Vehicle Description
While we take folding hardtops for granted today, in the late
1950s, Ford's Skyliner "retractable" hardtop was a sensation. New
owners probably could have sold tickets to watch the big hardtop
tuck itself into the trunk, and this 1959 Ford Skyliner retractable
is one of the nicer examples we've seen in a long time, with a
great color combination and a fully functional top mechanism.
With top-down proportions not all that different from a standard
convertible, the Skyliner really was a miracle of engineering
might. Hundreds of feet of wiring, multiple limit switches and
motors, and a bunch of smoothly pivoting hinges make this car
possible, and it really does work as advertised. This car has been
beautifully restored in Colonial White over Torch Red, a very
flashy combination, and honestly, would you want anything other
than flash on your retractable? Ford's styling was refined for 1959
but it's plenty ornate, with a sweeping spear of trim down the
flanks, modes fins, and neat little gunsights atop the front
fenders. For a convertible, everything fits together quite well,
including the doors, and it's doubly important for things like the
trunk to be right, since it's an integral part of the folding top
assembly. Also be sure to check out the wonderfully ornate grille,
the beautifully chromed bumpers, and the continental kit out back
that makes a long car even longer, so it has a ton of presence
everywhere you go.
A black, red, and white interior looks sharp against the red and
white bodywork, and the comfortable materials ensure that even in
the summer sun you'll stay cool. Given the vintage clear plastic
seat covers, the interior is in beautiful condition and should give
you a very clear picture of how easy this car's life has been. The
gauges are all fully functional, the steering wheel shows no signs
of age or sun damage, and the overall level of preservation is
extremely impressive. Even the AM radio works like it should! Seat
belts have been added for safety, but that appears to be the lone
modification. Of course, on a retractable, the critical thing is
the top, and you can buy this one with confidence, because it goes
up and down effortlessly with just the touch of a button. Top up,
the trunk is cavernous, but if you're travelling, the retractable
only offers a small "box" where luggage is safely out of the top's
way.
This car carries Ford's strong-running 332 cubic inch V8, which was
the most popular engine choice in 1959. It runs beautifully and
gives the big convertible the kind of effortless cruising you
expect from a '50s automobile, along with a muted V8 purr. It's
nicely detailed with turquoise paint on the tinwork, a correct air
cleaner and beautiful valve covers proudly showing off big FORD
block letters. Power steering makes something as big as this easy
to handle and there's an equally giant radiator up front that seems
designed for parades. Underneath, it's mostly original, but that's
OK because it runs beautifully and cruises along effortlessly with
a Ford-O-Matic transmission and a 9-inch rear end. Four recent
whitewall radials have been fitted to the original wheels with
factory wheel covers.
One of the true automotive wonders of the '50s, the Ford
retractables are finally getting their due respect as collector
items. Call today!
