cruisin’ that very night. Buy this when someone “schmekles” the back bumper.
BF: “The odometer is approaching 100,000 miles, which also suggests a mechanical malady occurred with the 352 cubic inch V8….”
The VIN shows this car has the 332 V8 (in its second and final year of production) not the 352. The 292 was standard.
Always liked the ’59s. This one would not be cost effective to restore, though.
The 1959 Ford has Always been my all time favorite cars. I was 4 years old in 1959, and I was already a mini Gearhead. I knew more about the Big Three brands than most adults. I thought the 59 Fords were the best-looking cars I had ever seen. Sedans and wagons, and this Sunliner, it didn’t matter. To this day, the headlights, the stylish patterned grill, the round turn indicators in the front bumper, and the sculptured front fenders have a beautiful yet elegant and pleasant design. The little brass balls on top of both front fenders was a classic Ford exclusive. The almost slab sides were clean, and the brass and chrome bright work was a great treatment, especially if you compare it to the over the top gimmicky designs of the cars that surrounded it. The Thunderbird squared off C pillars added a very formal roof line. Then the rounded tops of the rear fenders that ended with a chrome topped molding that finished off the almost cute back-up lights that angled out just a bit were the perfect accent to the round deep dish, signature Ford afterburner taillights are bold and beautiful. Arguably the best looking taillights found on any car then and now, and that just describes the exterior. The shape of the instrument cluster was clean and easy to read. My only issue is a small one but worth mentioning is the white instrument lighting. It’s too bad the aqua blue lighting that Ford introduced in 1963 and ran until 1997, would have really added to the overall cool that the 59 Fords carried so well. I had one uncle that had a white 4 door sedan, with gray interior and another that had a white over blue two-tone Country Sedan also with gray interior, I would love getting to ride in any time I got the chance. I never owned one but who knows? Maybe will some day.
I had one
Had a ’57, but let it go. Miss it. Could I get the name of that dealer from “Chris Cornetto”?
Bought a ’57 retractable for wife(Black/white) because it looked like the ’57 Fairlane 500 2dr hardtop she had when we got married. Car was so nice she was afraid to drive it. So it went away.
I have a ’60 T-Bird coupe. Many years ago I bought a 1/24 kit of it, and also the Revell 1/25 kit of a ’59 Retractable with the complete working top mechanism. The scale difference would not be an issue for this project.
I just wanted to see if I could make the ‘Bird a metal floptop.
Playing around on the kitchen table shows the concept is workable, but the biggest issue is that the ‘Bird top is taller than the available ‘Bird trunk height. In scale fiddling, I could make it work if the sail panels of the ‘Bird roof went down into the wheelwell area behind the tires, which made for some real wonky linkage.
In the real world, that would require a lot of slicing and dicing on the rear of the unibody area.
The sum of this reply is that this Ford would be a great candidate for a project like that. I can imagine someone with a Mark II Continental thinking the same thing. There are the remains of a Mark II in a yard near me that has always been tempting.
I’ve seen at least two of these restored with Edsel sheet metal.
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My Father in 1959 bought a Brand New SUNLINER which is the soft top version. 2 reasons for not buying the Skyliner he had heard that the tops were problematic and they were $500 more than a Sunliner. The car is still in the family is all original and looks brand new.