What years did they make the Ford Skyliner?
They built the Ford Skyliner from 1957 through 1959.
The Ford Skyliner refers to the retractable hardtop variant of Ford’s Fairlane 500 line. Introduced in the late 1950s, it represents one of the era’s most ambitious roof designs and remains a notable milestone in Ford’s history. The model years in which it was offered were from 1957 to 1959, marking a three-year run for this distinctive roofline.
Background and significance
The Skyliner was Ford’s answer to the growing demand for a coupe-convertible experience without the bulk of a full soft-top. Available as a high-end option on the Fairlane 500 line, the retractable roof could be operated at the push of a button and folded away to convert the car from a hardtop into an open-air cruiser. The program showcased Ford's engineering ambitions in an era of rapid stylistic experimentation.
How it worked
The roof mechanism folded into a rear storage area, allowing the car to retain its coupe silhouette while offering open-air versatility. The system was technologically advanced for its time and contributed to the Skyliner’s reputation as a premium, if costly, feature.
Production years
Below is a concise timeline of the model years during which the Ford Skyliner was offered:
- 1957
- 1958
- 1959
The Skyliner’s three-year production run ended after the 1959 model year, making it a short-lived but influential chapter in Ford’s lineup.
Context and legacy
While the Skyliner was ultimately a niche product, its legacy lived on in design language and automotive engineering. It demonstrated that a retractable hardtop could be marketed as a premium feature during a period of bold experimentation in American car styling. The model remains a coveted collector’s item for enthusiasts who prize the era's innovative approaches to convertibles.
Summary
The Ford Skyliner was produced for three model years—1957, 1958, and 1959—as the retractable hardtop version of the Fairlane 500. It stands as a landmark example of mid-century automotive engineering and styling from Ford.
