The Skyliner Retractable Top Convertible was introduced in 1957 as a companion model to Ford's conventional Sunliner convertible. The Skyliner was the first mass-produced car of its kind and was considered an engineering marvel. At the push of a button, the steel hardtop completely dropped into the trunk and the remarkable sequent of events (driven by 600 feet of wiring, 10 power relays, eight circuit breakers, 10 limit switched and three drive motors) amazed every onlooker and spectator.

When it was first introduced in 1957, it was popular and 20,766 examples were sold. The following year, sales dropped to just 14,713. Total sales for Ford in 1959 were 1,450,953, of which just 12,915 of those were the Retractable Top Skyliner Galaxie. Ford made the decision to cancel production of the Skyliner at the end of 1959.

There were several drawbacks that hindered the Skyliner, such as the high sticker price of nearly $500 more than the standard Sunliner. The Skyliner took a toll on trunk space, especially when the top was stowed.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2009