1959 Ford Skyliner - Mechanical Masterpiece!
It's one of the most mesmerizing scenes to be found at any car show--the rising and lowering of a Ford retractable hardtop in motion. According to Ben Smith, the retractable's creator, "The choreography of deck lid, top and shelf panel all moving at the same time was a dance of beauty."
The all-steel hardtop's movement seems like magic, but thanks to the help of some carefully engineered componentry that included three drive motors, 610 feet of wiring, 10 solenoids and many other relays, circuit breakers and locking motors, it works like a charm. For its time, the folding hardtop was an astonishing feat, and still remains so today, some 67 years after it was first introduced.
In all, Ford produced 48,394 retractable hardtops. Its proper name is the Skyliner, which is often confused with the similar-sounding Sunliner name of the regular convertible model. The Skyliner was offered for just three years, and in 1957, its premier year, a total of 20,766 were produced, followed by 14,713 examples in the 1958 model year. When sales dwindled to just 12,915 Skyliners for 1959, Ford ceased its production as it was too expensive to manufacture such a complex and labor-intensive retractable hardtop in such limited numbers.
For those three years back in the 1950s, Ford's retractable hardtop was the biggest sensation on the road, and no doubt contributed to Ford being America's best-selling brand for 1957. When first introduced in 1956 for the 1957 model year, the retractable models stunned the public, making them a hit everywhere they went, especially when the hardtop was in motion.
Beyond its matchless removable roof, the 1959 Ford was a very attractive automobile, whose design was based on the 1957 Ford, but with four headlamps instead of two. In fact, so stylish were the 1959 Fords that at the Brussels World's Fair, the entire Ford model lineup was awarded the Gold Medal of the Comite Francais des L'élégance of Paris for its outstanding style and fine design. It was considered "the world's most beautifully proportioned car." In European car circles, it was a very prestigious honor. In fact, during the ceremony, one French fashion authority had this to say about the 1959 Fords: "Ford has achieved in this new car such a classic harmony of design, an expression of 'pure' automobile, that it will go beautifully in any scene of your life. It is a car for motoring pleasure--and it looks most beautiful of all when it is in motion!"
While the 1959 Ford styling looks similar to the '58 model's, there are subtle differences that make the '59 a standout design. The hood is squared off and no longer fitted with a hood scoop, and the aluminum grille insert is strikingly beautiful with its "floating star" design. The side trim has been reduced in size and placed towards the top, where it flows better into the rear quarter panel. And with the unique shape of the front wheelwell opening, combined with the tasteful stainless steel rear wheel spats and fluted paneling, it's no wonder the 1959 Fords received such accolades. It truly is an American beauty.
With a base price of $3,063, after the Thunderbird, the Skyliner retractable was the most expensive model in Ford's lineup for 1959. Its folding top mechanism was a complex affair, thus it involved a good amount of labor in order to set the top's numerous adjustments just right so it would raise, lower and fold smoothly, and without jamming.
This Stunning example was the lucky recipient of a frame off restoration and is fully loaded from the factory! produced on June First 1959 in Mahwah New Jersey and restored in factory correct two tone "Torch Red" and "Colonial White" with Interior Trim Code 56, Torch Red Vinyl, Raven Fabric Stripe and Silver Strand. The paint is fantastic with a deep shine and mirror like reflection. The body panels fit & finish is spectacular and all of the chrome and trim glistens in the sun. The engine compartment is incredible and shows extremely well. The undercarriage on this vehicle is one of the nicest I have seen and L@@KS amazing! This Skyliner is optioned with factory Air Conditioning, power steering, power seat, power windows, Continental kit, Fender Skirts, Town and Country radio, Dual spot light mirrors, tissue dispenser, Flying elipse hood ornament, electric wipers, three speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission and powered by the 332ci Thunderbird Special Engine!
The Skyliner runs and drives fantastic and goes straight down the road with authority. Everything on the vehicle works except including the factory clock and radio. The only thing that is not functioning is the power seat. This is a very expensive vehicle to restore and offered at a fraction of what it would cost to commission a restoration of this quality. Call 314-346-6039 with questions or to purchase. 314-346-6039