Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner

Description

Anyone driving a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner with a Retractable Top is traveling back in time with an extremely stylish time machine. This classic masterpiece combines the charm of the 50s with technology that is almost considered magical today. The Retractable Top is definitely the star of the vehicle. No mechanical levers – just the push of a button and a little patience, and suddenly the roof lifts as if by magic and disappears into the car's massive rear.

If you manage to start the mechanism without a disapproving click or hiss, it feels like you've just won a Ferrari dealership visit. The ride? A delight! The V8 engine roars with a charming retro sound that makes it hard not to feel like a 1950s movie star. The suspension, however, could be a bit more modern – hitting potholes feels more like navigating waves in a paddleboat. But hey, that's part of the vintage charm, and besides, we're talking about the closest thing you'll get to a land yacht here.

The brakes? Well, let's just say they're more like „suggestions.“ But who needs modern safety systems when you're driving a car with so much style that every traffic jam becomes a runway? The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner is a piece of history – and whoever drives it wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world.

This specimen underwent extensive restoration in Switzerland in 2017/2018 and has since been used for regular outings and event drives, receiving appropriate maintenance. The newly reupholstered seats are as comfortable as a sofa at home, and the bodywork was expertly crafted and painted. Powered by the stronger Interceptor 352 Special V8, the performance is more than sufficient to smoothly glide the car across country roads, accompanied by a respectable rumble. The Ford-O-Matic transmission shifts luxuriously through the long gears, and everything functions as it should. All restoration receipts are available.

Sale on behalf of customer. Viewings only on request.

Sale price: 89,900 CHF

Model history

The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner with Retractable Top is one of the most fascinating and innovative vehicles of the 1950s. As part of the Ford Fairlane series, the Skyliner became a true masterpiece of engineering and design, and is a sought-after collector's item today. In particular, the electrically operated, retractable hardtop mechanism set new standards in the automotive industry and made the Skyliner one of the most exceptional cars of its time.

Ford introduced the Fairlane 500 Skyliner as part of the sixth generation of the Fairlane series. The Skyliner was designed as the top model in the Fairlane line and was intended to underscore the brand's luxury and innovation. Ford was a leader in introducing new techniques at the time and set standards with the Skyliner, especially through the introduction of the first mass-produced electric retractable top.

The vehicle was designed to offer the advantages of both a coupe and a convertible. With the roof closed, the Skyliner was an elegant hardtop coupe, distinguished by its impressive lines and luxurious features. However, once the roof was opened, the driver experienced a true convertible experience – but without the cumbersome manual operation required by other convertibles of that era.

The most striking feature of the Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was undoubtedly its retractable top. This electric hardtop could be completely lowered into the trunk in just a few minutes. It was a complex mechanism that was not only technically advanced but also captivated onlookers with a certain fascination and magic. The process of electrically retracting the roof made passengers feel almost as if they were magically sitting in the open air.

However, the mechanism was not without its challenges. It was delicate and expensive to maintain, which limited the production of the Skyliner at the time. Only about 20,000 vehicles of this model were built in 1957, making the Skyliner a rare and sought-after collector's item.

The Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner distinguished itself not only through its technology but also through its aesthetic appearance. With its wide, shiny grille, elegant fenders, and generous chrome accents, it was a true flagship of the 1950s. The chrome trim and the angular body gave the Skyliner a particularly noble and striking look.

Inside, the Skyliner offered a luxurious experience: the seats were upholstered in high-quality vinyl or leather, and the dashboard featured chrome accents that evoked the modernity and progress of the era. The amenities were also impressive: there were power windows, a high-end audio system, and a number of other comfort features that made the Skyliner a truly luxurious vehicle. The space was generous, and the interior could accommodate up to six people.

The vehicle was available with an automatic or manual transmission, with most buyers preferring the convenient automatic version. The Skyliner could deliver impressive performance with its V8 engine options and was a true powerhouse on the roads of the 1950s.

Despite its high production costs and the complicated technology involved with the retractable top, the Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was a very remarkable car of its time. Due to the complexity of the roof and low production numbers, these vehicles are rare and highly sought after today. The Skyliner is considered a prime example of Ford's innovative power in the 1950s and remains a true classic among vintage cars.