Beautiful Classic Drop Top! 292 V8, Auto, Power Steer, Power Top, Great Cruiser!

1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible Description

We feature a lot of Tri-5 droptops at Streetside Classics, but not many of them are representatives of the Blue Oval. Despite large production numbers, '57 Fords are still far more scarce than their Chevy competitors, making this the car to own for the Ford guy in love with the '50s. a strong 292 V8 and highlighted by some of the best styling Ford ever delivered, this droptop is a very special classic car that isn't seen very often.
The two-tone paint job, consisting of Colonial White over Flame Red, makes this incredible Ford look about as long as a city block. Dramatic styling was the Ford's biggest virtue, and with the cut-outs around the fenders and faired-in tailfins, it looks like nothing else on the road. Despite a few minor imperfections, finish quality is great in just about every way with attention to detail, precise gaps, and a finish that has a deep luster and shine up wonderfully, especially under the sun where it belongs. It certainly stands out in our showroom simply because of its curb appeal and relative rarity; it's simply a super-cool '50s droptop. And as a product of the fabulous '50s, there's a ton of chrome (most notably the swooping profile trim with gold anodized aluminum in the center), all of which appears to have been professionally restored or replaced, a project that probably cost more than a new Hyundai, and it really glitters against the two-tone paint. Ford's familiar jet-inspired taillights look great on the Fairlane and it proudly advertises that this is a top-of-the-line Fairlane 500 with crisp script on each quarter panel. There's a continental kit out back, which looks fantastic and adds a good bit of real estate to the length of this beauty.
A glance inside this ragtop reveals a continuation of the original themes, using period-correct red and white upholstery that's a perfect complement to the white-on-red bodywork. There are almost no signs of use, the seams are straight enough to have been made with a ruler, and the newer carpets haven't been faded by the sun, which is somewhat remarkable in a convertible like this. The original gauges have likely been restored, as has the oversized steering wheel, and you'll note just how clean the dials and switches on the dash are as well. There's also a newer retro-style AM/FM/cassette stereo that fits neatly in the center of the dash, but you really have to look for that simple upgrade, a testament to the quality of the build. A white power convertible top has brand new parts, operates smoothly, fits snugly, and includes a plastic rear window out back. It all stashes under a matching red vinyl boot that gives the Fairlane a very smooth profile with the top down. The massive trunk is nicely appointed, including a correct mat as well as a full-sized, white-wall bias-ply spare tire with jack assembly.
Swing the forward-hinged hood open and you'll find a neatly installed 292 cubic inch V8 that delivers great Y-block power and torque, adding to the car's Tri-5 character. With a big air cleaner and black Thunderbird decals, the engine bay is largely correct for the era, very honest, and impressive enough to show off to anyone at the car show. You'll also note upgrades such as a giant modern aluminum radiator with an electric fan and a dual exhaust that provides a great note thanks to glasspack-style mufflers. A big carburetor and that aforementioned upgraded exhaust give it a bit more power and a great performance sound and the 3-speed automatic transmission goes about its business without making a fuss. The very solid and largely clean chassis is otherwise quite authentic, so it rides and handles like a 1957 Ford should and it sits on gorgeous steel wheels adorned with period Ford hubcaps, all of which are wrapped with 8.00-14 Silvertown tubeless bias-ply wide-whites that finish the correct look.
Beautifully finished, fully functional, and rather rare, this incredible Ford represents the very best combination of restoration and modification to create a car you'll look forward to driving as often as possible. Call now!