Welcome to the IFRC Forum
Welcome to the International Ford Retractable Club's Forum. If you have questions on the
1957, 1958, or 1959 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop, post it as a new thread if you cannot find the subject as an existing thread. Since the forum is new as of November, 2010, it will take some time for the forum to gain content. Your questions will help in that regard. We want to hear from you
Ben Smith receiving a birthday present from his family.
Hello my name is Carl Laskey. My wife and I are members of the New England Skyliners. We had the privilege of meeting Ben Smith and his family on Saturday at Kathy and Al Doner's home in Connecticut.
Ben's family had his car restored in secret by Ben's son. With Al's experience he was able to get the top to work perfectly.
It was a lovely day and Ben gave a talk that included all the details how the retractable came to be. He delineated all of the hurdles he had to overcome and all the times he was told it could not be done. It was an amazing story perticually since he was only 30 when he started this journry. He kept us revited for an hour.
We were able to purchase a book that chronicles the entire story. If you would like a copy of this booklet, you can obtain it for $10.00. Contact Skyliners of Arizona Car Club c/of Secretary, Jill Jordan, 19535 West Ramos Land, Buckeye, AZ,85326
PS: I had a photograph of the prototype car with a group of men standing along side of it. I assumed that the man in the photo with the sunglasses on was Ben Smith. He informed me that it was not Ben Smith, because it was he that took the photo. We all had a good laugh and Ben still kept the picture.
It was a great day and a great experience.
Carl & Sandy Laskey:cool: We have photos of the event . Can you please email instructions on how to post on them.
EMAIL: slaskey@vermontel.net or call at 802-325-2025