Vehicle Description
This 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria, 2dr Hardtop, VIN
D7LV165389, was originally equipped 312 Cubic Inch 4bbl, now
sporting a custom built 428 Cobra Jet, made to run fast and idle
cool. The transmission was also updated to a C6 Automatic, backed
by a Ford 9" rear end. She was born and is today California car,
manufactured at the Long Beach plant, and currently resides in
Costa Mesa, ever her 2008 restoration. She is factory VE trim code
Flame Red and Colonial White outside and White Vinyl & Red
Silver-Shadow Fabric on the inside. High quality materials and
workmanship are evident in all areas of the automobile. The
interior was restored to factory specifications from LeBaron
Bonney. She drives out strong and rides smooth, just like you'd
expect a big body, big block Ford should.
This car has been professionally inspected by an independent 3rd
party in several areas including vehicle mechanicals, paint, and
body, this description is based on this non-biased inspection.
Engine Bay:
The engine bay is super clean, a tasteful blend of vintage COBRA
livery and finned aluminum billet trim pieces. You will notice also
the high capacity aluminum radiator, dual master cylinder, and
Classic Auto Air conditioning. The engine bay and drivetrain are in
"show ready" condition with no sign of leaks, weeps, or seeps.
Interior:
Fully restored, using nothing but the best available materials. All
soft trim was sourced from LeBaron Bonney. The odometer shows 58,
165, but has only traveled a few hundred miles since its
restoration. The vacuum windshield wipers were updated to electric.
She is also equipped with power steering, the fuel pump, also
electric. All gauges, accessories, and electrical components are
fully operational with one exception. The rear passenger window
goes up and down with the switch below window, and only 'up' but
not 'down' from the driver's control panel. It is an issue likely
solved with some contact cleaner. The AM/FM radio works, the CD
player rides in the trunk. The Classic Auto Air blows nice and
cold.
Exterior:
This big, beautiful Ford was born at the Long Beach Assembly Plant
and still lives to this day in Costa Mesa, California. The only
blemish of noted in the inspector's report is a small chip in the
rear deck lid and a small scratch under the emblem. The inspector
noting that trunk lid fits slightly tighter on the left. Overall,
paint is in excellent condition, showing bright, straight and
smooth. Panel gaps are even, and alignment exceeds the original fit
and finish from the factory. Glass, chrome and trim are also in
excellent condition.
Chassis:
The chassis and suspension are likewise clean as a whistle, new
brake and fuel lines, all the suspension components are fully
restored and in "as new" condition. The C6 automatic transmission
and 9" rear end are likewise newly rebuilt as part of the
restoration. The power brakes are front disc and rear drum. The 14"
steel wheels are shod in wide whites, painted steelies, and factory
hub caps. The quality is consistent with a restoration that began
as a dry California car to start and ended up a driven sparingly,
stored in a climate controlled private museum between outings.
If you are looking for a fabulous '57 that looks hot and cool at
the same time, this is the one!