The late Peter Allen penned a song many years ago entitled “Everything Old is New Again.” The automotive industry has encapsulated that theme on many occasions. In the early 2000s, several European and Japanese manufacturers introduced Convertibles with a metal folding roof, trumpeting the development as a triumph of engineering. However, Ford beat them to the punch by over forty years with classics like this 1959 Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner. It presents superbly, and with the range-topping V8 under the hood, it is more than a pretty face. The only thing it needs is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pnuts for spotting the Skyliner listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Bardstown, Kentucky. The seller set their price for this fabulous Ford at $34,500.
Ford introduced the Skyliner to its Fairlane in 1957, but expanded the model name to the Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner early in the 1959 production run. It would also mark the end of the line for a car featuring what Ford marketed as its “Hide-Away Hardtop.” Featuring an ingenious combination of electric motors, switches, and relays, the entire top folded flat into the trunk. The system provided owners with the weather protection of a Hardtop, but the luxurious feel of a Convertible. However, the feature came at a cost: the Skyliner offers relatively little trunk space with the top retracted. Our featured car is a gem, looking stunning in Inca Gold. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, although the presentation suggests it may have undergone a cosmetic refresh at some point. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are laser-straight, and the trim and glass are excellent. The seller doesn’t mention rust, but this underside shot appears to show what might be a developing hole near the upper edge of the image. I could be wrong, and I hope that I am. The narrow whitewalls, spotlight, and chrome fender skirts give this car a classy appearance.
The exterior paint shade sets the theme for this Skyliner’s interior. Trimmed in cloth and vinyl, the Gold, Black, and White upholstered surfaces look excellent. There is no visible wear, suggesting a possible recent retrim. The paint is spotless, and there is no appreciable wheel wear. Lowering the top won’t embarrass the buyer because the overall appearance is first-rate. Adding to the luxurious feel are power windows, a clock, and a pushbutton radio.
It is disappointing that the seller provides no engine bay shots, but they do supply plenty of information about the car’s mechanical specifications. Its first owner went straight for the top shelf, ordering the Skyliner with the most potent V8 available. The 352ci powerplant churns out an official 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, with this classic also featuring power steering and power brakes. The power and torque figures are quite impressive for a vehicle of this vintage, delivering an effortless motoring experience. Although not stated explicitly, I see nothing to suggest that this Ford is anything but a turnkey proposition.
Although I consider myself primarily a classic car enthusiast, I have never hidden my love for cars wearing a Blue Oval badge. The fact that I was raised in a household where classic Fords often occupied the garage made that almost inevitable. Therefore, I freely admit that I am smitten by this 1959 Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner. Its presentation is superb, and its V8 should provide excellent performance in a 1959 context. The seller’s price looks realistic for a Skyliner of this caliber, and with Ford producing only 12,915 of these classics in 1959, this is your chance to own a relatively rare vehicle. Are you tempted?
Aw man, what a sweetheart, and no corny continental kit, YAY!, even though the retractable had a big caboose too, not like the continental kits. Again, someones sweetheart, and I’m always disappointed seeing wonderful cars like this, with a storage complex in the background. I bet half the doors have classic cars behind them. The Skyliner, by rights, should have been just what folks in northern climates asked for. Open top for the 9 nice days, and a hardtop for the rest. So wha’ happened? Our good friend price, my friends. The Skyliner was almost $3600, the most expensive Ford in ’59 or $400 more than a soft top, and almost a grand more than a regular Galaxie. I know, $400, pfft, we spend that at the grocery store every week, but in ’59, I believe a recession was ending, but that was still a lot of money, for a frivolous feature. They were such beautiful cars, and even has the “Ford rear end sag”, due to inferior rear leaf springs. Ford had such great designers,,,after ’58, that is.