1959 Ford 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, till Neil Armstrong finally happened, 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 Galaxie whose claim to fame is that Skyliner was given a complicated mechanism that enabled it to fold down the front portion of its 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. The car's fuel tank was placed vertically in back of its rear seat, giving the car added safety in the event of a rear-end collision. And it all works! This frame off restoration with a new interior can put on a 1 car show for you, as you'll be mesmerized with the top up and down.

Exterior
The quintessential 1950's look, Indian Turquoise and Colonial White two tone steel slab sider presents in near showroom condition on the paint checklist with just a few obligatory for this age car faults shown in the photos. Gaps are beautifully minded, and all is straight steel. 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 and it swings with the 50's design and definitely attracts attention (you hound dog!). All this and chrome around the windows and lower B pillars, bumpers and badging is in very good condition. Dual mirrors are mounted on the fenders, while stylish are difficult to get set exactly right. The hardtop is a thrill to watch, and really was a feat of engineering which had been tried on an earlier Peugeot concept car, and a few other concept cars, but was never really put into production until Ford pulled out all the stops for this model. We give you the retractable hardtop. On to the back, looking much like the rest of the Ford lineup with 45 degree angled outward fins, and the round jet engine taillights. A shout out to the chrome turbine style, jet age, polished hubcaps which are wrapped in wide 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 goddess!

Interior
In full vinyl and cloth jackets the dual benches in the passenger area are wrapped in gray and turquoise cloth inserts with smooth turquoise vinyl bolsters. These are like new, recently covered during the restoration so they present very well. All the essentials are restored and looking just like when this car rolled out of the showroom. A darker shade of turquoise bathes the steel dash which is fitted with the correct instrument cluster with white bakelite trimmed knobs and pulls below. Within a sweeping chrome band resides the heater slides, the factory AM radio, and obligatory clock. This car has not been equipped with the padded dash option. The original steering wheel protrudes from the dash and is white and turquoise plastic with a 2/3 circular horn ring. Like new turquoise carpet floods the floors, and the white headliner remains tight even though it had its fair share of ups and downs (tongue in cheek). Finishing our tour back in time are 2 tone turquoise door panels in vinyl that are highlighted with a bright trimming down low and a swooping textured insert in the center. It doesn't get much more late 1950's than this!

Drivetrain
A wonderfully restored blue valve covered 352ci V8 engine sits within a restored engine bay and appears clean. It is topped by a 4-barrel carburetor and correct blue air cleaner cover. A 2-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission and Ford 9” rear with 2.91 gears complete the drivetrain. We can see the electrical system still is being powered by a generator and the power steering unit appears like new.

Undercarriage
Lots of nice straight rust-free steel on the X frame. Plenty of rustproofing abounds underneath and the rockers are rust free. Independent coil springs upfront and leaf springs on the rear offer up a smooth ride, and drum brakes all around are noted. This appears strange, as there is no power booster, but we note the "Power Brake" brake pedal pad cover. Dual exhaust with stock style mufflers efficiently moves spent fossils to the rear of the car.
Drive-Ability
A little choke and a few preliminary pumps of the gas and she immediately came to life. Once warmed up, idled smoothly, had decent acceleration, and of course a smooth ride. Overall a nice car with a well-functioning hardtop, and excellent mechanicals.

In the late 1950's Ford was getting tromped by the Tri-Fives over at Chevy. So, they used what they knew best, that bringing innovation would attract attention. A very nice example which was given the once over with its frame off and well maintained by the owner since then. This car has had no detail overlooked, so you can play with that top all day. Grab a lawn chair, and a bottle or two of wine, and go find a show! This world truly revolves around the Sky-Liner…

VIN DECODE
H9RW126764
H-352ci V8 4bbl 300hp
9-1959
R-San Jose, CA Assy Plant
W-Galaxie Skyliner
126764-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 51A-Galaxie Skyliner
COLOR DE2-Indian Turquoise, Colonial White
TRIM 34-Beige Vinyl & Broadcloth
DATE 29M-December 29th Build
TRANS 3-Ford O Matic 2 Speed
AXLE 5-2.91 Conventional

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.