First Ford with a Retractable Hardtop
The first mass-produced automobile to offer a retractable hardtop feature was introduced by Ford in 1957. This model was the Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner, a two-door full-size retractable hardtop convertible, manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company for model years 1957-1959 .
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was a significant example of automotive ingenuity, with approximately 48,394 units built over the three years it was in production. The retractable top was marketed as the “Hide-Away Hardtop” and was noted for its complexity and usually decent reliability in the pre-transistor era. The mechanism contained 10 power relays, 10 limit switches, four lock motors, three drive motors, eight circuit breakers, as well as 610 feet of electrical wire, and could raise or lower the top in about 40 seconds .
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was a pioneering model in the automotive industry, representing a significant advancement in convertible coupe technology and design.
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Contents
- How much did a 1957 Ford Skyliner cost new?
- Where was the first retractable roof?
- How many Ford retractable hardtops were made?
- How much is a 57 Ford Skyliner worth?
- How many years did Ford make the Skyliner?
- What was the first car with a retractable roof?
- How many 1959 Ford Skyliner were made?
- What years did Ford make a retractable hardtop?
- How many 1957 Ford Retractable were made?
- What year did Ford have a retractable roof?
How much did a 1957 Ford Skyliner cost new?
Even though the base price of $2,942 made it the most expensive Ford for 1957, most Skyliners were ordered with plenty of options. The automatic was far more prevalent than the stick-shift.
Where was the first retractable roof?
In 1989, Toronto unveiled the SkyDome to much pomp and circumstance. In June 1989, Toronto unveiled the SkyDome to much pomp and circumstance. It was the first stadium with a fully retractable roof, creating the best of both weather worlds for the CFL’s Argonauts and MLB’s Blue Jays.
How many Ford retractable hardtops were made?
48,394 retractable hardtops
In all, Ford produced 48,394 retractable hardtops. Its proper name is the Skyliner, which is often confused with the similar-sounding Sunliner name of the regular convertible model.
How much is a 57 Ford Skyliner worth?
Q: What is the average sale price of a Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner / Galaxie Skyliner? A: The average price of a Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner / Galaxie Skyliner is $43,926.
How many years did Ford make the Skyliner?
three years
The Ford Skyliner was only manufactured for three years from 1957-1959.
What was the first car with a retractable roof?
1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable
The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. Since then, there have been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles.
How many 1959 Ford Skyliner were made?
12,915 Skyliners
Only 12,915 Skyliners were produced in 1959, the final model year, and are now highly sought after for the unrivaled spectacle of their top mechanism in operation.
What years did Ford make 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.
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.
What year did Ford have a retractable roof?
1957
Skyliner Retractable Hard Top Convertible. For three. years, from 1957 to 1959, Ford produced this unique.
