The 1959 Fords were big, brash, and officially beautiful, according to a panel at the 1959 Brussels World’s Fair, which awarded the new Fords the Gold Medal for Exceptional Styling. The Fairlane was Ford’s big car and the Galaxie was the top trim level, offered in in both straight-six and V-8 versions. Of the six styles of the Galaxie V-8, the two most expensive versions were the Skyliner retractable hardtop and the convertible Sunliner. The Fairlane 500 range was accessorized with the top trim options of the Fairlane series. In addition to the extensive chrome found on the base Fairlane, the 500 had additional brightwork on the C-pillars and a double runner chrome strip with a gold anodized insert as side trim underneath the Fairlane 500 scripting.

“SKYLINER, the World's only hide-away-hardtop! One minute this car is a snug, all-steel hardtop with smart Victoria styling. Touch a button, the roof vanishes into the rear deck, and you're sitting pretty in an open convertible! It's the most exciting car in a generation!” This was Ford’s advertising text that sold the public on the new concept vehicle.

This very clean Skyliner is handsomely finished in salmon with a salmon, black and white interior. Equipment includes power steering, as well as a column-shift for the automatic transmission. The Sunliner is also fitted with a 292-cid V-8, dual exhaust, chrome fender skirts and a Continental kit. The chassis has independent front suspension, live rear axle suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and whitewall tires with factory chrome wheel covers.

Alas, 1959 was the final year for its production, and rarest: just 12,915 were built. The retracting hardtop Ford is a true testament to an age when Detroit thought it was invincible. Today, the Skyliners are highly coveted investments.