Always looking to one-up each other, Ford, GM, and Chrysler were all working overtime in the gadget-conscious 1950s (and since I suppose). One of Ford’s more interesting engineering feats and marketing ploys was the retractable headliner, dubbed the Skyliner, which was in production from 1957 to 1959. It attracted nearly 50,000 buyers, so it probably reached its goal of being a halo car for the Ford division of the folks in Dearborn. This beautiful 1957 example is in great condition and has had a small bankroll invested recently in terms of maintenance and upgrades. Located in Orange County, California, this technological marvel is available here on craigslist for $26,500, Barn Finder “numskal” is on a roll with tips like this!
At the same time Ford was developing the retractable hardtop, they were also preparing to launch a whole new brand, the Edsel. So, if you worked at Ford Corporate in those days, you probably stayed pretty busy. The Skyliner’s now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t top relied on a combination of electric motors, lift jacks, relays, locks, and other hardware to make it fold up into the trunk and then return to an upright position. Sales broke the 20,000 mark in 1957, but declined each of the following two years, so the Ford folks must have decided they had exhausted that niche when they started work on the all-new 1960s.
As the story goes, this 57 Skyliner is a “black plate” California car that was built in San Jose and emerged recently from long-term storage. We’re told the black/white paint is original and it looks quite good (“driver quality” per the seller). It’s managed to remain rust-free in its 67 years and 70,000 miles. It’s a well-equipped Ford with a 312 cubic inch V8 (4-barrel), automatic transmission, and power steering.
When the car emerged from storage, nearly $5,000 was spent making things right. The list of new mechanical stuff includes tires, brakes, battery, starter, gas tank, fuel pump, carburetor, and radiator. The interior looks great, thanks in part to new carpeting and refreshed door panels. And the best part is – the hideaway hardtop works as it should. I always wonder what would happen if it stopped working halfway up or down!
Seems like a good car at a good price for a retractable that works. I love it. I prefer the ’59, but this one is nice for sure.
Retractable headliner?
Whatever you call it, these were very impressive in their time, and the mechanism was reliable enough that much of it survived on the 1960s Thunderbird and Lincoln convertibles. In the event that the top failed to open or close fully, there was a hand crank that could be used to complete the process.
I went to the “Ford retracting top” school in 1970 [and still have the manuals and my seminar books & final test].
I can tell you there is NO hand crank. What you CAN do is pull the pins to raise the top manually [takes 2 people]. You can first open the deck lid manually, as in each rear wheel well [above & to the rear of the tire] there is a 9/16 bolt that when removed, allows the deck lid to be raised enough to pull the pins on the decklid screw jacks, then the deck lid can be raised 100%.
ANY mechanic who understands basic mechanical and electrical systems can do the repairs to a retract top, as long as he has the original Ford repair manual for that specific year. I remind all owners of 1957 to 1968 Ford, T-Bird & Lincoln disappearing top cars to keep a set of manuals, and a 9/16 socket with 6″ extension and ratchet, in the glove box or anywhere [EXCEPT in the trunk] of their car, so access can be gained in an emergency.
Very specific and very relevant information here.
Pricing is right for a quick sale. Why was the engine not painted in original color? Disqualifies it as a true survivor. Would’ve liked to see pictures of the top retracting. The upholstery, albeit period correct, seems to be redone…there should be more of the back speaker grill visible. Wonderbar radio a nice factory option.
That may look like a rear speaker grille, but it’s actually a chrome trim piece with the Ford crest on it. Exclusive to Fairlane 500s. The redone seat upholstery isn’t 100 percent correct, but it’s close and may be “close enough” for most.
It’s missing the “Fairlane” script on the front fascia and the valve covers need the Thunderbird Special” decals that came on the 312s (available as repros).
Looks like a decent example for the money. A rust-free ’57 is a rarity in itself.
Interesting how many of these seem to appear for sale in Barn Finds and elsewhere.
Too bad someone did a quick rattle can red paint job on top of the engine. There’s overspray on rubber hoses, the oil filler neck and hose clamps. Lots of brackets and fasteners got the same treatment. I’m sorry but this car deserved better. Personally I’d be keeping the hood closed at cars and coffee to avoid the snickering. I just don’t understand why people do this. It’s plain lazy and really detracts from what otherwise appears to be a nice Ford retractable. Now it’ll be a PITA to correct. But if I had the car I would be compelled to get the engine bay appearance up to the standard of the rest of the car as quickly as possible. It would just bug the crap out of me as long as it looked like this.
Lots of photos on this Craigslist listing. However, not a single photo with the top down. I wonder how “operational” the top mechanisms are in this car?
Neighbor had one. Beyond the rattle can, these were rattle-traps. Drive almost any car from before VW invaded us and showed that a rattle free car could be made, and made inexpensively. My father’s ’56 Chevy, new, rattled off the lot, 30 day warranty back then, never got them all fixed. Uncle’s friend, a small dealer in small town took a new Chevy in and spent a day or two tightening every bolt, nut, and screw that he could reach before delivering it to a customer. Car quality has come a long way thanks to the Germans and the Japanese. Mercedes now gets a low rating from Consumer Reports, it is not that they are worse than they used to be, it is that everyone else (almost) is better.
My ’66 Buick skylark had a rattle in the left rear right off the dealer lot. When I got time I tore into the back seat and side panels and found a sandwich rapper and an empty Coke bottle. The next GM car was a ’72 Blazer with a sandwich wrapper and flat paper cup under the rubber mat that had been painted over at the factory. Looks like this car was doing all right until a retired GM autoworker “spruced up” the engine compartment. Then there’s the GM welder who put one of the U joints on crooked on our motor home chassis……
Perry Mason. His was all black.
Cap Larry
Had this same car in 1963 sky blue& dark blue bottom. 312 4bbl it had a bad habit of jamming at half mast in cold weather.thought not a cert. mechanic I too learn to release the trunk and remove the pins.
Also in the other post my mother had the champagne fairlane 500 390 4bbl. Dulles in the 2 door hard top. Given a choice I always drove the 500 on-dates
Shipped out in January of 64 never saw either again
I picked up a 1959 recently.
In this 59 was info on the original term, or wording on the top.
It was called a Hide Away Top.
Never heard it ever mentioned in that way.
I loved the simple-complexity of this system.
One important point I learned was to adjust the system on LEVEL ground.
Long story of the whys and why nots.
Simply a system of sequential events.
I had a 62 Connie and made it very dependable.
This one is close to me and I should, but I cannot get one more car inside, period.
Sure you can Joe as the old jello ad said there’s always room for jello. But as the expression goes one is too many and a million isn’t enough.
But I don’t have inside room, really.
You have never caught me lieing to you, have ya?
Here where Summers get 125 plus, never outside. I currently have 15 with a roof over their heads.
And today its cold for the hi, 66 degrees.
Well, gotta go, cars n coffee every Saturday, and I decided to take one car.
A convertible.
I have one in the enclosed trailer, no mo room
Back in the early 70s there were 2 of these parked at a gas station in South Braintree, Ma. They would park out in front, back to back. On nice days they would leave the roofs 1/2 retracted. They were both black or dark blue. I thought they were the coolest cars.