For Sale: 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner

"The 1957 models-the newest Fords since 1949-featured a redesigned chassis, which permitted a lower body profile. A new top series Fairlane 500 and newly mid range Fairlane shared a lengthened 118 inch wheelbase. In dealerships across America, the amazing Fairlane 500 Skyliner drew crowds with every demonstration of its self storing metal top. Even now, Crown Victorias rule among 1955-'56 enthusiasts, while the Skyliner retractable hardtop is a '50s icon. Although Ford outsold Chevrolet for the model year, 1957 Fairlane 500 convertibles and hardtops are shockingly scarce today." Hagerty.com

For consignment, a 1957 Ford Fairlane Sklyiner with a title verified 72,699 actual miles. This is a screen veteran having appeared in "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane" in 1990 and was owned by a Hollywood producer before being purchased by our consignor in 2021. Restoration took place at Pennsylvania's well known Borneman's Restorations and Customs in 2024.

Exterior
There are combos as eye-catching as red and white, and this 50's icon wears Colonial White over Flame Red in a classic configuration augmented by the glorious gold aluminum band of trim along the side, itself bordered by polished spears. The red hardtop gives a post free experience when up and magically stows in the large rear deck with a push of a button. It was cool in 1957 and it's still cool today, even as hardtop convertibles are common. A curved windshield assures great visibility and the typically Ford round tail lights flank an extended Continental kit, capped by a massive chrome bumper. For one more year, the Fairlane leads with single headlights tucked under a cove formed by the fenders, all over a square faced grille and robust bumper. Overall the paint, body and trim are very nice. Imperfections include scratches, chips throughout, dings in trim, cracking paint, off color touch ups, and some rust under a headlight.

Interior
Thunderbird vibes are intentional and found on the door panels where the red and white continues with a band of trim and electrical window toggles and the driver's door has one small tear, otherwise both present nicely. The color pattern established on the door continues around the dashboard which arches a red top over the sweeping speedometer while a ribbed mid panel is home to the A/C panel and AM radio, all showing a touch of patina. The vent unit below the dash is a geometric work of art and the red steering wheel is joined by a nearly full circle horn ring. Both the split bench in front and the rear bench show white vinyl framing red tweed in a dramatic layout based in red carpet on the floor which shows a touch of age up front. A perforated white headliner and dome light are in good shape and the trunk area for the hardtop shows use as the utilitarian section of the car.

Drivetrain
Clean but driven, the engine bay holds a 312ci V8, rated at 245 horsepower and fueled via a 4-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a Ford-O-Matic 2-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the Ford 9" rear and 3.56 gears. The car is equipped with power steering and air conditioning.

Undercarriage
Up on the lift, we note a relatively clean and dry underside with dual exhaust that flows through stock style mufflers and exits through steel pipes under the extended rear. Drum brakes are at all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in the back.

Drive-Ability
All systems go as we crank the 312 and head out onto the test loop where this big car shines bright and we point the rather weathered hood ornament to where we want to go. With 75 series tires from late 2019 on 14-inch wheels, the car tracks straight and provides smooth driving. This well preserved example scores 100 on the functionality test and into the showroom she goes! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

If it was just a Fairlane, it would be no less a classic. But the Skyliner is a special car with a special trick that was revolutionary at the time. Now it serves as the genesis of the modern hardtop convertible, only this one is rolling art.

D7KW174919

D-312ci 4bbl 245hp V8
7-1957
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
W-Fairlane 500 Skyliner
174919-Sequential Unit Number

BODY 51A-Fairlane 500 Retractable
COLOR ZE3-Coral Sand & Colonial White
TRIM BG-Brown Airweave Vinyl
DATE 07W-September 7th
TRANS 3-Ford O Matic 2 Speed
AXLE 2-Ford 9" 3.56 Conventional

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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