See-Thru Roof Project: 1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner
Most folks recall the Ford Skyliner as the quirky retractable hardtop they sold between 1957 and 1959. But before that, it was used to describe a 2-door hardtop with a transparent section of the roof in 1954 and 1956. It was part of the Crestliner lineup in 1954, but as a Fairlane two years later when that moniker took the lead. The seller’s 1954 edition is a project that was running several years ago when a disassembly and restoration was started (but stopped).
Not to be confused with the Sunliner convertible, the Skyliner had a fixed metal roof (at least before 1957). The idea behind the see-through roof was to provide passengers with access to plenty of sunshine on pretty days. But with the benefit also came a liability in the form of extra heat and discomfort on really hot days. And that’s even with the transparent glass being tinted. In 1954, more than 13,000 copies of the Skyliner were sold and Mercury offered a similar product called the Sun Valley.
As the story goes, the seller’s sister’s husband bought this Ford about seven years and began taking it apart. The front clip and trunk lid aren’t pictured, but we’re told they’re in another part of the barn and will go with the sale. So perhaps the vehicle is complete with an indicated 78,000 miles. We’re told it has a factory-installed Thunderbird engine, but that car didn’t debut until 1955 and sources for the Skyliner indicate a 239 cubic inch “flathead” V8 was the only option over the standard six-banger.
The engine turns over by hand, but given the overall condition of what we can see, I would think a rebuild of the motor and 3-speed manual transmission (per the seller) will be in order. And will rust be found with the body and chassis? Located in Sandusky, Ohio, this interesting project can be yours for “just” $2,000 here on Facebook Marketplace. Be the only kid on your block to have a Skyliner! Our thanks to Barn Finder “Ted” for this DIY tip!
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Comments
Four white over green cars on the same page! Thanks, and keep the green ones coming!
Overhead valve engine came in ’54. This is either a transplant or T-Bird valve covers. 2K about what this car is worth.
It should have been born with a “Y” Block 239. First year of the non flat heads.
Easy bake oven…
A small correction: The plexiglas Skyliner hardtop was made in 1954 only. The same option became available on the Crown Victoria in 1955 & 1956. The way it was mentioned in the article above, made it sound like 1954 and 1956 were the only years it was made. Not true.
I could have bought a really nice one of these, white with the greenish tinted roof, for $3000…back in 1986 when a friend of mine was selling his.
Technically, the author is correct. The name “Skyliner” was used for the see-through roof cars in 1954 and 1956 only. For 1955, Ford called it the “Fairlane Crown Victoria with transparent top.”
I get tired and feel my bank account dwindling, just looking at this poor Ford.
I guess the plexiglass roof is probably worth the asking price if you’re looking for one, but I dont think anyone is going to try and restore this basket case – probably only good as a parts car now
The correct engine is a 239 cu in. But not the flathead it is the first of the Y blocks. Ford must of loved the number 239— Then 272, 292, and 312 for Y blocks.
Was the 289 also a Y block?
Nope. 221/260/289 were much more modern than the Y block. Smaller, lighter, more compact.
“See thru “, this one, and head for the door.
Very cool car. Basket cases are a huge pain, but this is a solid, unaltered (I expect), and desirable car. Well worth restoring if it’s bought right.
Nice parts car.
I’ve always loved these. It’s weird, I have very distinct memories of seeing 3-4 of them racing figure 8’s at one of our local race tracks every Saturday night! I’m past the time of being able to take this one on but if I could it’d be a restomod!