You will often read articles by motoring journalists where they wax lyrical about modern convertibles with folding metal or retractable tops, marveling about this recent and groundbreaking development. In fact, the opposite is true, and this 1957 Ford Fairlane… more»
Skyliner
May 27, 2022 • For Sale • 15 Comments
Retractable Hardtop: 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
Ford introduced its “Hide-Away Hardtop” in 1957 and it was exclusive to the Fairlane 500 and not offered by Mercury, Lincoln, Continental, or even the upcoming new brand, the Edsel. Over three production years, nearly 50,000 copies were built,… more»
Mar 29, 2022 • For Sale • 32 Comments
352 Equipped Hide-Away Hardtop! 1958 Ford Skyliner
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is not a car I’ve come across very often in my travels, in fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one in person! The car had a short run, with production beginning in 1957… more»
Mar 21, 2022 • For Sale • 20 Comments
10k Original Miles? 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
While many current manufacturers emphasize the technology that allows their convertibles to feature electrically retractable hardtops, Ford beat them to the punch with their 1957 Fairlane 500 Skyliner. It offered owners the luxury and convenience of a classic convertible,… more»
Feb 19, 2022 • For Sale • 14 Comments
Forgotten Shed Find: 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
Imagine buying a piece of property and finding an old car tucked away inside a shed. That’s what happened here, only the old auto turned out to be a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner, aka retractable hardtop. The seller… more»
Feb 7, 2022 • For Sale • 21 Comments
Top Works! 1957 Ford Fairlane Skyliner Retractable
I’ve been watching Season One of Perry Mason, and its star, Raymond Burr, can be seen tooling around late-50s L.A. in a car like this: a solid black 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner. Now here’s your chance to pretend… more»
Feb 4, 2022 • For Sale • 49 Comments
Mystery Machine: 1953 Ford Crestline Skyliner
This 1953 Ford Crestline Skyliner is a mystery machine. While the VIN confirms that this is definitely a 1953 model, all of the information I have at hand states that Ford only produced the Skyliner variant within the Crestline… more»
Feb 2, 2022 • For Sale • 26 Comments
Rare Glass Roof 1955 Ford Crown Victoria Skyliner
Jackie Gleason used to stammer wide-eyed and say, “Homina, Homina” whenever he had a strong reaction to something that couldn’t be put into words. I’d file this drop-dead gorgeous ’55 Crown Victoria Skyliner under “H” and give it a… more»
Dec 31, 2021 • For Sale • 27 Comments
Working Retractable Top! 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner
The 1950s was an era for experimentation by U.S. car manufacturers. A good example would be Ford’s retractable hardtop from 1957-59. It had a complex operation but was dependable despite what pundits may say today. But they didn’t sell… more»
Nov 13, 2021 • For Sale • 21 Comments
No Reserve: 1957 Ford Fairlane Skyliner
Since around the year 2000, many European manufacturers have developed and sold cars featuring retractable metal hardtops. Motoring journalists have tended to fall over themselves, extolling the virtues of this remarkable innovation, while successfully forgetting that Ford had a… more»
Oct 28, 2021 • For Sale • 22 Comments
See-Through Roof! 1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner
The 1954 Crestline Skyliner was a one-year model, replaced with the Crown Victoria Skyliner when the Fords were restyled in 1955. It was unique because of its tinted acrylic glass panel in the front section of the roof. The… more»
Jun 3, 2021 • For Sale • 30 Comments
Rare Glass Roof: 1955 Ford Crown Victoria Skyliner
The 1950s was an era when the American economy was booming, and motorists demanded something special from manufacturers. Ford stepped up to the plate in 1955 with the Crown Victoria Skyliner. It is a dramatic and exciting car with… more»
Jun 2, 2021 • For Sale • 32 Comments
Retractable Hardtop: 1957 Ford Fairlane Skyliner
Ford was on a roll in the 1950s. Sales were good and that provided money for research and development. Those efforts produced interesting cars like the retractable hardtop/convertible, known in marketing circles as the “Hide-Away Hardtop.” It was initially… more»
Apr 14, 2021 • For Sale • 32 Comments
1957 Ford Fairlane Skyliner Retractable 390
Sometimes a car maker comes up with an idea, puts it into production, and a market either materializes or it doesn’t. Ford’s marketing gurus probably did their homework on the retractable hardtop concept, which had only been done one… more»
Sep 9, 2020 • For Sale • 19 Comments
67K Mile Project: 1958 Ford Skyliner Fairlane 500 Interceptor
Back in 1974, this 1958 Ford Skyliner was put into storage and is just now coming out to see the light of day. The Ford Skyliner is for sale here on eBay with a Buy It Now price of… more»
Sep 4, 2020 • For Sale • 23 Comments
Retractable Hardtop! 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner
If you were asked to identify one car from the 1950s that was either the most unique or outrageous, would it be the Ford retractable hardtop? You remember, don’t you, that full-size Ford from 1957-59 where the entire roof… more»
