Frame Off Restored Galaxie Skyliner 352 V8 2 Speed Automatic Ford 9" Factory A/C

SUMMARY

Fresh frame-off restoration
Equipped with air conditioning
Era-correct 352 cubic inch Thunderbird Special V8
2-speed automatic transmission
Factory power steering

In an age where brand aesthetics can easily hang around for a decade, it's hard to imagine any automaker turning out jaw-dropping but completely different designs for five years in a row. But, between 1955 and 1960, Ford did just that and, over time, each model has become an exalted classic. The 1959 Galaxie is one of the most sought after cars of its era, with examples like this professionally restored Skyliner serving as great reminders why. There's simply NOTHING like it on today's roads, and that's without factoring the car's 352 cubic inch Thunderbird Special V8, 2-speed automatic transmission or striking red-on-white color combination that's guaranteed to turn heads. So, if you're the kind of enthusiast who enjoys being the center of attention, take a minute to get to know this incredible Ford convertible!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Driven mere shakedown miles since completion and presenting much better than when it originally rolled down San Jose's storied assembly lines, this impressive drop-top has been transformed into a take-no-prisoners weekender that consistently headlines cruise nights. You won't be staying under the radar with its professionally finished Torch Red on Colonial White paintwork, which has been carefully applied over a very clean body. There are no obvious signs of wholesale panel replacement, suggesting the car has been a straight, rust-free shell its entire life. That shell's fit and finish is almost good enough to turn reflections into reality. And ultimately, everything adds up to one super cool cruiser that, thanks to its spectacular combination of color and trim, has an absolutely magnetic presence!

ENGINE

Tilt this Ford's sculpted hood and you'll find an era-correct, 352 cubic inch Thunderbird Special V8 that's fully rebuilt and dressed to impress. Introduced in 1958 as a high-end Ford and Mercury staple, this stout big block remained one of Dearborn's hottest factory options for many years. At the top of the Jet Black mill, a bright blue air cleaner draws wind in to a big 4-barrel carburetor that's juiced by a series of stainless fuel lines. Atomized octane passes through a cast iron intake manifold to correct, cast iron heads that are topped by painted and Ford-branded valve covers. At the front of those valve covers, a correct fan and modern AC compressor spin in unison as a tagged radiator keeps the block cool via pliable hoses and modern screw clamps. Spark comes courtesy of a traditional points distributor, which sequences fire between a Ford coil and fresh plug wires. Aesthetically, this convertible's bay presents a clean, mostly authentic appearance all the way from its Sparton horn and fresh decals to its reproduction battery and Motorcraft oil filter. And best of all, the 300 horsepower engine fires instantly and sounds surprisingly beefy breathing through OEM-style exhaust.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

At the bottom of this Galaxie, a fully sorted undercarriage houses typically over-restored floors that are bolted to lots of factory-correct components. Nice enough to show but still fully drivable, this is the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like to display their car AND enjoy fun-filled weekends. Behind the beefy powerplant, a stalwart 2-speed automatic transmission spins torque to a familiar Ford 9-inch that's fitted with pleasant, highway-friendly gears. The car's suspension remains close to its original configuration, with factory power steering complementing factory control arms and traditional leaf springs. All of the chassis' parts are free of weathering, reinforcing the idea that this Skyliner has seen only break-in miles since its complete overhaul. Braking is quick and adequate thanks to fresh drums that occupy all for corners of that chassis. And on the outside of those drums, freshly painted wheels spin 215/75R14 Eldorado whitewalls around ornate stainless hub caps.

INTERIOR

2-tone paint is legendary for its characteristically '50s feel. And when paired with this convertible's airy interior, it creates the perfect culmination of style and sophistication. Thanks to high quality plastic covers, the car's broad bench seats will remain livable for years to come. There's tight carpet that, thanks to low miles, still features rich black loops. Front and center, a 2-tone dash hangs restored Ford telemetry next to a correct radio and modern air conditioning. At the sides of that dash, hip door panels center chrome handles and sculpted armrests above flashy, Ford-branded sills. And in front of the driver, a white-tinged steering wheel spins a stylized rim around a chrome, Ford-branded horn ring.

This first class Ford is a nicely polished piece of jet-age magic that's ready to be shown and celebrated. With its sturdy 352/automatic drivetrain, streetability certainly won't be a problem. And the car's impressive interior is every bit as welcoming now as it was when new. If you're looking for a top-notch classic to add to your collection, call and claim this incredible Skyliner!