1958 Ford Fairlane 500

1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner In mid model year 1957, Ford introduced the first ever mass produced retractable hardtop convertible, the Fairlane 500 Skyliner. The brainchild of Ford engineer Gil Spears, this innovative design was originally intended for the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II. However, the skyrocketing development costs of the Mark II prohibited the retractable hardtop's application, with the idea picked up by the Ford division instead. Supercars.net For consignment, a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner showing 609 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This car was restored by RM Motors and is an AACA Senior Award Winner. In 2005, it won the David E. Davis Award for post war cars at Amelia Island. Coming out of a 15 year hibernation, this example is now ready for a new caretaker. Exterior Approaching the car from the front is a treat for the eyes, but not outrageously different from many cars of the 50's. But walk around to the side and you're in for a true spectacle! Sure, you'll notice the traditional two tone paint scheme, here in Raven Black and Sun Gold, then the glimmering gold accent trim panel. Finally, you'll be wowed by the rear deck, an extension needed to accommodate the Continental kit at the end of an already stretched decklid necessary to stow the hardtop and its hardware. Chrome oval bezels surround the oval tail lights across the fascia which in turn, is framed in black. Back up front, the curved windshield has a robust, polished frame and vent window, a structure that stands on its own when the top is down. 14-inch wheels wear the proper covers and white wall tires and the nose features a jet age intake scoop while the grille is an elaborate geometric design. Imperfections include random scratches and chips, some blemishes in the chrome, a crack in the paint on the rocker panel, and a ding in the gold panel. Interior Yellow and black continue on the inside where diamond stitched yellow vinyl inserts on the door are framed in glossy black and both present in nice shape. Both the front split bench and rear seat, plaid black cloth in pale yellow vinyl, are completely encased in plastic protection, like your Aunt Esther's prized sofa in the 70's, and as such, remain in very nice shape with some slight compression to the driver's seat. We also note some light staining on the rear armrests, which are uncovered. Up ahead, the steering wheel and dash are a beautiful design, surrounded in black and the arching speedometer topping the aluminum plated mid panel that takes in ivory knobs, an AM radio, and clock. The carpet and headliner are both in great shape. Drivetrain Under the hood, a clean 352ci V8, rated at 300 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. It is backed by Ford's Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the Ford 9 in back with 3.89 gears. Undercarriage Very clean underneath with minimal surface rust found on exhaust clamps and speckles on the frame. It's dry also with the exception of some residual oil on the flywheel cover and some grease sling from the rear U-joint. Dual exhaust flows through stock style mufflers and terminates under the bumper extension. Drum brakes are found at all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in back. Drive-Ability Land Ho! This is a land yacht in every way with its giant proportions, powerful engine, and a handsome helm. The car floats across our test loop and we're on older tires, so we keep things at pedestrian speeds. There's plenty of power underfoot and good visibility thanks to the wrap around windshield and pillarless sides. We note the radio is not working and more importantly, the top is not functioning, likely a result of the car sitting for too long. All the components are there, we are told and will likely need to be serviced. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarante