1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner
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 the back of its rear seat, giving the car added safety in the event of a rear end collision. This car comes to our Hallowed Halls showing as an older restoration with a title verified 120,376 miles on the odometer and 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, Torch Red and Colonial White two tone steel slab sider presents in near showroom condition on the paint checklist with just a few obligatory touch ups for this car 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. 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 tail lights. 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.
Interior
In full vinyl and cloth jackets, the dual benches in the passenger area are wrapped in Torch Red vinyl bolsters and Raven Black cloth inserts with smooth white vinyl surrounds. These are like new, obviously recovered 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. More Torch Red bathes the steel dash which is fitted with the correct instrument cluster with white bakelite trimmed knobs and pulls below and a padded red vinyl topper above. Within a sweeping chrome band resides the heater slides, the factory AM radio, obligatory clock, and down below we see an under dash AC unit. The original steering wheel protrudes from the dash and is white and red plastic with a 2/3 circular horn ring. Like new black 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 red and black 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 consignor-stated 352ci V8 engine sits within a restored engine bay and appears clean. It is topped by a 2-barrel carburetor and correct blue air cleaner cover. A 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission and Ford 9" rear with 3.10 gears complete the drivetrain. We can see the electrical system is still 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 save for a slight miss in the engine. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
In the late 1950's Ford was getting trumped by the Tri-Fives over at Chevrolet. 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 restoration 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!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised pric
