A extremely cool variant of the
Fairlane 500, the
Ford Skyliner was a retractable-hardtop convertible coupe. Over 30,000 were produced over its three year lifespan, from 1957 to 1959 (when it was badged as a
Galaxie.) This prime specimen of
Detroit iron predated
Mercedes' SLK convertible, another retractable-hardtop
automobile, by four decades.
Seven motors and over 600 miles of wiring were used to retract its steel roof into the trunk. The Skyliner was available with power windows, steering, brakes, air conditioning, twin spotlights, and even a tissue dispenser. Power came from a 352cid V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, hooked up to a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission. The "Flying Ellipse" hood ornament was optional.