1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner
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. For model year 1959, the name changed to Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner very shortly after production began (also illustrated as such in the brochure, but described only as “Galaxy” in the related text.). The retractable roof mechanism, marketed as the “Hide-Away Hardtop,” was unique to Ford branded products, and was not offered on Continental, Lincoln, Mercury, or Edsel branded vehicles. A total of 48,394 were manufactured.
Ford’s reputation as a leading car manufacturer rose dramatically with the introduction of its all-new 1957 models. These models featured “Equaflair” styling by George W. Walker, which was most memorably implemented on the Fairlane series. These cars were longer and lower than ever before, and their fresh styling incorporated a full-width rectangular grille, dramatic bright accents, and a pair of fashionable tailfins, or “high-canted” rear fenders.
This rare and historic example of Detroit’s engineering exuberance was assembled at Ford’s San Jose plant on 17th October 1959 and originally finished in two-tone Raven Black/Colonial White. The car is powered by the 332ci (5,442cc) 225bhp V8 engine with two-barrel carburettor and has the three-speed Cruise-o-matic automatic transmission and optional lights in the external mirrors.
The interior complements the exterior in terms of colorful execution, with a tri-tone front split-bench seat with soft black cloth inserts, a white steering wheel, dealer-type under-dash climate cooling and the coral-colored Geranium dash with its Town and Country radio. The brightwork, emblems, chrome trim and classic grille design complete the look of late 1950s beauty on this car. Deluxe Sunburst full wheel covers featuring the centered Ford lion logo and surrounded by wide whitewall tires are an exquisite touch. For its next owner, the sky indeed may be the limit in this truly classic example of Ford engineering.
The Galaxie joined Ford’s lineup at mid-year, replacing the Fairlane 500 as the top model in the full-size Ford series. The Skyliner, formerly part of the Fairlane 500 line, would be renamed a Galaxie mid-year, befitting its top-of-the-line status. The new model helped Ford to all but tie rival Chevrolet for number one in industry sales. Ford called its 59s “the world’s most beautifully proportioned cars.” Others agreed, too, as the conservative, squared-off design would be the first American car to win an award from fashion authority Comte’ Francais de l’elegance at the Brussels International exposition.
