An outstanding, fully restored example

Model 51A. 300 bhp, 352 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 118.0 in.

The Skyliner retractable hardtop was never meant to be a Ford. Rather, it was targeted for the Lincoln Continental revival scheduled for 1956. The instigator was designer Gil Spear, head of Ford’s Advanced Concepts Studio. He had built a scale model of such a device, and management quickly adopted it for the upcoming Continental Mark II.

Development, however, proved arduous and the mechanism complex. The lid necessary to cover a whole car top was huge, and the cantilevers to raise and lower it had to be operated by screw jacks. In all, there were 11 switches, 10 relays, and 7 electric motors, and the front section of the top had to be hinged to fit in what would ordinarily be luggage space. Still, it worked and created a spectacle every time it went up or down.

But it was too expensive, a cost that could never be recovered on a limited production car like the Continental. The project almost died right there, particularly since the Continental itself did not enjoy universal support at the company. Surprisingly, it was Robert McNamara, the dour financial manager who had come on board with the Army Air Force veteran “Whiz Kids” in 1946, who pushed for the retractable to be built as a Ford. Providentially, the new, longer cars planned for 1957 had enough room to store the top. As a result, when the ’57 Fords made their debut, taking pride of place at the top of the catalogue was the Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable Convertible Coupe. At $2,942, it was far and away the most expensive Ford (though less than a Thunderbird). One premise for building the Skyliner as a Ford was that its development could be amortized over a larger number of cars. That proved entirely true: nearly 21,000 were built in the first year.

The Skyliner was carried forward into 1958, but the novelty was wearing off. Production fell below 15,000. For 1959, it was positioned in a new Galaxie series, whose roofline the Skyliner inspired. Alas, it was the last, and rarest, with just 12,915 built.

This exquisite 1959 Skyliner stands out in the Ford colors of Fawn Tan, a coral-like hue, and Colonial White. It is fully outfitted with power steering, power brakes, power windows, air conditioning, a Town and County radio, an electric clock, dual mirror spotlights, rear fender skirts, and a Continental spare, which is fitting, considering the Skyliner’s lineage.

The recipient of a body-off restoration, it is immaculate, with correct contours, excellent paint, and flawless chrome. The interior is a matching vinyl motif contrasted with black carpet. The doors operate exactly as they came from the factory.

Power comes from Ford’s respected 352-cubic inch FE series V-8, mated to a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, which was newly refined that year. Both engine compartment and undercarriage are immaculate and correctly detailed.

The Skyliner concept did not end completely at the 1959 model year. The architecture was used with a soft-top arrangement on 1958–1960 Thunderbirds, and it was refined further for the 1961–1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible Sedans. As the last retractable hardtop in the Ford line until modern times, however, this car has a special place and will always draw attention. All its owner has to do is park on the street and lower the top. A crowd will immediately gather.