While we take folding hardtops for granted today, in 1957, Fords Skyliner "retractable" hardtop was a sensation. New owners probably could have sold tickets to watch the big hardtop tuck itself into the trunk, and this is one of the nicer examples weve seen in a long time. With top-down proportions not all that different from a standard convertible, the Skyliner really was a miracle of engineering might. Hundreds of feet of wiring, multiple limit switches and motors, and a bunch of smoothly pivoting hinges make this car possible, and it really does work as advertised. This car originally hails from Arizona and spent 30 years in a museum, so you know this body is clean. It was recently recommissioned for the road, including a fresh paint job in the original Colonial White that seems to emphasize the wild folds and curves of the 1957 Fords. For a convertible, everything fits together quite well, including the doors, and its doubly important for things like the trunk to be right, since its an integral part of the folding top assembly. The gold anodized insert along the sides highlights the top-of-the-line Skyliner and the chrome is excellent throughout. A black-and-white interior looks sharp against the all-white bodywork, and the comfortable materials ensure that even in the summer sun youll stay cool. And if thats not enough, this one sports an ultra-rare factory A/C system under the dash. Its quite likely that everything is original except for the carpets, which were recently replaced, which should give you a very clear picture of how easy this cars life has been. The gauges are all fully functional, the steering wheel shows no signs of age or sun damage, and the overall level of preservation is extremely impressive. Of course, on a retractable, the critical thing is the top, and you can buy this one with confidence, because it goes up and down effortlessly with just the touch of a button. Top up, the trunk is cavernous, but if youre travelling, the retractable only offers a small "box" where luggage is safely out of the tops way. Fords top engine was the 312 cubic inch Thunderbird Special, which runs beautifully and gives the big convertible the kind of effortless cruising you expect from a 50s automobile. Its nicely detailed with Ford Red on the block, a correct oil bath air cleaner and beautiful valve covers proudly showing off Thunderbird Special nameplates. Theres obviously no rust, and thanks to a recent service, it runs beautifully with a muscular V8 rumble from the new dual exhaust system. A Ford-O-Matic transmission feeds a 9-inch rear, and new shocks give it a smooth highway ride. Four recent whitewall radials have been fitted to the original wheels and wear factory wheel covers. One of the true automotive wonders of the 50s, the Ford retractables are finally getting their due respect as collector items. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Atlanta showroom. For more information, please call (678) 279-1609 or toll free (877) 367-1835.
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