1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner

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
*Comes from a private car collection
*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 Dresden Blue over Colonial White 1957 Ford is a spectacular example of one the company's most innovative vehicles. While little is known about the car's earliest history, the consignor has owned this convertible since 2006, after the car was purchased from a classic car dealer prior to it being obtained from another private collection. Being one of the most innovative cars of the era, having the first convertible hardtop on a production motor vehicle, the car was also amongst the most expensive in Ford's lineup, with a base price of a whopping $2,942 in 1957. 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 underhood presentation is in excellent shape and aged quite gracefully. Many of the Ford inspection stamps are still visible.

This numbers matching example was the recipient of a quality restoration some years ago, still presenting beautifully today. The brightwork on the car is in fine condition, still showing a beautiful shine and deep luster. This convertible was quite innovative for its time, being the only push button retractable hardtop convertible production vehicle of its time. The two-tone light blue interior is in excellent condition and a wonderful match for the similar exterior, still presenting beautifully. Replete with color matched rear fender skirts, the car has an unmistakable clean look, even with the top up or down. The car will come with its factory jack. With the odometer posting only 58,615 miles at the time of cataloging, this mileage is considered to be true when represented by the fine condition of this Ford. This Skyliner is ready to be driven and enjoyed with plenty of top-down fun. 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.