Frame Off Restored Fairlane 500 Convertible 312/245 HP V8 3 Speed For 9" PS PW

SUMMARY

312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 / 245 horsepower
Select-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission
Correct Dresden and Starmist Blue paint
Select Aire climate control
Kenwood CD player
Master Guide Power Steering
Power windows
9-inch rear axle / 3.10 gears

Maybe it's the grille update or the sense of motion inherent in its swept styling, but there's just something about the 1957 Ford Fairlane that demands attention. Arguably the most underrated of Detroit's '50s super stars, the Fairlane sold well in its day and continues to be a staple of the collector car market. The beneficiary of a recent rotisserie restoration, this top option Fairlane 500 is just waiting for a sunny day and manicured show field. With its Thunderbird V8, Ford-O-Matic 3-speed, Master Guide Power Steering and Select Aire climate control, it has all the right options to be the quintessential '50s cruiser. And if you're looking to add a little spice to your weekend routine, it'll take Sunday drives to a whole new level!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Steal a glance at the car's glossy profile and you'll see what high quality craftsmanship truly looks like. A product of a professional, rotisserie restoration that was performed by a dedicated group of enthusiasts, its solid body was stripped to bare metal, thoroughly worked and painstakingly transformed into a collection of super straight panels. Once that intense labor resulted in good fit and finish, a smooth Dresden and Starmist Blue basecoat was sealed in durable clearcoat and buffed to a fantastic shine. And today, this Ford sits as one razor-sharp drop-top that's ready to turn heads for years to come.

Not surprisingly, this exceptionally clean Fairlane's stylish body features a roster of cool and carefully maintained details. At the front of the car, an exaggerated egg-crate grille hangs clean headlights above simple parking lamps, a linear header emblem and a guarded bumper that bends around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, a chrome-detailed hood leads the eye to wraparound glass that's reflected by twin spot lights, cleared with bright wipers and framed in thick stainless. Below that trim, sculpted door handles, subtle fender skirts and polished rocker guards perfectly complement streamlined side sweeps, expressive "Fairlane 500" scripts and small Select Aire emblems. Above those emblems, a blue vinyl roof folds to a centered decklid antenna. And behind that antenna, an intricate Fairlane badge rides inside chrome-trimmed, jet-inspired tail lights, a second wraparound bumper and classy chrome exhaust tips.

ENGINE

Tilt the car's sculpted hood and you'll find a correct, 312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 that's fully rebuilt and dressed to impress. Introduced in 1956 as a high-end Ford and Mercury staple, this stout Y-block remained one of Dearborn's hottest factory options until late 1961. At the top of the bright orange mill, an Argent Silver air cleaner draws wind into big 4-barrel carburetors that are juiced by a series of stainless fuel lines. Atomized octane passes through an aluminum intake manifold to correct, cast iron heads that are topped by polished and Thunderbird-branded valve covers. At the front of those valve covers, a rebuilt generator and correct fan spin in unison as a tagged radiator keeps the block cool via pliable hoses. Spark comes courtesy of a traditional points distributor, which sequences fire between a Ford Power Punch battery, a Ford voltage regulator and fresh Ford plug wires. From its factory air conditioning and glossy black fenders to its Ford-branded oil filter, this convertible's bay presents a clean, authentic appearance. And best of all, the 245 horsepower engine fires instantly and sounds surprisingly beefy breathing through an OEM-style exhaust system.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

At the bottom of this Fairlane, a fully sorted undercarriage houses typically over-restored floors that are bolted to lots of factory-correct components. Nice enough to show but still fully drivable, this is the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like to display their car AND enjoy fun-filled weekends. Behind the beefy Y-block, a stalwart Ford-O-Matic 3-speed sends power to a familiar Ford 9-inch that's fitted with an open differential and pleasant, 3.10 gears. The car's suspension remains close to its original configuration, with factory power steering and front spring spacers complementing factory control arms and traditional leaf springs. All of the chassis' parts are free of substantial weathering, reinforcing the idea that it's been a very long time since this 500's seen daily-driver duty. Braking is quick and adequate thanks to fresh drums that occupy all for corners of that chassis. And on the outside of those drums, correctly painted wheels spin G78-14 Coker Classic whitewalls around classy chrome hub caps.

INTERIOR

2-tone paint is legendary for its characteristically '50s feel. And when paired with this convertible's airy interior, it creates the perfect culmination of style and sophistication. Thanks to the car's high quality restoration, its pleated bench seats will be livable for years to come. There's tight carpet that, thanks to thick floor mats, still features rich black loops. Front and center, a stylish, two-tone dash hangs restored Ford telemetry above a modern Kenwood CD player. At the sides of that dash, gridded door panels center chrome handles, small window switches and clean armrests above flashy, Ford-branded sills. In front of the driver, a body-matched steering wheel spins a Dresden Blue rim around a chrome, Ford-branded horn ring. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk anchors a fresh plaid mat beneath an old school jack and full-size spare.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

An original Owner's Manual
Components for the car's CD player

If you're looking for a premium example of an infinitely collectible car, this super cool Fairlane is a great choice. With its Thunderbird 312, automatic transmission, convertible top and excellent list of options, it was a pleasure to own in 1957 and, thanks to an immaculate restoration, continues to be now. Around here, great '50s metal never sticks around for too long. Call now and admire later!