1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner

The Tupelo Automobile Museum Auction|27 April 2019, 10:00 CDT|The Tupelo Automobile Museum

1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
Chassis no. D7UW180971

312ci OHV V8
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
225bhp
2-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent with Live Rear Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Innovative power hard top
*Fully Restored
*Plenty of V8 Power
*Redolent 1950s two tone paint

THE FAIRLANE 500 SKYLINER

The Ford Fairlane Skyliner can claim to be America's first production convertible to feature a retractable hardtop. Introduced as Ford's top-of-the-range model in 1955, the Fairlane was rival to Chevrolet's successful Bel Air and came in six different body styles with a choice of six-cylinder or V8 engines. The range was re-styled for 1957, gaining new, lower bodies adorned with the latest styling fad – tail fins - and the Fairlane 500 introduced as the ultimate trim level. '57 was also notable as the year of the Skyliner's introduction. Considerably more expensive than the conventional Sunliner convertible, the Skyliner featured a hardtop that, at the touch of a button, automatically retracted back into the boot. For its last, 1959, year of production the Skyliner was both re-engineered and re-styled, becoming part of the new range-topping Galaxie line-up, though continuing to be badged as a Fairlane 500.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This splendid two tone white over red 1957 Ford is a spectacular example of one the company's most innovative vehicles. While little is known about the car's earliest history, photos on file show that the car was subject to a substantial restoration project in what appear to be the late 1980s or early 1990s. The frame and body are shown to have been separated for reconditioning, and as such, have been thoroughly sorted out along with the drivetrain. Furthermore, the motor now found under the hood was the top range 312ci "Thunderbird Special" which provides more than enough power for the convertible. The Ford was purchased at some point during the 90s to be included within the Tupelo Automobile museum and appears in very good condition today.

Representing Ford at their most creative, the Skyliner is a wonderful look at 1950s engineering solutions and will surely be a welcome addition to any collection.

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