This 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable is an absolutely
stunning, well-optioned mechanical marvel that is sure to impress!
Throughout its storied history, the Ford Motor Company has
demonstrated a remarkable gift for reinvention - from the
assembly-line Model T that democratized the automobile, to the
mass-market V8 that powered a generation, to cultural touchstones
like the Thunderbird and the Mustang. Yet one of Ford's most
breathtaking achievements remains surprisingly underappreciated:
the 1957 Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable Hardtop. The Fairlane
itself had already proven its appeal. When it debuted in 1955, it
was an instant hit - so much so that Ford left the 1956 model
largely untouched. But 1957 brought a complete reinvention. The
body grew longer and more slender, the rear quarters adopted a
dramatic new winged silhouette, and a restyled front end gave the
entire car a streamlined, aerodynamic presence that felt genuinely
modern. It was Ford's boldest design statement in years. Unveiled
to the public on December 8, 1956, at the New York Auto Show, the
Skyliner Retractable was unlike anything the automotive world had
ever seen - the first true hardtop convertible of its kind, a
concept now commonplace in modern cars but utterly revolutionary
for its era. The idea had actually been in development for years,
originally conceived for Ford's prestigious Continental Mark II.
When that plan was scrapped, Ford's engineers pivoted, integrating
the retractable system into the Fairlane 500 platform instead - and
the result was nothing short of extraordinary. At the heart of the
Skyliner is a mechanical marvel: 10 solenoids, 7 high-torque
motors, 610 feet of wiring, and a network of relays and
microswitches that work in concert to lift the steel hardtop
completely free of the body and stow it seamlessly into the trunk.
It offered drivers the sleek, buttoned-up look of a hardtop and the
open-air freedom of a convertible - achieved not by hand, but by
the push of a button. Critics were captivated at the New York
debut, and Ford ultimately sold 20,766 units. Even so, the
investment was so vast that Ford likely never fully recouped its
research and development costs - a testament to just how far ahead
of its time the Skyliner truly was. Powering this '57 Skyliner is a
312 cubic inch V8 engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor.
Exhaust exits this Ford's powerplant via a dual exhaust setup that
produces a terrific sounding rumble out the tailpipes. The Ford
Y-Block is backed by a Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission that
makes this Fairlane 500 an easy car for anybody to drive and enjoy.
This 1957 Ford Skyliner is oozing with fantastic and desirable
options! This particular '57 Skyliner Retractable comes with one of
the best options on any classic Ford - that being, power steering
since it makes squeezing into a space at the local car show or
drive-in feel almost effortless. Providing further aid in tricky
parking situations, as well as the occasional lane change, are a
pair of fender mounted chrome outside mirrors that give you much
better visibility down the sides of this Fairlane. The exterior
also sports several delightful trim upgrades including a rear
decklid-mounted antenna as well as an optional front bumper guard.
Furthermore, a rear-mounted continental kit houses a covered spare
tire that is both functional (in a pinch) and adds to the overall
luxurious look of this iconic Ford. Likewise, chrome wire wheels
with spinner hubcaps, paired with a set of wide whitewall radial
tires, give this 1957 Skyliner its incredibly upscale look and even
better ride. Additionally, the rear wheels tuck neatly behind a set
of color-matched removable fender skirts that further add to the
upscale look of this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500. The Flame Red
retractable hardtop works great, raising and lowering easily with
the flick of a switch. The exterior has been refinished in a
beautiful two-tone paint scheme consisting of Colonial White over
Flame Red that completes the exterior look of this gorgeous Fifties
Ford. The interior of this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
Retractable is absolutely stunning! The front and rear bench seats
have restored in two-tone Red and Ivory upholstery that wonderfully
matches the exterior of this Skyliner. The red carpeting, matching
upholstered door panels, red and ivory trimmed dash, and steering
wheel are all in fantastic shape as well while retaining a
wonderful stock appearance. Perhaps the best interior feature of
this '57 Skyliner Retractable is its air conditioning system that
is mounted neatly underneath the dash, allowing you to stay cool
while cruising even on the hottest summer days. The instrument
cluster comes equipped with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature
gauge, and fuel gauge, along with indicator lights for generator
charging and oil pressure. The dash is finished off with a clock,
glovebox, and upgraded retro-style AM/FM/Cassette entertainment
system allowing you to listen to all of your tunes while cruising
down the road. Whether you're buying your very first classic car or
you're adding to your existing FoMoCo collection, this 1957 Ford
Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable would make an excellent choice.
Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
*312 Cu. In. V8
*Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
*Wide Whitewall Radial Tires on Chrome Wire Wheels w/ Spinners
*Power Steering
*Upgraded Air Conditioning
*Revolutionary Power Retractable Hardtop
*Refinished in Colonial White over Flame Red
*Bench Seats Reupholstered in Red and Ivory
*Optional Continental Kit & Fender Skirts
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 5,725 Miles
If an inaccurate automobile price is inadvertently listed on this
Website, Seller reserves the right to NOT honor the erroneous
price. All vehicles over 20 years old are sold "mileage
exempt."
For more information and a current list of vehicles, call
763-428-7337.
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