Vehicle Description
Maybe it's the grille update or the sense of motion inherent in its
swept styling, but there's just something about the 1957 Ford
Fairlane that demands attention. Arguably the most underrated of
Detroit's '50s super stars, the Fairlane sold well in its day and
continues to be a staple of the collector car market. The
beneficiary of a recent rotisserie restoration, this top option
Fairlane 500 is just waiting for a sunny day and manicured show
field. With its Thunderbird V8, Ford-O-Matic 3-speed, Master Guide
Power Steering and Select Aire climate control, it has all the
right options to be the quintessential '50s cruiser. And if you're
looking to add a little spice to your weekend routine, it'll take
Sunday drives to a whole new level!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Steal a glance at the car's glossy profile and you'll see what high
quality craftsmanship truly looks like. A product of a
professional, rotisserie restoration that was performed by a
dedicated group of enthusiasts, its solid body was stripped to bare
metal, thoroughly worked and painstakingly transformed into a
collection of super straight panels. Once that intense labor
resulted in good fit and finish, a smooth Dresden and Starmist Blue
basecoat was sealed in durable clearcoat and buffed to a fantastic
shine. And today, this Ford sits as one razor-sharp drop-top that's
ready to turn heads for years to come.
Not surprisingly, this exceptionally clean Fairlane's stylish body
features a roster of cool and carefully maintained details. At the
front of the car, an exaggerated egg-crate grille hangs clean
headlights above simple parking lamps, a linear header emblem and a
guarded bumper that bends around peaked fenders. Between those
fenders, a chrome-detailed hood leads the eye to wraparound glass
that's reflected by twin spot lights, cleared with bright wipers
and framed in thick stainless. Below that trim, sculpted door
handles, subtle fender skirts and polished rocker guards perfectly
complement streamlined side sweeps, expressive "Fairlane 500"
scripts and small Select Aire emblems. Above those emblems, a blue
vinyl roof folds to a centered decklid antenna. And behind that
antenna, an intricate Fairlane badge rides inside chrome-trimmed,
jet-inspired tail lights, a second wraparound bumper and classy
chrome exhaust tips.
ENGINE
Tilt the car's sculpted hood and you'll find a correct, 312 cubic
inch Thunderbird V8 that's fully rebuilt and dressed to impress.
Introduced in 1956 as a high-end Ford and Mercury staple, this
stout Y-block remained one of Dearborn's hottest factory options
until late 1961. At the top of the bright orange mill, an Argent
Silver air cleaner draws wind into big 4-barrel carburetors that
are juiced by a series of stainless fuel lines. Atomized octane
passes through an aluminum intake manifold to correct, cast iron
heads that are topped by polished and Thunderbird-branded valve
covers. At the front of those valve covers, a rebuilt generator and
correct fan spin in unison as a tagged radiator keeps the block
cool via pliable hoses. Spark comes courtesy of a traditional
points distributor, which sequences fire between a Ford Power Punch
battery, a Ford voltage regulator and fresh Ford plug wires. From
its factory air conditioning and glossy black fenders to its
Ford-branded oil filter, this convertible's bay presents a clean,
authentic appearance. And best of all, the 245 horsepower engine
fires instantly and sounds surprisingly beefy breathing through an
OEM-style exhaust system.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
At the bottom of this Fairlane, a fully sorted undercarriage houses
typically over-restored floors that are bolted to lots of
factory-correct components. Nice enough to show but still fully
drivable, this is the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like
to display their car AND enjoy fun-filled weekends. Behind the
beefy Y-block, a stalwart Ford-O-Matic 3-speed sends power to a
familiar Ford 9-inch that's fitted with an open differential and
pleasant, 3.10 gears. The car's suspension remains close to its
original configuration, with factory power steering and front
spring spacers complementing factory control arms and traditional
leaf springs. All of the chassis' parts are free of substantial
weathering, reinforcing the idea that it's been a very long time
since this 500's seen daily-driver duty. Braking is quick and
adequate thanks to fresh drums that occupy all for corners of that
chassis. And on the outside of those drums, correctly painted
wheels spin G78-14 Coker Classic whitewalls around classy chrome
hub caps.
INTERIOR
2-tone paint is legendary for its characteristically '50s feel. And
when paired with this convertible's airy interior, it creates the
perfect culmination of style and sophistication. Thanks to the
car's high quality restoration, its pleated bench seats will be
livable for years to come. There's tight carpet that, thanks to
thick floor mats, still features rich black loops. Front and
center, a stylish, two-tone dash hangs restored Ford telemetry
above a modern Kenwood CD player. At the sides of that dash,
gridded door panels center chrome handles, small window switches
and clean armrests above flashy, Ford-branded sills. In front of
the driver, a body-matched steering wheel spins a Dresden Blue rim
around a chrome, Ford-branded horn ring. And behind the passengers,
a fully restored trunk anchors a fresh plaid mat beneath an old
school jack and full-size spare.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
An original Owner's Manual
Components for the car's CD player
If you're looking for a premium example of an infinitely
collectible car, this super cool Fairlane is a great choice. With
its Thunderbird 312, automatic transmission, convertible top and
excellent list of options, it was a pleasure to own in 1957 and,
thanks to an immaculate restoration, continues to be now. Around
here, great '50s metal never sticks around for too long. Call now
and admire later!
SUMMARY
312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 / 245 horsepower
Select-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission
Correct Dresden and Starmist Blue paint
Select Aire climate control
Kenwood CD player
Master Guide Power Steering
Power windows
9-inch rear axle / 3.10 gears