This 1958 Skyliner owned by Ron and Ann Edward of Southgate, Michigan, is one of the cars you'll see at the International Ford Retractable Club Convention July 18-21.
Dozens of cool classic convertibles will cruise the city’s streets during the 52nd Annual International Ford Retractable Club Convention July 18-21 in Springfield.
Up to 250 collectors will be in the city with Fords that rolled off the assembly line with retracting hardtops, the first of that type of convertible that was mass-produced. The cars feature a powered hardtop that folds into the car’s trunk. About 50,000 Skyliners were sold from 1957-59.
Owners of the rare classic cars gather annually to show off their Skyliners to other owners and the public.
Skyliners will be seen throughout the city during the convention, but to see them en masse, people can watch the group’s car cruise beginning at 6 p.m. on July 20 at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center. Cars will leave the hotel and cruise parade-style as convention attendees head to dinner at restaurants throughout the city.
“We are excited to welcome the 52nd Annual International Ford Retractable Club Convention to Springfield and see these wonderful cars in our community,” said Mark Hecquet, president/CEO of the CVB. “Group business is vital to our local tourism economy, supporting our restaurants, hotels, retail establishments, and attractions.
This is one of dozens of conventions that take place in Springfield annually. The group is expected to have an economic impact of $119,000, adding to Greene County’s $918 million tourism industry.
To learn more about the group and convention, visit http://skyliner.org/ and www.facebook.com/InternationalFordRetractableClub.
About the CVB
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Greene, Christian and Polk counties in southwest Missouri. Based in Springfield, the region's largest metro area, the CVB is dedicated to driving the local economy through marketing and sales initiatives that grow our convention, group, sports, meeting, and leisure tourism industry. Learn more at SpringfieldMO.org.
