What year did Ford come out with the retractable hardtop?
The retractable hardtop first appeared in 1957, on Ford's Fairlane 500 Skyliner.
Since then, this landmark model has been cited as the first mass-produced car to offer a power-operable retractable hardtop, blending the appeal of a coupe with the thrill of open-air motoring. This article examines when Ford introduced the feature, how it worked, and why it remains a notable milestone in automotive design.
A milestone in convertible design
In 1957, Ford unveiled the Fairlane 500 Skyliner, a two-door hardtop that could fold and slide into a rear storage area, effectively turning the car into a true convertible without a soft top. This "hardtop convertible" concept was bold for its time and showcased Ford’s willingness to push engineering boundaries. The Skyliner was produced for the 1957–1959 model years, and its dramatic roof mechanism captured public imagination while presenting real engineering challenges and higher production costs.
How the retractable roof worked
The roof was a multi-piece steel assembly that, when activated, folded and stowed in a dedicated storage well near the back of the car. The operation was powered by a hydraulic system and controlled by switches inside the cabin. When opened, the top retracted to create an open-air cabin with a fixed rear window and a coupe-like profile; when closed, the car presented its hardtop silhouette. The system added weight and complexity and reduced trunk space, which affected practicality and maintenance considerations.
Legacy and impact
The Skyliner’s ambitious mechanism made it a landmark in automotive history, even as its production remained relatively limited and costly. Ford’s early exploration of retractable hardtops influenced later design thinking, though the concept never became a widespread mainstream feature due to durability, cost, and repair considerations. The Skyliner remains a standout example of mid-20th-century innovation in American car culture.
From novelty to collector’s item
Today, the Fairlane 500 Skyliner is celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts for its daring engineering and distinctive styling. It stands as Ford’s most famous early attempt at a retractable roof and a touchstone in the broader story of convertible top design.
Summary
Ford introduced the first production retractable hardtop in 1957 with the Fairlane 500 Skyliner, launching a bold chapter in automotive engineering. While the idea did not become a mass-market mainstay, it left a lasting legacy in design, engineering ambition, and automotive nostalgia.
