1959 Ford Galaxie V8 Skyliner Convertible

When the Skyliner technology was introduced in 1957, it was the first American production car to have a retractable hardtop. By pulling a switch under the dashboard, the conventional-appearing hardtop coupe would transform into a convertible. The hinged steel top would fold neatly and slip away under a reverse-hinged rear deck within two minutes. This was done with the help of 600 feet of wiring, 10 power relays, 8 circuit breakers, 10 limit switches, 3 drive motors, and 4 lock motors.

Production of the Skyliner lasted three years with the final year ending in 1959. 12,915 examples were sold, despite a $400 premium over the conventional Sunliner ragtop, making it, at $3,346, the most expensive full-size Ford. The Skyliner was part of the Fairlane 500 series at the beginning of the model year, but it was made into a Galaxie halfway through the year.

This particular example was privately acquired for Richard and Linda Kughn's collection several years ago. The car wears its original colors of Indian Turquoise over Colonial White and is powered by a 225 horsepower, 332 cubic-inch V8 and mated to a Ford-O-Matic transmission. It has power steering, power brakes, power windows, a dual exhaust, deluxe trim, tinted glass, and a rear-mounted Continental kit spare.

The car has been restored to show-quality standards. It has been displayed at several events including the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, the Glenmoor Gathering, and the International Ford Retractable Club Showcase.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014

The Ford Skyliner was an innovative full-size automobile with a retractable hardtop produced by the Ford Motor Company in the late 1950's. Based on the North American Ford Fairlane, the Skyliner had a complex mechanism that folded the front of the roof and retracted it under the rear decklid. This mechanism was prone to failure, and the large top took up vast amounts of trunk space, limiting the car's sales. Nonetheless, the retractable hardtop reappeared in the 1990's with the Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder and Mercedes-Benz SLK.

The Skyliner, which was produced for model years 1957, 1958, and 1959, had a squared-off roofline style that was admired by the public and found its way onto most Ford two-door hardtops until 1965, including the Thunderbird, Galaxie and Fairlane. The Skyliner name was previously applied to another Fairlane derivative, the Crown Victoria Skyliner. This vehicle had a clear acrylic glass roof panel over the front row of seats. To purchase it new would have cost approximately $3,346.

This car has been restored to show quality standards and is well-optioned with power steering, power brakes, power windows, continental kit, dual exhaust and deluxe trim.