What years did Ford make a retractable hardtop?
Ford's retractable hardtop is a fascinating piece of automotive history that showcases innovation in design and engineering. This feature, which allows a hardtop roof to be retracted into the trunk, was a significant advancement in convertible technology. In this article, we will explore the years during which Ford produced vehicles with this remarkable feature.
Key Years of Production
The Ford retractable hardtop was primarily featured in the following models:
- 1957-1959: The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was the first model to introduce the retractable hardtop. This model was notable for its unique design and engineering, allowing the hardtop to fold away neatly into the trunk.
- 1960: The Skyliner continued to be produced, but this year marked the end of its production run. The retractable hardtop feature was not carried over to subsequent models.
Significance of the Retractable Hardtop
The retractable hardtop was revolutionary for its time, combining the benefits of a hardtop and a convertible. It provided the structural integrity and comfort of a hardtop while allowing drivers to enjoy the open-air experience of a convertible. This innovation was particularly appealing during the late 1950s, a time when American car culture was booming.
Conclusion
Ford's retractable hardtop remains a symbol of automotive ingenuity. Although it was only produced for a few years, its impact on the industry and car enthusiasts endures. The 1957-1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is a cherished classic that continues to capture the imagination of car lovers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the 1957 Ford Edsel fail?
While Ford's market research had indicated that these and other features would make Edsels attractive to them as car buyers, their selling prices exceeded what buyers were willing to pay. Upon seeing the price for a base model, many potential buyers simply left the dealerships.
What is the rarest Ford Thunderbird?
1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged
The rarest of all 1957 Ford Thunderbirds is the 1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged. One of 15 hand-built for Ford Competition at Ford Headquarters, and one of eight known to survive today.
What Ford had a retractable hardtop?
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is a two-door full-size retractable hardtop convertible, manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for model years 1957–1959. However, early into the 1959 model year, its name was expanded to Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner.
What year did Ford make a hardtop convertible?
1957
Over fifty years ago, in mid-model year 1957, Ford introduced the first ever large-scale production of a hardtop convertible, the Fairlane 500 Skyliner.
Did Edsel have a retractable hardtop?
Super Express V-8 and DualDrive automatic transmission, the most desirable powertrain combination in any 1959 Edsel. Thanks to the excellent maintenance during its time in the Calumet Collection, the car runs and drives well, and the retractable hardtop has been serviced to function as new.
How many Ford retractable hardtops were made?
The retracting roof system was marketed as the Hide-Away Hardtop, and was exclusively sold on this Ford-branded model, for three model years. 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.
What is the value of a 1959 Ford Skyliner?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,350 for a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner? The highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner at auction over the last three years was $105,300.
Did Ford make a Thunderbird hardtop convertible?
Second Generation - 1958 through 1960 - The Square Birds
Though retaining a design as a two-door hardtop coupe/convertible, the new Thunderbird was considerably larger than the previous generation, with a longer 113.0 inches (2,870 mm) wheelbase to accommodate the new back seat.
How many 1957 Ford Retractable were made?
20,766 units
Production totaled 20,766 units in 1957, declining to 14,713 in 1958 and to 12,915 in 1959. An electric clock was standard.
How much is a 1957 Ford Skyliner worth?
The value of a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $32,400 for a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner in good condition with average spec.
