1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner
In 1959 the US and USSR were the two big players in the space market. Each tried to outdo the other by sending bigger and better things to space " like dogs and chimps. Everyone was gearing up to be the first man on the moon, and the space race was on. So, the Ford Galaxie utilized these sentiments and turned the eventual need for space, (not speed at the time), into a nameplate with rather patriotic fervor. Of course, until Neil Armstrong finally happened, the USSR was winning hands down in the Space Race, despite not having a Ford Galaxie. In 1969, with Apollo 11, the US upped the game for the USSR.
For consignment, a 1959 Fairlane Galaxie whose claim to fame is that the Skyliner was given a complicated mechanism that enabled it to fold down the front portion of its hardtop roof and retract it under the rear trunk lid. No hydraulics were used like the regular convertibles of that time. It had seven reversible electric motors, four jack lifts, a series of relays, ten limit switches, ten solenoids, four locking mechanisms for its roof, and two for the rear trunk lid. This particular car is in need of some TLC on all fronts but is fairly solid, and upon completion you will be able to wow the neighbors and show goers with the mechanical dance that is the retracting hardtop.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
The quintessential 1950's look: Raven Black for this steel slab sider presenting in poor to fair condition with many areas of cracking and crazing on the black painted surfaces. A few dents and dings from age, and various encounters with mishaps that have occurred over the years along with invasive rust on the lowers and eyebrows of each front fender. The gaps are decently minded and not unlike Elvis with his swiveling hips and snarling lips, this car has the iconic swoop spear trim molding on either side with a snazzy ribbed metal insert, although sections are missing on each side. All this and chrome around the windows and lower B pillars, bumpers and badging is poor condition with tarnish, surface rust and dings. A single mirror is mounted on the driver's door and "gun sights" are holding their own on the flat topped front fenders. In front, dual headlights hover above a wide toothy shaver styled grille, some small "Dagmars" and on the corners of the bumper along with round turn signal lights in front just prior to make the turn around for the lower front quarters. The hardtop, while a thrill to watch when operational, has many disconnected parts and wires and we note the trunk lid must be held shut with a ratchet strap. On to the back, looking much like the rest of the Ford lineup, we note 45 degree angled outward fins, and the round jet engine-esque tail lights. A shout out to the chrome turbine style, jet age, polished hubcaps which are wrapped in thin whites. And lest I forget the rear wheel well trim that helps give the low and slow look and accentuate the large long rear quarters, (that top has to have somewhere to go!). A round chromed rear end of a station wagon goddess!
Interior
In full vinyl and cloth jackets, the dual benches in the passenger area are wrapped in red bolsters, white piping and white vinyl framing around black and silver thread stitched beige cloth tuck and roll inserts. These chairs are 50's fab but are suffering from tearing of the cloth and heavy soiling of the vinyl. In front, a wraparound dash in red steel and chrome a-plenty houses the instruments in front of the driver. Within a sweeping chrome band resides the heater slides, the factory AM radio, and obligatory clock. All the essentials are there and appear to just need some TLC and elbow grease to restore them to like new quality. The original steering wheel protrudes from the dash and is white and red plastic with a 2/3rd circular horn ring. Finishing our tour back in time are 2 tone red and black door panels in vinyl also utilizing plenty of silver. In the center a chevron styled armrest in black is a nice accent. A mix of black carpeting and rubber mats covers the floors and is in need of a heavy cleaning or full on replacement.
Drivetrain
A lift of the front hinged hood reveals an unrestored and possibly original 332ci V8 engine. It is topped by a 2-barrel carburetor and powder blue air cleaner cover. A 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission and Ford 9" rear with 2.91 gears complete the drivetrain. We can see the electrical system is still being powered by a generator and a healthy dose of patina is coating the bay and its components.
Undercarriage
Lots of patina riddled steel makes up the X frame which is coating in surface rust along with a small area of invasive rust on the passenger's rail at about the midpoint. Plenty of patina rustproofing abounds underneath along with surface rust on the flooring and invasive rust in the trunk well. Some more invasive rust is appearing in the rockers, although it isn't as bad as one would assume. Independent coil springs upfront and leaf springs on the rear offer up a smooth ride, and drum brakes all around are noted. Single exhaust with a stock style muffler and older exhaust piping makes its way for a rear exit.
Drive-Ability
With the engine locked up tighter than a snare drum there was no drive to be had. The condition of the transmission is unknown, but we can note that the car does roll freely and steers easily enough to be loaded on a trailer.
In the late 1950's Ford was getting trounced by the Tri-Fives over at Chevy. So, they used what they knew best, that bringing innovation would attract attention. A rough example in need of TLC to bring it back to new, or simply drop a new drivetrain in it, do some minor underside repairs, and get that awe-inspiring top working again and drive it with that perfect patina look. No matter which path you choose, the world truly could revolve around the Sky-Liner...
B9EW196877
B-332ci V8 2bbl 225hp
9-1959
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
W-Fairlane 500 Galaxie Retractable Hardtop
196877-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 51A-Fairlane 500 Galaxie Retractable Hardtop
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 56-Red & White Vinyl, Black Cloth
DATE 18C-March 18th Build
TRANS 4-Cruise O Matic 3 Speed Automatic
AXLE 5-Ford 9" 2.91 Conventional
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
