How many 1957 Ford Retractables were made?
In 1957, Ford produced 12,915 Retractable hardtops for the Fairlane 500 Skyliner. This figure is the commonly cited production total for the year and marks a notable milestone in Ford’s styling and engineering history.
The 1957 Ford Retractable, widely known as the Skyliner, featured a power-operated roof that retracted into the trunk, combining the look of a convertible with the security of a hardtop. This model year represented the original and most prominent implementation of Ford’s retractable roof concept, a distinctive engineering achievement that was not repeated in the same form for long after 1957. The production total reflects a relatively limited run driven by the high costs and complexity of the mechanism, as well as the era’s market dynamics.
Production figures and verification
Industry registries, classic car historians, and enthusiast clubs consistently cite 12,915 units as the total produced for the 1957 Skyliner Retractable. This number appears across catalogs, auction records, and archival materials, making it the widely accepted figure among researchers and collectors alike.
Context and significance
The Skyliner’s retractable roof was a bold design statement at a time when automakers were experimenting with new ways to blend open-air enjoyment with the practicalities of a hardtop. The 1957 model’s limited production run has contributed to its enduring mystique and desirability among collectors, helping to drive ongoing interest in original examples and restorations.
Summary
The 1957 Ford Retractable hardtop—officially the Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable—amounted to 12,915 units built. Its brief, high-profile run left a lasting imprint on American automotive design and remains a benchmark for mid-century engineering ambition.
