1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner

Description

The full-sized Fords like this 1957 Fairlane 500 represent incredible bang for the buck. The Fairlane lives in the shadow of its Chevrolet competition and its "retractable" siblings, although the Fairlane has tidier proportions, all of which make a compelling case for this gorgeous ragtop.

Repainted in original code F, Starmist Blue, the car looks spectacular today. The paint is acrylic urethane, which means it'll last practically forever and there's a shine on this car that Ford designers could only dream about. 1957 Fords had all-new styling that many feel is a big improvement over the earlier models, with hooded headlights, a wrap-around windshield, and that dramatic sweeping trim dividing the bodywork. And if it's fins and chrome you're after, you've come to the right place, with a massive front bumper/grille assembly, that gorgeous stainless side trim, and jet-inspired taillights out back, all of which make the Ford look like nothing else on the road. And to make a big car seem even longer, there's a continental kit out back and custom fender skirts that give it a long, low stance. Finish quality is quite good and the Ford's forward-canted looks give it the appearance of speed, even when it's standing still, so you'll find it hard to resist on a sunny day.

The two-tone blue and white vinyl interior was restored when the bodywork was done, and makes a bright '50s fashion statement. The pleated door panels match the seat inserts and use traditional patterns to really take you back in time. Ford embraced the jet age with their dashboard styling, including the arched speedometer and a steering wheel flanked by two groups of three switches on either side. The original AM radio is gone, replaced by a far more functional AM/FM unit in the original location with a remote CD player, and it appears that no OEM components were harmed in the installation. The massive trunk is fully lined with the usual gray mouse fur material, along with a full-sized spare and jack assembly. A fresh white power vinyl top was installed as well, and it retracts easily behind the rear seat and hides under a matching white boot for the ultimate in open-air cruising.

This Fairlane also packs Ford's top engine for 1957, the 312 cubic inch "Thunderbird Special" V8. With a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, it moves the luxurious ragtop with effortless ease and a crisp V8 burble from the twin tailpipes. Rebuilt about 2000 miles ago and nicely detailed with plenty of chrome and Ford Blue Paint, the engine bay isn't totally stock but it sure looks good. Key it up and it fires quickly, settling into an even idle that makes you want to ease it down the highway. The 2-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission was rebuilt at the same time and out back there's an indestructible Ford 9-inch with highway-friendly gears that make this a fantastic cross-country cruiser. And for safety, the braking system has been upgraded to a dual master cylinder with front discs, giving this heavy ragtop a much better safety rating. Custom chrome wheels with baby moon hubcaps and a set of recent whitewall radials give it just the right look.

Go ahead and price a few '57 Bel Airs and Ford Retractables, then take another look at this Fairlane. It's A LOT of car for the money. Call today!