Vehicle Description
This 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable is a beautifully
restored, engineering marvel that everybody can enjoy. Throughout
its history, the Ford Motor Company has had strong track record for
creating some of the most revolutionary and iconic automobiles in
the United States. Just think, Ford changed automobile
manufacturing with its Model T, then introduced a mass-market V8 in
the 'Deuce Coupe' Model B, and then came along cultural icons such
as the Thunderbird, Mustang, and Bronco. However one oft-overlooked
revolution came on December 8, 1956 at the New York Auto Show, Ford
released its 1957 Skyliner Retractable hardtop on its Fairlane 500
platform which was completely redesigned from its previous two
iterations. The Skyliner was the first convertible of its kind,
that is, a hardtop convertible-something that is very much
commonplace amongst modern convertibles today. To retract (and
place) the hardtop, the car uses 10 solenoids, 7 high-torque
motors, 610 feet of wire, along with numerous relays and
microswitches making it truly a miraculous feat of engineering
especially for 1957. Interestingly, the retractable hardtop was
originally slated for Ford's top of the line Continental Mark II
but this idea was eventually scrapped for the Mark II and was later
integrated into Ford's Fairlane 500 instead. Ford spent millions
developing the unique design that combined the looks of a hardtop
with open feel of a convertible, but despite the Skyliner being a a
hit with critics, the company likely did not sell enough of them
(~21,000 units) to recoup its research and development investment.
This particular Skyliner was comes to us from a southern based
collector who purchased the car after it was completely restored in
2007. Powering this '57 Retractable is a 292 Cubic Inch V8 engine
paired with a single 2 barrel carburetor. The 292 V8 backs up to an
automatic transmission, ensuring that anybody can take this 50s
cruiser for a spin around the block. Dual exhaust gives this 1957
Skyliner a nice throaty sound. Getting in and out of those tight
spaces at is a total breeze since this Ford Skyliner is equipped
with power steering. The chrome and brightwork around the exterior
of this Ford Retractable is in wonderful condition. Riding on wide
whitewall radial tires that are wrapped around chrome wire wheels
with spinner hubcaps, this 1957 Skyliner has a fantastic look and
even better ride. The exterior has been refinished in a beautiful
two-tone paint scheme consisting of Torch Red and Colonial White,
which gives this Ford an iconic 50s look. The retractable hardtop
is painted in matching Torch Red paint and it goes up and down
easily with the simple push or pull of an under-dash button. The
interior on this 1957 Ford is absolutely stunning! The front and
rear bench seats have been reupholstered in Colonial White Vinyl
with Red Airweave Fabric inserts. The red painted dash, door
panels, and steering wheel all show well and appear to be in their
stock configuration. The dash is equipped with a 120 MPH
speedometer, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, AM push-button radio,
and clock. Whether you're an established blue oval collector or
you're looking to purchase your first classic car, this 1957 Ford
Fairlane 500 Skyliner would make an excellent choice. Give us a
call today!
*292 Cu. In. V8
*Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*Automatic Transmission
*Dual Exhaust
*Wide Whitewall Radial Tires on Chrome Wire Wheels
*Power Steering
*1 of 20,766 Produced
*Torch Red/Colonial White Exterior
*Colonial White Vinyl/Red Cloth Interior
*Continental Kit
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 38,700 Miles
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For more information and a current list of vehicles, call
763-428-7337.
