The 1956 Ford (and its model shown here)
In 1954, production Ford Fairlane Victoria Coupes adopted the glass roof panel for a special model, which was dubbed both “the Ultra-Modern Skyliner” and the “glamour gal of the ’54 season.” As fascinating and dramatic as the feature was, it did have its drawbacks; namely, it turned the interior into a greenhouse in sunny weather, which was a problem that was eventually addressed with zip-in sunshades and widely ordered factory Select Aire air conditioning.
Total Skyliner production for 1954 was 13,444 units, which was sufficient to continue the style to the handsomely restyled 1955 and 1956 models. Ford moved the “bubbletop” up market, making it a variant of the new, top-of-the-line Fairlane Crown Victoria, which had its distinctive non-structural chrome roof band, dubbed the “tiara” or “basket handle.” This final version of the Skyliner saw production of 1,999 units in 1955 and another 603 in 1956, after which the glass roof became a thing of future’s past.
Of the 603 Skyliners produced in 1956, few remain. They are the rarest and most desirable of all Crown Victorias, and they are one of the most fiercely sought-after Fords of the Fabulous Fifties.
Folks shopping for the loaded '55 or '56 Chevy Bel Air hardtops undoubtedly took a second look at the Crown Vics. A few Ford enthusiasts bought them new or close to new, knowing in 2015 they would bring a premium perhaps. Always a show-stopper.
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