This very rare supercharged F-code 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner has a retractable hardtop. It’s equipped with a 312/300hp overhead-valve V8 engine, 4-barrel Holley carburetor, McCulloch/Paxton VR57 centrifugal supercharger, automatic transmission, power steering, and Town and Country radio. Spearheaded by Chief of Styling George W. Walker, the 1957 Fords successfully challenged the norm and won. In short, it was the impact of the company’s ‘Equaflair’ styling expressed in its most appealing Fairlane series that boosted Ford’s reputation as a leader in car manufacturing. All of the refinements set forth in the new Fairlane helped to reassure buyers that they needn’t look elsewhere. In 1957, the Dearborn assembly plant made a limited number of F-code 312ci Thunderbird V8 engines fitted with a 4-barrel carburetor and a McCulloch/Paxton centrifugal supercharger, and a special cylinder head was fitted to these engines to keep the compression ratio 8:5:1 so they could drive on regular pump gas. The F-code engine was available on the Skyliner as a factory option with either a manual or automatic transmission. In total, only nineteen Fairlane 500s were fitted with both F-code engine and retractable hardtop, making the example here exceptionally rare.
A comprehensive restoration was performed less than 500 miles ago. The body was stripped to bare metal and after any needed bodywork was performed it was put on a rotisserie to assure it was painted just as nice on top as on the bottom. Finished in its factory original color of Colonial White with Red interior, it is truly a striking and desirable color combination. All of the Chrome and brightwork was replated and refinished to show quality. The power fully retractable folding top was completely rebuilt and works great. Truly an amazing thing to watch that draws crowds whenever it is in operation.
The complete Drivetrain, brakes, and suspension were rebuilt and properly detailed. The supercharged engine runs excellent and shifts firmly through the gears in the cruise o Matic automatic transmission, This was the highest horsepower engine available in the Ford Lineup for 1957. Handles well and stops evenly and straight.
This rare retractable is documented with its original Build Sheet from Ford Motor Co showing a build date of July 9th 1957 and shipping to its selling dealer, “Mission Motor Sales” in Mission, Kansas. Recently this year a brand new set of wire wheels from “Wheelsmith” were installed with new factory correct BF Goodrich Wide White tires. Fewer than 9 of these cars are believed to have survived today, you will not have to worry about running into another F Code retractable at the next car show it wins.
Worldwide shipping available, please email me for a Quote.
More Pictures and FINANCING available on my website www.TucsonClassics.com Thanks! Anthony
