Ford Fairline 500 skyliner

The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner produced from 1957-1959 was the world’s first retractable hardtop convertible to be produced commercially. The idea to combine attributes of hardtops and convertible was old but reasserted at Ford in 1950's with the groundwork on the project starting in 1953. The sequence of events in the retraction of hardtop was simple- the machinery would have to be unlatched and raise the rear deck, rear top, pivot the top back and down into the space provided for it, then close and latch the decklid but the mechanism that finally evolved was hugely complex. A separate production line had to be set up for the Skyliner. Fairlanes had a longer wheelbase than other models and the engine offerings were variations of V8 giving 190-270 HP.
This vehicle includes chrome window moldings with slightly less chrome around the "C" Pillar. Fairlane side chrome began just behind the front door. It then followed the fin forward to its source dropped over the side and swept back at 45 degree angle. Head lights are placed above the grille. The word Fairlane appeared in script, on the side of the front fenders and above the grille. A large V shaped Fairlane crest appeared on the trunk lid. It is operated by petrol engine.

Specifications :

Wheelbase - 118 inches
Engine type - V 8 L head
Cylinders- 8