We are all very familiar with the Ford motorcar and its huge impact on the motoring world. Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford in Michigan, the company has been at the forefront of automotive innovation and design for more than a century across the world. 

In the early years, Ford produced affordable cars for the masses, such as the Model T. From the earliest days the profits were ploughed back into modernization, which has enabled it to be one of the car makers other manufacturers try to emulate. 

In the 1950s and 1960s innovation was cutting edge and Ford introduced a lot of modern features, including more luxurious and technologically advanced models, such as this marvellous Fairlane 500 Skyliner Galaxie. 

The Galaxie was introduced in 1959 as a top-of-the-range model and was available in several body styles, including convertible, hardtop, and saloon, the convertible being the one that made the hearts of middle America flutter as it looked so glamorous.

This new model helped Ford to all but tie rival Chevrolet for number one in industry sales. Ford called this range “the world’s most beautifully proportioned cars.” 

This fine example of a Skyliner Galaxie we have for auction is part of the Fairlane 500 line in its final year of production. As well as air conditioning and power steering, this model boasted the renowned and technically brilliant electric retractable roof. 

The retractable hardtop roof of the Skyliner Galaxie was a major selling point of the car at the time (and hugely expensive) and went on to adorn Lincoln Continentals as it was so good. 

This Galaxie example, which was imported from California in 1990 has been well stored and cosseted and still retains all its original features including the space age reflective silver door cards and attractive interior. 

The stunning paintwork is gleaming and has one of the most popular colour combinations of Torch Red and White. 

Ford were at the top of their game when this car was produced, and we can imagine it was the envy of the street parked up in the driveway. We’d say it still is too, what’s not to love? Stunning colours, comfort, and room also don’t forget the fabulous Ford V8 engine.

The car comes with very little paperwork. When the current vendor bought the car in 1990 none of the import documents were present as they had been sent off to get the UK V5 certificate. Somewhere along the line the documents went missing. The vendor feels the V5 being present is proof enough that the vehicle is registered in the UK and all duties were paid when imported.

There are three booklets with the car. The one with the roof wiring diagram is particularly interesting and although the roof itself is in fine shape with all the mechanicals working as they should (and very quietly too) It’s always a good idea to have them to hand just in case. There is an owner’s manual and a booklet about Owners Facts for the 59 fords.

The vendor states the car was originally from California and has the old number plate at the front, which is just for show. The sunshine certainly hasn’t faded the paint, but it has meant the underside is very well preserved.

We have been advised the registration number XSV423 on the vehicle is valued at £1500. 

The interior is a beautiful place to be. Especially as we were there as the sun was beaming down enabling us to have a good test of the retracting roof.   The power steering is working well with no squeaks and the Bakelite and chrome steering wheel is in good condition, albeit for a bit of pitting on the chrome work.

The original red and cream interior is in fine but used condition. It shows a little wear on the strips of material where the fabric has come away from the stitching on the seat. These will need attention to keep the original interior of the car as they could spread with use. 

The red leather seat material is sun bleached on the extreme edges, but the vendor tells us this can easily be re-dyed and as there are no cracks to see they could come up like new. The vendor wanted to leave the car in its original condition so has never considered getting them done in the past as he feels it’s part of the car’s personality.

There are signs of red paint over-spray inside the glove compartment. This was done before 1990 as the current owner has never done any touch ups. It’s hard to confirm if the whole dashboard was also sprayed as well as the glove box surround. 

The manual window winders work efficiently and smoothly and blend nicely into the glittering chrome plastic door cards.

The air conditioning works efficiently and the controls on the dashboard are a lovely cream Bakelite making them extremely tactile to use. The original clock and radio are both in place and blend beautifully into the dashboard.

The fully fitted carpets are like new and the vendor thinks these could be the originals. If they have been replaced though it would have been over 33 years ago so either way, they are wearing extremely well.

There is a lot of room in the car, at the back you have room to stretch out and the front is spacious especially as it has a bench seat and the column ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ automatic 3 speed gearchange on the wheel which frees up the floor for legroom over the width of the car.

The original foil door panels look very space age and have aged well. There is also the button on the left of the brake for dipping the headlights which is a nice detail.

Everything appears to work well, and the vendor tells us the electrics are checked often.

Access to the ‘tub’ storage area in the boot is achieved when the roof is being put up and down so even though the retractable roof takes up a lot of the boot area, there is still a bit of space for a suitcase and vanity bag.

This is where the car has real kerb appeal. The paintwork is glorious, and the vendor tells us the paintwork is all original with no signs of being touched up in his ownership since 1990.

We have been informed the sills are original and show only slight discolouration on the underside.

There are some light bubbling areas on the boot  and bonnet edge, door bottoms and lower wheel arch. These have appeared with age and the owner has decided to leave them as is. They would need attention at some point if the car was to be classed as concourse.

The window rubbers and surrounds are in good condition, there are a few bits of cracking on some of the rubber seals around the beautiful chrome rear wheel protective covers.

The chrome work around the car is generally good with light pitting. The bumpers will need a re-chrome to bring up to the standard of the rest of the car as they have been sprayed silver at some point before 1990, by a previous owner. 

The whitewall tyres look to be quite old but on viewing appear to be in excellent condition with no cracking. They are the tyres that came with the car though so would need a close inspection before use.

The current owner has had the car professionally undersealed every four years to keep the metalwork in good condition. The underside is very clean with only a few signs of weathering and residue from the transmission.

The retractable roof mechanisms operate effortlessly and beautifully. The front lip of the retracting roof folds down smoothly and seals well when extended. The function of the roof mechanism is so graceful and hypnotic we were tempted to just play with it all day. Instead of the typical hydraulic mechanisms used by other cars, this Skyliner model top uses six reversible electric motors  and has proved to be a reliable system, standing the test of time. 

Of course, it’s not all about the roof, there are other stylish areas of the car to consider such as the rear lights, huge rear wings and star shaped front grill. At every angle this car looks like a masterpiece.

The Ford mechanicals have proved to be efficient too. There has been little need to replace any mechanical parts except for a new fuel pump recently fitted. The fluids are changed every year to keep things fresh.

The brakes do stop the heavy car well but might need bleeding as they have gone a bit spongy.

There is a dual exhaust system in place ensuring the car rumbles nicely with the V8 engine but stays relatively quiet as so no to announce your arrival at a show too early.

The vendor tells us the car has its original gearbox and this works well. The vendor also informs us that all the switches and electrics work as they should.

One area that could need a clean is the engine bay. It is tidy but could do with a clean to bring up to show standard.

The car has its original standard 292 cu in (4.8 L) 2-barrel 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) V8 engine and runs well with the beautiful V8 tone from the dual exhaust system we mentioned earlier.

Being stored in a dry shed, run regularly, and serviced annually has helped the car to be free of any known mechanical issues says the vendor. 

The Ford Galaxie Skyliner was praised for its stylish design, luxurious interior, and powerful engines and even today we can see why. This car is certainly a fashion trend of the 1950’s that has never gone out of style. 

This top of the range Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Galaxie is an amazing two-door full-size retractable hardtop convertible that has aged beautifully, keeping all its original features.

At the time of manufacture, the retractable roof was the most remarkable piece of technology available and is a massive point of interest for the vehicle. 

The roof of course is just one of the reasons this car is so endearing. Everything about it was, and is, a style statement, from its glistening chrome plastic door cards, overhanging curved windscreen edges that merge into the doors, V shaped boot lid and rocket shaped rear lights. It’s all there, encapsulating a time in American history where everyone was looking to the stars.

Combined with the swish luxury and wafting presence, this car could be a real showstopper and attention grabber for businesses as well as a fine showpiece at events. 

Having been in the one family for 33 years the owners feel it’s time for someone else to use and enjoy the vehicle. It could simply be appreciated as it is and driven at the weekends alternatively says the vendor, with very little work it could be a real prize winner.

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