Detroit brimmed with innovations during the 1950s, as designers and engineers added dynamic, Space Age styling and a dizzying array of exciting new features to the American automobile. In 1957, Ford Motor Company pushed the styling and engineering envelope even further in a neck-and-neck battle with archrival General Motors and its glamorous Motorama show cars. Along with all-new styling for its full-size passenger cars for 1957, Ford  released the Skyliner, the worlds first mass-produced retractable hardtop, based on the top-of-the-line V-8 Fairlane 500, absorbed into the new Galaxie series mid-way through the 1959 model year.

A true engineering marvel, the Skyliners retractable hardtop mechanism was a carefully orchestrated system that included 610 feet of wiring, 10 solenoids, and seven high-torque electric motors, capable of raising or lowering the Skyliners large hardtop roof in just 25 seconds. Ford offered the amazing Skyliner for just three model years, from 1957 through 1959.  Today, all surviving examples of the Skyliner continue to draw crowds of fascinated admirers. Far more than a short-lived novelty, the Skyliner profoundly influenced many automakers, nearly all of which have offered glamorous retractable hardtop models since the early 2000s with essentially the same systems, albeit with less complexity and modern electronics.
Benefiting handsomely from a nut-and-bolt restoration performed to impeccable standards under the original owner, this 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is one of 12,915 examples produced. In addition to its wonderful 2-tone Light Blue and While paint finish, the Skyliner features a factory-optional H-Code 352 CI V-8 engine delivering 300 rated horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor to an automatic transmission. Other desirable options and amenities include power brakes, power steering, an AM radio, and of course, the Skyliners amazing Space Age power-retractable hardtop system. Documentation is excellent and dates from 1959 with the original Bill of Sale and Build Sheet, plus restoration photos and a comprehensive receipt folder. Freshly serviced and detailed, this iconic Skyliner Convertible is ready to collect, enjoy, and show. Call us to see it for yourself, obtain full details, and get ready to make it yours today!