Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz Love the Ford Retractable Ford Motor Company Produced the Retractable Hardtop "Skyliner" from 1957 through 1959. It was the first retractable hardtop to be mass produced. The top sequences through each motion controlled by solenoids, micro-switches, and motors, and is operated with one switch located at the left side of the steering column. Check out the video below and watch as Lucy & Desi demonstrate how the retractable top works!  This is classic television!