What was the first Ford hardtop convertible?
Origins and design
The Skyliner debuted for the 1954 model year as a two-door retractable hardtop. It carried the Skyliner badge on Ford's Crestline/Fairlane-based models and earned widespread attention for its roof system that folded neatly away in the trunk area.
- First production retractable hardtop offered by Ford
- Introduced in 1954 as the Skyliner, available on Crestline/Fairlane models
- Powered, multi-part roof that folded into the trunk and retracted at the push of a button
- Two-door hardtop convertible body style that preserved a coupe-like silhouette when closed
Production span and legacy
Ford's Skyliner was produced across three model years. It debuted in 1954 as Ford's first factory retractable hardtop and continued through 1955 and 1956, after which Ford did not continue the format for several years. The Skyliner's daring approach to roof engineering left a lasting mark on American car design and is frequently cited as a milestone in Ford's history.
How it worked
The roof system used hydraulic power to fold the top into the trunk. It consisted of multiple panels that stacked and tucked away in sequence, requiring careful alignment to seal and protect the interior. When closed, the car retained a coupe-like profile; when opened, it offered open-air motoring with the security of a hard top.
Market reception
At the time, the Skyliner drew attention for its engineering complexity and distinctive styling. It catered to buyers seeking the open-air experience of a convertible with the added practicality of a hard top, a mid-ground that resonated with certain buyers even as the configuration remained relatively niche.
Summary
The 1954 Skyliner stands as Ford's first hardtop convertible, a landmark in the automaker's history and in the broader evolution of retractable-roof designs in the United States. Its brief three-year run showcased an ambitious engineering concept that influenced later roof technologies and remains a standout chapter in Ford's design legacy.
Does Ford make a hardtop convertible?
Model year's production. The Skyliner was transitioned to the new top-of-the-line Galaxy trim as a result it confusingly carried both Fairlane 500. And Galaxy badges in 1959.
What year did Ford make the retractable hardtop?
1957
Ford's 1957 Skyliner was the world's first retracting hardtop convertible to be truly mass-produced by a car company from the factory, coming close to 50,000 sales.
How much is a 1958 Ford Skyliner worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $28,250 for a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner in good condition with average spec.
What was the first hardtop convertible?
1936 Peugeot 402 Éclipse
The world's first hard top convertible came out in 1936 which was the 1936 Peugeot 402 Éclipse. I am shocked that technology to make a hard top convertible existed back then. It wasn't till the mid 2000s that most luxury convertibles had hard top convertibles instead of soft tops.
