Ford pushed the styling and engineering envelope even further with the first mass-produced retractable hardtop, the Fairlane 500 Skyliner. With the push of a single button, the Skyliner’s hardtop literally unscrewed itself from the windshield frame and then folded neatly and tucked under a long, flat decklid that lifted on its own to make way for the top. In less than a minute, the Skyliner driver could literally transform his coupe into a true convertible. Ford offered the unique retractable hardtop option for only three years, from 1957 to 1959.

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 beautiful example has been cosmetically restored approximately 10 years ago and remains quite striking in Raven Black with white interior. The car is reported as a Raven Black (Code A) car from new, and it is also equipped with a Continental kit, wire wheel coverss, wide whitewall tires, AM radio and the ubiquitous power-operated 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.

This Fairlane 500 Skyliner is powered by the optional Thunderbird 312 V-8 engine that measures 312-cid, with 245-hp and has an automatic transmission. The Thunderbird 312 is distinguished by a four-venturi carburetor and dual exhaust.

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