1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner (actual retractable top demo)

THESE CARS WERE MADE FOR THREE YEARS, 1957-58-59.

For a "glamor" full screen image of this car, click this link: http://www.jims59.com/FordsChryslersForeign/images/Rochester%2007%20Ford%20re...

Video from October 13 2007, demonstration of retractable top on a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner. Rochester Indiana Chili Cookoff and car show.

A series of switches, solenoids, motors and motor driven cables complete the complex operation of this 1950s mechanical wonder of American automotive ingenuity.

Movie by http://www.jims59.com

Thank you for watching

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• retractable
• ford
• skyliner
• 57
• 58
• 59
• 1958
• 1959
• chili
• cook
• off
• Rochester
• Indiana
• collector
• car
• vintage
• automobile
• auto
• hardtop
• convertible
• galaxie
• fairlane

[crazychiliquaker1959]

Where do you put your luggage when the top is down???

[jims59DOTcom]

@crazychiliquaker1959 There is a light gray color square metal box visible there in the center of the trunk. All items were stored inside that area when the top was down. In fact Ford made some special luggage sets that fit into that area perfectly. These are prized collectors items for retractable owners. Thank you for watching.

[born2soon]

@jims59DOTcom A neighbor kid had one of these in the early sixties. I remember looking in the trunk and seeing a long row of solenoids, like 27 or 28. He said if one didn't work, the whole thing didn't work. Is that right?

[jims59DOTcom]

@born2soon I can't answer your question, it's not my car. Thank you for watching my video.

[jims59DOTcom]

50,000 views! Thank you for watching :)

[sealerdave]

Why are you looking behind you ? is your red light not working on the dash ?

Just kiddin very nice I have a 57 also...

[jims59DOTcom]

I shot the video, I don't even know who owns the car. The kid is probably looking behind because that is Dad giving instructions standing back there at the rear of the car. Thank you for watching. Im happy for you that you own one also.. Congratulations.

[bagelboi66]

These are so amazing. I read somewhere many years ago, possibly Road & Track, that the top mechanism was so over-engineered that it was often the most reliable part of the car. And to think they did all this without computers. Great video, an enthusiastic 5 stars, and that's from a GM guy!

[genoteleno]

what a wonderful example of American engineering that was once the envy of the world. What's happened to the intellect of the American car industry, these days?!

[SneakyGuy55]

I bought this same model car in 1963. It was my very first car. If memory serves me (it's been almost 50 years ago) the "upper" color of my car was white and the "lower" color was the same as the car in this video. I loved it. The top only gave me trouble one time but I pushed the button again and it worked. It always got a lot of looks when I put the top up or down. I love it that I can see something on a "device" called a computer that shows my first car almost 50 year after I bought it.

[RedWolf3487]

I'll save up $5000+ and go back in time to get this car!

[MrNismoSR20]

Man, can you imagine the feelings and looks people had on their faces when they first saw this in 57'? Awesome. Just awesome.

[Benzfever]

What a beautiful piece of engineering... 1957 before all was electronically controlled on car.

[tomasmalin]

@itsmegp46 European Peugeot 401 Eclipse is the first hardtop convertible in the world with electric roof.

[DaBeastFoYoFlo]

@IFreakingEatPeople Wow!! That's nice, they're so rare today!!