Restored 30 Years Ago: 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner
This is a car from the age of convertibles hey-days. In 1957, Ford sold 77,728 regular convertibles called the Sunliner, plus another 20,766 of the retractable hardtop known as the Skyliner. Here is a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner Convertible for sale here on Craigslist in Sedro-Woolley, Oregon. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Miguel for letting us know about this one.
The seller says this is a rare car because of three things: its color combination, Inca Gold with Colonial White; the spotlight; and power windows. The car is completed with a white convertible top. The car was restored about 30 years ago at which time it received a repaint, new interior, and new convertible top. The restoration looks like it is holding up well. The driver’s side spotlight is in good working condition but does have some pitting on the chrome. It does double duty as a driver’s side rearview mirror and a spotlight for nighttime use. The other chrome on the car is in good condition. The car has period correct wide white walls that are almost new with less than 1,000 miles.
The interior refreshing this car received during its restoration included original pattern black and white vinyl that is still in good condition. Apparently, seatbelts were installed at that time. The car has its original AM tube type radio that works. The vacuum operated windshield wipers were converted to electric. The convertible top is power operated, and as mentioned earlier, this car has power windows, probably a rare option found on full-size Fords in 1957. The padded dash is in good condition.
The engine is a 312 cubic inch Thunderbird Special V-8 that produced 245 horsepower when new. The car has 74,000 miles and runs and drives great with no problems. The automatic transmission was rebuilt five years ago and shifts fine. Valve seals were replaced about three years ago. The power steering was rebuilt in September 2018. The asking price is $35,000. The seller has owned this car for 18 years and is now 81 years old, and according to him/her, it is time to downsize and let someone else enjoy this car. Have you always wanted a fifties convertible?
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Comments
I love it. The `57 Fords looked so much better to me than Chevys. No wonder they won the sales race that year.
If I recall (since I was there) Ford sold more cars in 1957 than Chevrolet did. I always preferred the ’57 Fords to the Chevies – the lines are more fluid and artistic.
2″ whitewalls debuted in 1957 so wide whites are not period correct although many people preferred them. There was one story I heard that some guy had the tire store grind off the inner circle of black to get the wide white look. To each his own.
The color combo on this car is perfect and the condition looks like it justifies the price. Nice find.
I love older restorations, versus “fresh restorations”…less chance of bondo chunks and loose trim falling off…love this car and worth every penny…
i have had a few of these. i like the convertible much better than the retractable, less things to break down. i once had a retractable and the roof stuck in mid air, would not go up or down. what a pain in the arse.
I would have to think despite the novelty, that would wear off. I’ve heard similar stories from others.
Have no idea if the $35K asking is a fair price, but nice car.
Plus it looks like a Ranchero with the top up and that long rear deck.
Not as fluid or balanced as the standard convertible.
A 30years restoration that has kept so nice, that should justify calling it a survivor without being it!Adorable unusual color,preferably I’d take a Sunliner over the Skyliner.Far less pricey and a lot more trunk space…those of you who have taken a peek into a Skyliner’s trunk will get my point…!
Great sweet 50s ride that will never look wrong!
Sweet!
We had a ’57 hardtop when I was in high school (’63). Power windows and the 312 “Police Interceptor” engine. Loved that car. No major rust problems either.
Beautiful car…always liked the ’57 Fords over the ’58’s….I should have planned better! :) Lets see a Honda Accord (or whatever) or this?
This is about as good as Ford ever got.
Better buy it
312 too. Neato
Agree with all of the comments. This is one gorgeous car. Thank heavens they didn’t ruin it with a continental tire kit. So many of the ones you see have that. It also doesn’t have the fender skirts (small or large) and I like that too. As a kid, I made the AMT car models (Revell too) and on the 57 Ford one I put the large fender skirts. As an adult (usually) I prefer simplicity and less gaudiness. And then Ford ruined a great look with their clumsy update in the 58s.
I concur with the comments about the 57 Chevy. It’s a nice look but Ford’s 57 had it beat to a frazzle in looks, IMHO. I actually prefer the 55 Chevy over the others in the tri-5 group….cleaner looking. Still preferred the Ford’s offering.
Pop had a 57 Ford 4-door sedan with the smaller V8 (260ci?) and 3 on the tree. A tool and die maker by trade, he didn’t like taking care of cars in his free time. Only changed the oil in that car when the breather cap blew off and banged the hood. He also had a lead foot on the clutch and burned them up regularly commuting to Manhattan. A really nice car to drive with the 8 and manual…I believe I learned to drive a stick with that car. My middle brother also learned in that car. His first lesson, he didn’t realize that the wheels were turned into the curb…popped the clutch and ran over our mailbox. Dad, with his usual wry sense of humor, said “Well, that concludes the first lesson.”
I remember at 11 years old riding my bike over to the local Ford dealer to check out the new ’57’s!! I was intrigued with the “Popeye” highlights!! This is one car I would love to own!!!!!
Can I bring it home and keep it?
Car has Washington plates, so I’m guessing it is in Sedro-Woolley WASHINGTON, not Oregon. Especially since there is no such town in Oregon.
At least Bill spelled it correctly.
Nice car