1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner (rear view). Ford introduced the first mass production retractable hardtop in 1957. Called "Skyliners", Ford offered these "Hardtop Convertibles" in three model years 1957-1958-1959. With a "flick of the switch", the top would disappear into the trunk, and wah!lah! Instant Convertible. These are favorites among today's collectors.