1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner

Description

“It’s a hardtop... it’s a convertible... it’s the Ford Skyliner!” The 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was a groundbreaking vehicle in American automotive history, notable for its innovative retractable hardtop roof. Produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1957 to 1959, the Skyliner was part of the upscale Fairlane 500 series and stood out as the first mass-produced car with a fully automatic retractable metal roof. The 1958 model was “styled in the new Thunderbird tradition” with quad headlights, a new grille design, and tailfins that reflected the era’s fascination with jet-age aesthetics.

Under the hood, the Skyliner offered a range of V8 engines, including the powerful 352 cubic inch “Interceptor” V8, delivering strong performance for its time. The retractable roof mechanism, a marvel of engineering, used seven electric motors and numerous relays and switches to fold the roof into the trunk — a process that captivated onlookers but also added complexity and weight.

Despite its engineering brilliance, the Skyliner was expensive, which limited its commercial success. Only 14,713 units were produced in 1958. The Fairlane 500 Skyliner is celebrated for its bold design and technological innovation, representing a unique chapter in the golden age of American automotive design.

Highlights

• Second year of the unique Ford Skyliner retractable hardtop

• Finished in Colonial White and Grenadier Red two-tone

• Matching vinyl and tweed interior

• Original 352 cu-in “Interceptor” V8 rated at 300 hp

• Original Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission

• The Data Plate decodes as:

  • Body: 51A – Fairlane 500 Hide-Away Hardtop

  • Color: IE2 – Colonial White (E) and Grenadier Red (I) two-tone

  • Trim: S – Colonial Sof-Textured Vinyl and Red Royal Scot Tweed

  • Date: 23D – Built 23 April 1958

  • Trans: 4 – Cruise-O-Matic

  • Axle: 6 – 2.69:1 ratio

• The chassis number (H8FW215037) decodes as:

  • H – 352 cu in V8 (4-barrel carburetor, 300 hp “Interceptor” engine)

  • 8 – Model Year: 1958

  • F – Assembly Plant: Dearborn, Michigan

  • W – Body Style: Fairlane 500 Skyliner (Retractable Hardtop)

  • 215037 – Sequential Production Number

Features

• Power four-wheel disc brake upgrade

• Replaced floorboards and rocker panels

• Reproduction upholstery, carpet, and headliner

• Rebuilt carburetor

• New starter

• New reproduction radiator

Known Imperfections

• Front bumper has minor issues

• Clock is inoperable

• AM radio is inoperable

• Small paint flaw by right rear tail

• Spare tire very worn and bumper jack and tire iron missing

• If the car sits for two to three weeks or longer it takes several times of trying to start the car while pumping the gas pedal many times. If it's less than a week, it starts up on the first or second try.

Included

• Original shop manual

• VHS tapes on retractable top repairs

• Two gold plated car keys with one original and another newer spare

• Also color matched carpet floor mats

• California Custom fit car cover

• Travel tote with fluids and cleaning items

• Fire extinguisher

Ownership History

The consignor states, “We purchased the car in 2011. Over the years, during local car shows this vehicle has won numerous awards along with the people’s choice at the local Lions Club fall car show.”

“During the original-color repaint, it was noticed that the floorboards and rocker panels along with the body-to-frame mounts needed to be replaced. This was done with Ford authorized parts. The power drum brake system was replaced with power four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power. In 2013, four new Corker Classic P215/75R14 98P M&S tires were installed in good shape with plenty of tread. We also replaced the rear leaf springs and front coil springs.”

“The stock engine is in good condition with regular tune-ups and oil changes. I had the carburetor professionally rebuilt about three years ago, along with a new starter about four years ago. I also replaced the radiator with a new, original-style one last summer after it developed a leak. The seat covers have been replaced with Ford-approved reproductions, along with new carpet and headliner.”