Ford Skyliner - America It It's Finest

Another leading edge design in the mid to late 50's is the Ford Retractable Skyliner. The predecessor to the convertable was both unique, and an engineering marvel. Based on the already forward thinking Ford Sunliner, if a transperent top would'nt get you talking, a folding top certainly would. The Blue Oval boys were in a head-to-head battle with the folks at the Bow-Tie company for the all important sales advantage and the number one spot in the domestic car market. Chevrolet pulled the big guns out with such models as the Corvette, Cameo, and the Nomad. Ford answered back, and quite loudly too, with the Skyliner.

Situated on a robust frame and running gear, not unlike pickup trucks of the day, the Skyliner was equipped with a variety of powerplants. The cubic inches spanned form 272 cubes to the massive 352 with a power rating of an even 300 horses. This unit was not meant to get you down the road like a rocket ship, though. Although very capable of just that, the point of focus was the massive, disappearing folding top of the car. Imagine the envy one had pulling into the local car hop, and feeling a little warm, retracting the whole top of the car. 10 power relays, 10 limit switches, 4 lock motors, 3 drive motors, 8 circuit breakers, and all of this attatched to over 600 feet of wiring made the magic event happen. Remember, this was in the time before circuit panels, or computer wizardy was available. When all of this machinery was activated, the top of the car folded neatly into an over sized hinged rear trunk.

The only draw back to such a cool, techno option as the retractable, was limited luggage space in the trunk. A small, bin like container was all that was available for the occasional over night bag. Pack lightly if traveling long distances with this one. Interior amenities were plentiful, and quite comfortable. Bench seating for six adults, and all the bells and whistles went into the luxo-liner. Cruising was serios business in the 50's and the Skyliner was at the lead of the pack.

Ford made a huge gamble with the Skyliner, but it appeared that the American public was ready for this type of auto. Produced for only three years, to say the car is quite collectable is an under statement. If lucky enough to actually own one of these beauties, grab your favorite gal and head down to the local drive in. While there, please, do us all a favor and demonstrate how the top works!!