Vehicle Description
1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner
In 1959, the US and USSR were the two big players in the space
market. Each tried to outdo the other by sending bigger and better
things to space, like dogs and chimps. Everyone was gearing up to
be the first man on the moon, and the space race was on. So, the
Ford Galaxie utilized these sentiments and turned the eventual need
for space, (not speed at the time), into a nameplate with rather
patriotic fervor. Of course, till Neil Armstrong finally happened,
USSR was winning hands down in the Space Race, despite not having a
Ford Galaxie. In 1969, with Apollo 11, the US upped the game for
the USSR.
For consignment, a Galaxie whose claim to fame is that Skyliner was
given a complicated mechanism that enabled it to fold down the
front portion of its roof and retract it under the rear trunk lid.
No hydraulics were used like the regular convertibles of that time.
It had seven reversible electric motors, four jack lifts, a series
of relays, ten limit switches, ten solenoids, four locking
mechanisms for its roof, and two for the rear trunk lid. The car's
fuel tank was placed vertically in the back of its rear seat,
giving the car added safety in the event of a rear end collision.
And it all works! This car comes to our Hallowed Halls showing as
an older restoration with a title verified 120,376 miles on the
odometer and can put on a 1 car show for you, as you'll be
mesmerized with the top up and down.
Exterior
The quintessential 1950's look, Torch Red and Colonial White two
tone steel slab sider presents in near showroom condition on the
paint checklist with just a few obligatory touch ups for this car
shown in the photos. Gaps are beautifully minded, and all is
straight steel. Not unlike Elvis with his swiveling hips, and
snarling lips this car has the iconic swoop spear trim molding on
either side with a snazzy ribbed metal insert and it swings with
the 50's design and definitely attracts attention, (you hound
dog!). All this and chrome around the windows and lower B pillars,
bumpers and badging is in very good condition. Dual mirrors are
mounted on the fenders, while stylish are difficult to get set
exactly right. The hardtop is a thrill to watch, and really was a
feat of engineering which had been tried on an earlier Peugeot
concept car, and a few other concept cars, but was never really put
into production until Ford pulled out all the stops for this model.
We give you the retractable hardtop. On to the back, looking much
like the rest of the Ford lineup with 45 degree angled outward
fins, and the round jet engine tail lights. A shout out to the
chrome turbine style, jet age, polished hubcaps which are wrapped
in wide whites. And lest I forget the rear wheel well trim that
helps give the low and slow look and accentuate the large long rear
quarters, (that top has to have somewhere to go!). A round chromed
rear end goddess!
Interior
In full vinyl and cloth jackets, the dual benches in the passenger
area are wrapped in Torch Red vinyl bolsters and Raven Black cloth
inserts with smooth white vinyl surrounds. These are like new,
obviously recovered during the restoration, so they present very
well. All the essentials are restored and looking just like when
this car rolled out of the showroom. More Torch Red bathes the
steel dash which is fitted with the correct instrument cluster with
white bakelite trimmed knobs and pulls below and a padded red vinyl
topper above. Within a sweeping chrome band resides the heater
slides, the factory AM radio, obligatory clock, and down below we
see anunder dash AC unit. The original steering wheel protrudes
from the dash and is white and red plastic with a 2/3 circular horn
ring. Like new black carpet floods the floors, and the white
headliner remains tight even though it had its fair share of ups
and downs, (tongue in cheek). Finishing our tour back in time are 2
tone red and black door panels in vinyl that are highlighted with a
bright trimming down low and a swooping textured insert in the
center. It doesn't get much more late 1950's than this!
Drivetrain
A wonderfully restored blue valve covered consignor-stated 352ci V8
engine, (the VIN decode lists the car as originally being equipped
with a 332ci V8), sits within a restored engine bay and appears
clean. It is topped by a 2-barrel carburetor and correct blue air
cleaner cover. A 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission and
Ford 9" rear with 3.10 gears complete the drivetrain. We can see
the electrical system is still being powered by a generator and the
power steering unit appears like new.
Undercarriage
Lots of nice straight rust-free steel on the X frame. Plenty of
rustproofing abounds underneath and the rockers are rust free.
Independent coil springs upfront and leaf springs on the rear offer
up a smooth ride, and drum brakes all around are noted. This
appears strange, as there is no power booster, but we note the
"Power Brake" brake pedal pad cover. Dual exhaust with stock style
mufflers efficiently moves spent fossils to the rear of the
car.
Drive-Ability
A little choke and a few preliminary pumps of the gas and she
immediately came to life. Once warmed up, idled smoothly, had
decent acceleration, and of course a smooth ride. Overall a nice
car with a well functioning hardtop, and excellent mechanicals save
for a slight miss in the engine. While Classic Auto Mall represents
that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
In the late 1950's Ford was getting trumped by the Tri-Fives over
at Chevrolet. So they used what they knew best, that bringing
innovation would attract attention. A very nice example which was
given the once over with its restoration and well maintained by the
owner since then. This car has had no detail overlooked, so you can
play with that top all day. Grab a lawn chair and a bottle or two
of wine, and go find a show! This world truly revolves around the
Sky-Liner...
B9FW219194
B-332ci 2bbl V8
9-1959
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
W-Galaxie Skyliner Hardtop Convertible
219194-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 51A-Galaxie Skyliner Hardtop Convertible
COLOR RE1-Torch Red, Colonial White
TRIM 56-Torch Red Vinyl, Raven Black Cloth
DATE 02C-March 2nd
TRANS 3-2 Speed Ford O Matic
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.10 Conventional
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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