The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is a two-door full-size retractable hardtop convertible, manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for model years 1957–1959. However, early...
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is a two-door full-size retractable hardtop convertible, manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for model years 1957–1959. However, early into the 1959 model year, its name was expanded to Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner.The retracting roof system was marketed as the Hide-Away Hardtop, and was exclusively sold on this Ford-branded model, for three model years.
Ford's 1957 Skyliner was the world's first retracting hardtop convertible to be truly mass-produced by a car company from the factory, coming close to 50,000 sales. It also marked the first time the hard roof featured a folding (front) section, to retract and fit inside the car's trunk.
For 1957–1959, Ford brought the Fairlane 500 Skyliner, featuring a powered, retracting and folding hardtop roof. For the model year 1959, the name was changed to Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner, shortly after production began (also illustrated as such in the brochure but described only as "Galaxy" in the related text). The retractable roof mechanism, marketed as the "Hide-Away Hardtop", was unique to Ford-branded products, and was not offered on any Continental, Lincoln, Mercury, or Edsel branded vehicles.
This rare example was part of a great collection of Ford and Chrysler Iconic coupes and convertibles. The collector died a few years ago and his children have now decided to part with some of the cars. Since we have had the car we have replaced the Brake Booster, had the carburator rebuilt, installed a new exhaust system, installed a new starter, rebuilt the generator, and serviced the top system. The car runs and drives OK but we feel it will need some minor engine work-possibly a valve job. It can be be used as is and improved over time the weakest point being the paint.. Some of the Stainless is dinged up here and there as well. The interior appears brand new, its really in excellent condition. Overall this is a very solid example, that can be easily taken to the next level.
Offered as is this car represents a great opportunity to get into a very rare and desirable Legendary 50's Retractable Hardtop car affordably