Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale January 19th - 22nd 2017 at Russo and Steeles 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable was offered by Ford from 1957 to 1959. The retractable roof project was originally supposed to be part of the Ford Continental program but after figuring out the car would cost around 10000 Ford scrapped the Continental idea but moved the retractable top concept over to the Fairlane platform since they already invested over 2000000 developing the top. The top was an amazing feet of engineering for 1957 that required 7 motors 10 switches and 10 relays and over 600 feet of wire to operate. The top is extremely reliable contrary to rumors that it was prone to breaking down.
When the retractable Fairlane hit the market in 1957 is was the most expensive Ford available costing a whopping 3163. In the first year sales hit 20716 cars while sales dropped to 14713 in 1958 and 12915 cars in 1959 when the model was discontinued. It is believed that there are fewer than 2500 retractable Fairlanes in existence today.
This 1958 is equipped with the top-of-the-line 352 FE big block Interceptor motor rated at 300 hp. It also has the Cruise-O-Matic transmission that was brand new to Ford in 1958. Lastly the car has the Continental Kit with the big rear bumper and covered spare tire. This Fairlane has a beautiful new paint job that is in the original two tone colors. The interior is also completely restored and all chrome trim is original and in good shape. The engine compartment is completely detailed and in show condition. The top also operates and is in excellent condition. This car drives remarkably well considering it is over 210 long and weighs in at a hefty 4069 pounds.
