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.

This restored 1957 Ford is presented in white and red (factory names were Colonial White and Flame Red) with a matching two-tone interior, this 1957 “Retractable” is powered by an optional 312-cid, 245-hp V-8 engine with dual exhaust that is paired with an automatic transmission. Nicely equipped; this Ford has a Continental kit with two spares, fender skirts at the rear, AM pushbutton radio, heater/defroster unit; power windows, steering and brakes.

When introduced; Ford factory literature heralded: “Skyliner. The miracle car of this generation…..two cars in one!” This model still turns heads whenever they make their way down the road or onto the show field – experience state-of-the-art late 1950s automotive technology with this flamboyant and respected Fairlane model.