Make: Ford
Model: Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner
Price: $57,995 USD
This 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner combines rare collector value with impressive engineering. It was built to turn heads and hold its worth. The 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner represents one of the most ambitious engineering achievements from Detroit's golden era. Ford completely redesigned its lineup for 1959, earning the Gold Medal for Exceptional Styling at the Brussels World's Fair. The restyled cars featured a sculpted, overhanging brow above dual headlights set into flatter, lower front fenders, giving a modern look for the era.
The Galaxie name was a nod to the Space Age, with bright metal surrounds on the headlights and matching brightwork across the rear quarter panels, marking it as Ford's top-tier offering for 1959. That year also marked the final model year for the Skyliner retractable hardtop. Introduced in 1957 and originally developed for the Continental Mark II, Ford adapted the technology for the Fairlane line. The result was a car that looked like a hardtop with the roof up and drove like a convertible with it down—the steel top folding and disappearing into the trunk at the push of a button. This complex mechanism involved 10 solenoids, 7 high-torque motors, 610 feet of wiring, relays, and microswitches, impressing restorers and engineers alike.
Only 12,915 of the nearly 500,000 Galaxies built in 1959 were Skyliners, making this a rare and historically significant vehicle. This example comes from a southern collector who enjoyed the car during their ownership.
Powering this Skyliner is a 332 cubic inch V8 engine with a single 2-barrel carburetor, producing 225 horsepower when new. It features a dual exhaust system that produces a throaty sound. The Y-Block engine is paired with an automatic transmission, making it easy to drive and enjoy.
Additional features enhancing drivability include power steering for easy maneuvering and chrome outside mirrors on the front fenders for improved visibility. The car rides on wide whitewall radial tires mounted on steel wheels with full Thunderbird turbine wheel covers, accented with the Sunray Emblem.
The retractable hardtop operates smoothly, raising and lowering with the push of a button. The exterior has been refinished in Raven Black paint, complementing the overall look.
The interior is stunning, with front and rear bench seats reupholstered in a tri-tone scheme of red, black, and white, accented with silver-colored welting. The door panels match this color scheme, featuring silver trim, creating a striking contrast and a luxurious feel.
