Hiding in this barn is one of the more interesting cars from the 1950s. Ford wanted to create a light and airy vehicle, releasing the Skyliner in 1954. Our feature car has spent the last thirty-five years in this barn. The seller has dragged it out into the light of day, ready for it to find a new home with someone willing to return this classic to its former glory. It features custom touches, but returning it to its original appearance and specifications could be rewarding. He has listed the Ford here on Facebook Marketplace in Gering, Nebraska. He has set his price at $10,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this awesome Skyliner.

Ford introduced the Skyliner to its Crestline range in 1954. It would remain on sale as part of the Fairlane Crown Victoria lineup for the following two years although it received the name “Transparent Top” in 1955. The history of this Skyliner is unknown beyond the fact that it has spent over three decades hibernating. It requires a total restoration, and with the custom touches performed by its previous owner, the buyer could choose between a faithful approach or could return it to its pre-storage form. I’m unsure whether the paint coating its exterior is original, although it does look similar to the Killarney Green that Ford offered in that model year. The panels are straight, and there are no signs of significant rust. There is no information supplied about the state of the floors or trunk pan, so we’re flying blind on that front. The defining feature of the Skyliner is the ¼” thick molded acrylic plastic roof insert. This gave occupants the feel of a traditional Convertible while offering excellent weather protection. The insert on this car is badly cracked, but that isn’t necessarily bad news. The seller includes a good replacement, allowing the buyer to address that shortcoming without spending a dime beyond new seals. The aftermarket wheels provide the first clue that there might be more to this classic than meets the eye.

The seller supplies no information on this Skyliner’s original mechanical specifications, although the visible badges suggest the first owner teamed Ford’s 239ci Y-Block V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission. The Y-Block generated 130hp and 214 ft/lbs of torque, but those figures are now academic. The seller indicates that the original engine is a distant memory and that lifting the hood will reveal a 289ci V8. Once again, there are no indications about its specifications, but it will undoubtedly boost the power and torque figures considerably. It seems that this classic hasn’t fired a shot since entering storage, but the seller coaxed the engine to life by pouring fuel directly into the carburetor. The 289 is renowned for its longevity, so returning it to a smooth runner may not be difficult.

The Skyliner’s interior is typical of custom builds from the 1970s, featuring trim in Green vinyl and Gold velour cloth. It is nothing if not distinctive, and the lack of deterioration means that it appears quite serviceable. If the buyer cleaned everything, fitted a new carpet set, and replaced a couple of minor dash components, the interior would represent a wonderful window into the custom scene from the period. Otherwise, everything required to return it to its factory form is readily available.

The 1950s gave rise to some genuinely interesting cars, some of which are now iconic. The 1954 Crestline Skyliner fits within that category, and with 13,344 buyers taking one home that year, it was an undoubted marketing success. Skyliner sales volumes would plummet in the following years, and natural attrition saw survivor numbers fall fairly rapidly in an era when cars were considered disposable items. This is your chance to return one of these classics to its rightful place on our roads, but are you up for that challenge?