In mid-model-year 1957, Ford introduced the first-ever mass-produced retractable hardtop convertible, the Fairlane 500 Skyliner. The brainchild of Ford engineer Gil Spears, this innovative design was originally intended for the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II. However, the skyrocketing development costs of the Mark II prohibited the retractable hardtops application, with the idea picked up by the Ford division instead.

In 1957, Ford beat Chevrolet in sales for the first time in decades, by a substantial 10-percent margin at that. While only 20,766 Fairlane 500 Retractables were sold, compared with total Ford production numbering 1,655,068 vehicles, they certainly contributed to Ford’s success by pushing the engineering and stylistic envelope further than competing marques. Most importantly, throughout its three-year production cycle, the Skyliner consistently drew large crowds into Ford showrooms, which came to witness this space age engineering marvel in action.

A highly desirable ‘50s classic, many in the know consider this to be the best and most desirable year for the Ford Retractable. This sharp example has been restored and is presented in two-tone Flame Red and Colonial White. The interior is also in the fashionable red and white giving the package the definitive look of automotive Americana. This Fairlane 500 Skyliner is powered by a Thunderbird Special 312-cid, 245-hp V-8 engine with dual exhaust and has an automatic transmission. The Ford also has added air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, dual mirrors, Town and Country AM pushbutton radio, fender skirts, sports spare wheel carrier (more widely referred to as a “Continental kit”), factory full wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, plus its signature power hardtop that retracts via 600 feet of wire, five motors, 10 solenoids, nine circuit breakers and 13 switches. Yet it retains a reputation for being very reliable. During factory tests in the development stages, the top was subjected to 10,000 up-and-down cycles without a single failure.

As stated by Ford advertising of the period: “It’s literally two glamour cars in one…each a masterpiece of craftsmanship and distinction!”