1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable

GR Auto Gallery is pleased to offer this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible for your consideration. The car is powered by a 312ci Thunderbird V8 that is mated to an automatic transmission. The first digit of the VIN reads “D” which is correspondent with the 312ci V8. Both the engine and transmission are strong and smooth.

The car is has been repainted and is finished in a two-tone Flame Red over Colonial White paint that shows some wear. Though the paint shows some blemishes, the car still carries the classic 50s aura everywhere it goes. The Fairlane offered here is a hardtop convertible.

This is the first mass-produced retractable hardtop convertible ever made. It takes the top, folds just a part of the front of the roof, and retracts the piece under the lid of the trunk. It uses three roof drive motors driving four lift jacks, four door-lock motors, ten solenoids, four locking mechanisms, and 610ft of wiring. While having the top down renders the trunk almost completely useless, the top mechanics are actually surprisingly reliable considering how many components are involved.

Mechanically the car is in good condition and glides down the road with a quiet, yet strong, rumble. This is a '57 Ford Fairlane with a working retractable convertible hardtop in excellent condition. It was restored to near stock specifications nearly 20 years ago and is a great surviving classic. This car has recently been serviced and it runs and drives great. Few cars garner more attention than these rarely found Fairlanes.