Vehicle Description
We feature a lot of Tri-5 droptops at Streetside Classics, but not
many of them are representatives of the Blue Oval. Despite large
production numbers, '57 Fords are still far more scarce than their
Chevy competitors, making this the car to own for the Ford guy in
love with the '50s. Powered by a strong 292 V8 and highlighted by
some of the best styling Ford ever delivered, this droptop is a
very special classic car that isn't seen very often.
The two-tone paint job, consisting of Colonial White over Flame
Red, makes this incredible Ford look about as long as a city block.
Dramatic styling was the Ford's biggest virtue, and with the
cut-outs around the fenders and faired-in tailfins, it looks like
nothing else on the road. Despite a few minor imperfections, finish
quality is great in just about every way with attention to detail,
precise gaps, and a finish that has a deep luster and shine up
wonderfully, especially under the sun where it belongs. It
certainly stands out in our showroom simply because of its curb
appeal and relative rarity; it's simply a super-cool '50s droptop.
And as a product of the fabulous '50s, there's a ton of chrome
(most notably the swooping profile trim with gold anodized aluminum
in the center), all of which appears to have been professionally
restored or replaced, a project that probably cost more than a new
Hyundai, and it really glitters against the two-tone paint. Ford's
familiar jet-inspired taillights look great on the Fairlane and it
proudly advertises that this is a top-of-the-line Fairlane 500 with
crisp script on each quarter panel. There's a continental kit out
back, which looks fantastic and adds a good bit of real estate to
the length of this beauty.
A glance inside this ragtop reveals a continuation of the original
themes, using period-correct red and white upholstery that's a
perfect complement to the white-on-red bodywork. There are almost
no signs of use, the seams are straight enough to have been made
with a ruler, and the newer carpets haven't been faded by the sun,
which is somewhat remarkable in a convertible like this. The
original gauges have likely been restored, as has the oversized
steering wheel, and you'll note just how clean the dials and
switches on the dash are as well. There's also a newer retro-style
AM/FM/cassette stereo that fits neatly in the center of the dash,
but you really have to look for that simple upgrade, a testament to
the quality of the build. A white power convertible top has brand
new parts, operates smoothly, fits snugly, and includes a plastic
rear window out back. It all stashes under a matching red vinyl
boot that gives the Fairlane a very smooth profile with the top
down. The massive trunk is nicely appointed, including a correct
mat as well as a full-sized, white-wall bias-ply spare tire with
jack assembly.
Swing the forward-hinged hood open and you'll find a neatly
installed 292 cubic inch V8 that delivers great Y-block power and
torque, adding to the car's Tri-5 character. With a big air cleaner
and black Thunderbird decals, the engine bay is largely correct for
the era, very honest, and impressive enough to show off to anyone
at the car show. You'll also note upgrades such as a giant modern
aluminum radiator with an electric fan and a dual exhaust that
provides a great note thanks to glasspack-style mufflers. A big
carburetor and that aforementioned upgraded exhaust give it a bit
more power and a great performance sound and the 3-speed automatic
transmission goes about its business without making a fuss. The
very solid and largely clean chassis is otherwise quite authentic,
so it rides and handles like a 1957 Ford should and it sits on
gorgeous steel wheels adorned with period Ford hubcaps, all of
which are wrapped with 8.00-14 Silvertown tubeless bias-ply
wide-whites that finish the correct look.
Beautifully finished, fully functional, and rather rare, this
incredible Ford represents the very best combination of restoration
and modification to create a car you'll look forward to driving as
often as possible. Call now!