The 1957-1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is a unique and affordable mid-century classic. With the flick of the switch, the car transforms from a conventional-looking hardtop into a roofless wonder. The Galaxie Skyliner's magical retractable hardtop convertible system was dubbed the “Hide-Away-Hardtop.”
Jaws fall when the top drops, as it disappears into the cavernous boot beneath the two-piece trunk lid. No doubt about it: The Skyliner’s both a mechanical marvel and a magnificent design statement.
Sales brochure for the 1957 Ford Skyliner Hide Away Retractable Hardtop
Ford marketed the car as the Fairlane Skyliner in 1957 and 1958, before changing its name to the Galaxie Skyliner in 1959. There's a spectacular Fairlane Skyliner that recently sold on eBay.
As legend has it, the Fairlane Skyliner was a Lincoln Continental Coupe in concept form. Once Ford’s bean counters took a hard look at the design, they decided it would be too expensive to market as a Lincoln. So the designers went back to the drawing board and restyled the car below the beltline as a Ford.
Why Are Retractable Hardtops Cool?
Retractable hardtops solve the convertible conundrum by offering the best of both worlds.
While convertibles are delightful to drive on sunny days, they can be miserable to live with when the weather turns nasty. Vintage cloth tops can be notoriously leaky in wet weather and are drafty when temperatures drop. They’re usually louder at speed, as well, making conversation a chore.
Soft tops are also vulnerable to theft. With a retractable hardtop, most of those issues go away.
What Engine Does the Ford Skyliner Have?
Ford slipped three engines under the hood of the 1958 and 1959 Skyliner. There was the 292, 332, and 352 cubic-inch V-8s, along with four transmission options.
- Customers chose from a pair of three-speed manual transmissions—with or without overdrive.
- Ford also offered a couple of automatics (the Ford-O-Matic and the Cruise-O-Matic).
- The 1957 Fairlane Skyliner debuted with 272, 292, and 312 cubic inch V-8 engines.
The 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner which sold on eBay is not a numbers-matching car - opens in new window or tab.. A peek under the hood shows a larger 390 cubic-inch V-8 and an automatic transmission of unspecified origin.
Value for Late 1950s Fairlane and Galaxie Skyliner Retractables
This sweet, powder-blue '57 Fairlane 500 Skyliner convertible had an eBay Buy-It-Now price of $49,999.99 in early December 2020.
Unfortunately, the Skyliner never really caught on. Ford built slightly more than 48,000 Skyliner retractable hardtops over the three-year run.
It was the first mass-market vehicle of its ilk. The public was wary of the new technology, and the car was relatively pricey.
But the mechanism proved to be reasonably reliable, and the car has earned its share of fans over the years.
While there are many reasons to watch Perry Mason, the parade of classic iron might top the list. As MeTV notes - opens in new window or tab., Perry makes quite an entrance in a 1957 Ford Fairlane Skyliner in “The Case of the Restless Redhead.”
Ford Fairlane and Galaxie Skyliners for Sale on eBay
You’ll find a steady flow of Ford Fairlane Skyliners - opens in new window or tab. for sale on eBay. And Fairlane Skyliner parts as well. A short three-year run allows for exclusivity and availability without the cost and hassles of out-and-out rarity.
Our quick scan of the Fairlane and Galaxie Skyliner sale listings shows nine vehicles. Prices ranged from the low $30,000s to over $100K for an impeccable frame-off restoration.
Roughly half a dozen Skyliners sold over the past few months, starting under $2,000 for the roughest example. Project cars get snapped up quickly.
What Hardtop Convertibles Can We Buy Today?
There’s no shortage of brand-new retractable hardtops - opens in new window or tab. on the market if you have the cash to splash. Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche will all be happy to take your hard-earned dollars.
Those of more modest means can live the wind-in-the-hair life with the push of a button in the marvelous Mazda Miata RF and magnificent mid-engine 2020 Chevrolet Corvette.
Need all-wheel-drive? The BMW 4 Series is an intriguing droptop for folks in colder climates.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.