Vehicle Description
This 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable is a super cool
retractable hardtop with a fantastic 50s look. Debuting in 1955,
Ford's Fairlane was an instant hit, so much so that Ford left the
majority of the design of the '56 Fairlanes alone except for a few
minor changes. In its 3rd year, Ford completely redesigned the look
of its top-of-the-line model, the Fairlane, giving it a more
updated, sleeker look. The bodies became longer and narrower, and
the rear quarters featured a new winged look, which together
simulated a more aerodynamic appearance. The front ends on Ford's
1957 products were also redesigned in 1957 which gave the cars a
streamlined look. 1957 was also a big deal for Ford because it
marked the introduction of the retractable hardtop, which had been
under development for a number of years. Originally slated for the
Continental Mark II, Ford incorporated the revolutionary
retractable design into its Fairlane. The retractable hardtop is a
mechanical sensation comprised of 10 solenoids, 7 high-torque
motors, 610 feet of wire, along with numerous relays and
microswitches, and it allows the hardtop to be mechanically lifted
off (and on) the Fairlane and stowed completely retracted into the
trunk area. When the new retractable hardtops debuted to the public
at the New York Auto Show on December 8, 1956, they were an instant
success with critics. It is also believed that despite selling
nearly 21,000 units, Ford was probably unable to recoup its entire
investment into the research and development of the retractable.
Under the hood on this '57 Skyliner is a 312 Cubic Inch V8 engine
with a single 2 barrel carburetor which is hooked up to an
Automatic Transmission that anybody can drive. Dual exhaust gives
this classic Ford retractable a nice throaty sound. With Power
Steering, getting in and out of tight spaces is made much easier
and the overall driving experience is much improved. The exterior
on this 1957 Ford has been refinished in a beautiful two-tone color
scheme comprised of Starmist Blue with Colonial White. Sitting on
whitewall radial tires with full Ford wheelcovers, this '57
Skyliner has a great look and an even better ride. The rear wheels
are also tucked behind a pair of beautiful fender skirts for that
classic 50s appearance. The front and rear bench seats have been
reupholstered in a beautiful Blue Vinyl with Blue Airweave Cloth
Inserts complementing the overall look of the car. The dash, door
panels, and steering wheel are all in nice shape as well and appear
to be in their stock configuration. The dash is equipped with a 120
MPH speedometer, temperature gauge and fuel gauge, along with an AM
radio and clock. A Sunpro oil pressure gauge has also been tucked
neatly under the dash for additional information. Whether you're
looking for your very first classic car or you're a retractable
aficionado, this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable would
be an excellent choice. Give us a call today!
*312 Cu. In. V8
*Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*Automatic Transmission
*Power Steering
*Dual Exhaust
*1 of 20,766 Skyliners Produced in 1957
*First Year for Skyliner Retractable Hardtop
*Starmist Blue/Colonial White Exterior
*Blue Vinyl Bench Seats w/ Blue Airweave Cloth Inserts
*Whitewall Radial Tires w/ Full Wheelcovers
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 807 Miles
