1957 Ford Fairlane for sale $99,900

In an age where brand aesthetics can easily hang around for a decade its hard to imagine any automaker turning out jaw-dropping but completely different designs for five years in a row. But between 1955 and 1960 Ford did just that and over time each model has become an exalted classic. The 1957 Fairlane 500 is one of the most sought after cars of its era with examples like this rotisserie restored Sunliner serving as great reminders why. Theres simply NOTHING like it on todays roads and thats without factoring the cars 312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 2-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission or striking red-on-back color combination thats guaranteed to turn heads. So if youre the kind of enthusiast who likes to envision having their name engraved on trophies take a minute to get to know this killer Ford convertible!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Driven mere break-in miles since restoration and presenting much better than when it originally rolled down Fords storied assembly lines this impressive drop-top has been transformed into a take-no-prisoners weekender that can consistently headline cruise nights. You wont be staying under the radar with its professionally finished Flame Red on Raven Black paintwork which has been correctly applied over a very clean body. There are no obvious signs of wholesale panel replacement suggesting the car has been a straight rust-free shell its entire life. Thanks to Jerrys Classic Cars in Springdale Arkansas that shells fit and finish is almost good enough to turn reflections into reality. And ultimately everything adds up to one super cool cruiser that thanks to its spectacular combination of color and trim has an absolutely magnetic presence!

Not surprisingly this exceptional Fords stylish body features a roster of cool and carefully maintained details. At the front of the car a mirrored grille hangs simple parking lamps between a guarded bumper fresh headlights and a classy Fairlane script. Behind that script a gun sight hood ornament leads the eye to wraparound glass thats reflected by twin mirrors cleared with bright wipers and framed in thick trim. Below that trim traditional door handles color-keyed fender skirts and prominent rocker guards perfectly complement expressive quarter scripts and rocket-like side sweeps. Above those sweeps a tight roof folds beneath a centered antenna. And behind that antenna an intricate crest caps an old school continental kit which is centered between jet-inspired taillights a heavy bumper and cool Delta Wing exhaust tips.

ENGINE

Tilt the cars sculpted hood and youll find a correct 312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 thats fully rebuilt and dressed to impress. Introduced in 1956 as a high-end Ford and Mercury staple this stout Y-block remained one of Dearborns hottest factory options until late 1961. At the top of the rich red mill an Argent Silver air cleaner draws wind into a big 4-barrel carburetor thats juiced by a series of stainless fuel lines. Atomized octane passes through a factory intake manifold to correct cast iron heads that are topped by painted and Thunderbird-branded valve covers. At the front of those valve covers a 12-volt generator and correct fan spin in unison as a glossy radiator keeps the block cool via pliable hoses. And spark comes courtesy of a traditional points distributor which sequences fire between a modern battery and fresh plug wires. From its factory heat to its bright inspection stamps this convertibles glossy bay presents a clean authentic appearance. And best of all the 245 horsepower engine fires instantly and sounds surprisingly beefy breathing through OEM-style exhaust pipes.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

At the bottom of this Fairlane a fully sorted