1957 Ford Fairlane 500

1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Ford proudly presents the newest 'new kind' of Ford, the Skyliner. It's the world's only Hide-Away hardtop, the car the whole motoring world has long dreamed about - the car which many automotive experts said would never be mass produced. Now, Ford's traditional advanced engineering has made this 'miracle' a reality. It's another dramatic first from the company that brought you low coast V8 power and created such automotive classics as the thrilling Thunderbird. From the 1957 sales brochure For consignment, a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner with a title verified 33,450 actual miles. Family owned for more than 50 years and garage kept, this is one of just 20,766 produced in 1957. How many are left might be a good question for the International Ford Retractable Club and their ten chapters.  Exterior Classically two tone, this one is configured with layers of Raven Black and Colonial White paint, delineated on the body by a wedge of trim leading to a sweeping piece with gold anodized inlay that becomes the polished cap dressing for the rear fender and modest fins. While we're in back, let's note the Ford family afterburner tail lights and substantial chrome rear bumper at the end of an enormous decklid donned in white. Up front, there's more Thunderbird influence while retaining its own look with a wall to wall grille and oversized front bumper. 14-inch wheels carry proper covers and the rears are shrouded in part by the streamlined smaller wheel opening. Imperfections include substantial textured orange peel throughout, panel edge chips, cracks, various chips, pitted metal, dings in the trim, bubbles, paint runs, general inclusions throughout, and scuffs. Refer to photos for locations and severity.  Interior Sharp contrast is drawn by the red and white palette of the interior, beginning on the door panels where the aluminum trim mirrors the exterior design and separates white vinyl from box stitched red, and both doors are clean with a touch of patina. The split bench shows red inserts on white framing in very good condition and echoed by the rear bench which is in even better shape. Fantastic and somewhat ornate is the dash design behind an attractive red steering wheel and horn ring, followed by an arching speedometer, white faceplate, and metal mid panel that takes in a row of black knobs. The ribbed center panel is home to the vent panel, AM radio, and vintage clock leading to a white band over the glove box that follows the lines of the doors. Red carpet is below and a white, perforated headliner is above showing a touch of age.   Drivetrain Driver quality conditions are found under the hood for the 312ci V8 which is rated at 245 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to a Ford 9 and 3.10 gears in back. Our consignor states the radiator has been refurbished and there are newer brake lines. Undercarriage Some newer components can be seen on the dual exhaust system which run through Thrust Hushpower mufflers and terminate through steel pipes. Drum brakes are at all four corners and suspension includes coil springs in front and leaf springs in back. We have dry conditions, clear knuckles, and the usual surface rust and oxidation of a driver.   Drive-Ability The car runs, tracks and handles well with plenty of power underfoot. But everyone will want to know about the top. We find it a bit finicky and the shifter has to be held just right for the top to work indicating a possible wiring issue or bad switch. We also note the front turn signals do not work with the lights on. Beyond that, all functions operate as they should and we take this retractable hardtop back into the mall. 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. These are uncommon and so