1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
VIN: H9KW166934
With just over 12,000 Skyliners produced in 1959, these cars are becoming rare and quite the mechanical marvel at the time! The Skyliners retractable top operated via a complex mechanism that folded the front of the roof and retracted it under the rear decklid. Instead of the typical hydraulic mechanisms, the Skyliner top used six reversible electric motors, four lift jacks, a series of relays, ten limit switches, ten solenoids, four locking mechanisms for the roof and two locking mechanisms for the trunk lid, and 610 ft of wiring!
Bought new in Deer Lodge, Montana, this Skyliner presented at auction has been a Montana car over its low three owner history. The second owner acquired the car in the early/mid 1960s, then it was parked in a garage from 1968 to 1988. The 3rd owner acquired the car in 1988 and has enjoyed restoration and ownership of this retractable since that time.
Restoration to the car was completed in 2018 including the body being removed from the frame. The frame was sandblasted and all components restored to original. Drum brakes were rebuilt all around, power braking mechanism was added and power steering was added for driving comfort.
The body was professionally restored with any rust issues being address with metal replacement. The paint is the correct turquoise and white according to the data tag and shows very well. The bumpers were re-chromed and all stainless/brightwork was replaced and presents well. The retractable top works as expected with all motors and switches gone through and refurbished.
The interior shows very well the correct “D2” Turquoise and White color scheme. The headliner was replaced with new seat cushions and covers front and back. New carpet was installed and a NOS padded dash was added.
Mechanically the car runs and drives very well according to the seller. The 352 V-8 engine is not original to the car but was a top of the line option for the drivetrain. The engine was rebuilt in the early 1990s and has 1200-1300 miles since the rebuild. A 1959 heavy duty radiator was installed and electric fans were installed. The seller reports no issues with overheating either traveling down the road or starting and stopping in a parade on hot summer days.
ACCESSORIES include the following:
THIS VEHICLE TO BE COLLECTED FROM BUTTE, MONTANA.
The Car has been consigned to the Intermountain Online Classic Car Auction hosted by the Classic Car Auction Group. The auction is Saturday, March 28, 2026, with online bidding only. To consign your car and/or to register to bid on this and other cars in the auction go to http://www.classiccarauction.us
