Vehicle Description
This 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable is a beautifully
restored, mechanical sensation. Initially introduced to the public
on December 8, 1956 at the New York Auto Show, the '57 Skyliner
Retractable had actually been in the works for several years. The
revolutionary design that combined the looks of a hardtop with open
feel of a convertible, where the hardtop completely retracted into
trunk area in the rear, was actually a feature that was slated for
Ford's top of the line Continental Mark II. Eventually the
retractable was scrapped for the Mark II but was later integrated
into Ford's Fairlane 500 instead. Utilizing 10 solenoids, 7
high-torque motors, 610 feet of wire, along with numerous relays
and microswitches, the retracting hardtop is truly a miraculous
feat of engineering. The unique design was a hit with critics and
Ford nearly 21,000 of them, but likely did not sell enough of them
to recoup the millions of dollars its spent on its research and
development costs. This particular '57 Ford Skyliner comes to us
from the collection of a prominent late 50s Ford collector who is
said to have purchased this car from its original owner. Under the
hood on this 1957 Ford Skyliner is a 312 Cubic Inch V8 Engine
paired with a single 4 barrel carburetor that pushed out 245
horsepower in its day. Dual exhaust gives this classic Ford cruiser
a nice throaty sound. The 312 V8 is hooked up to a Ford-O-Matic
Automatic Transmission that makes this car easy to drive for just
about anybody. This '57 Fairlane 500 is a well-optioned retractable
as well! Power brakes provide plenty of stopping power for the
strong powerplant under the hood. With power steering, getting in
and out of tight spaces is made much easier. The exterior on this
1957 Retractable Convertible has been refinished in a beautiful
two-tone paint scheme comprised of Willow Green and Colonial White.
This '57 Ford rides on 4 wide whitewall bias-ply tires with full
wheelcovers which give this car a truly classic look from every
angle. Of course, the metal retractable hardtop works great! With
the simple push or pull of the button, the hardtop rises and
retracts into the trunk just like it did back in 1957. The interior
on this 1957 Fairlane Skyliner is fantastic! The front and rear
bench seats have been beautifully reupholstered in Green Vinyl with
Airweave Fabric inserts. The dash, door panels, visors, and
steering wheel are all in wonderful shape as well. The dash is in
its stock configuration and is equipped with a 120 MPH speedometer,
temperature gauge, fuel gauge, clock and AM radio. Whether you're
looking for your very first classic car or you have a garage full
of late 50s Fords, this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable
would be an excellent choice. Give us a call today!
*312 Cu. In. V8
*Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
*Power Brakes
*Power Steering
*Previously Owned By Prominent 50s Ford Collector
*Retractable Hardtop Works Great!
*Willow Green/Colonial White Exterior
*Green Vinyl/Airweave Cloth Interior
*Dual Exhaust
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 63,300 Miles
