This 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner, one of 20,766 examples produced during the first of the retractable hardtop’s three production years, is said to have undergone a full restoration during the 1980s, which is reported to have included mostly new trim, and is described as highly presentable today. With a functional power top that may require adjustment, and a rebuilt original engine and transmission, this Skyliner has an odometer reading that the seller says is accurate. This Skyliner is powered by the Thunderbird Special 312-cu.in. OHV V-8. With a compression ratio of 9.7:1 and a Holley four-barrel carburetor, the engine was rated by the manufacturer at 245 horsepower when new. Both the engine and Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission are original to the car and were rebuilt during the restoration. The engine is said to start and idle without smoke, and no issues with transmission functionality are reported. A small oil leak from the engine is noted. The engine bay presents as being stock and generally clean. The paint on this car is said to date to the 1980s, with the Aqua portions of the body refinished about three years ago. The seller reports a chipped front fender, “possibly from a misaligned door,” and that the power hide-away top, which is seldom closed, needs to be “guided into position when closing” and that it may leak. As to rust, the seller notes no need for rust repairs and describes the rockers as “solid.” The body panels appear to be straight and the trim looks to be in very good, undamaged condition, per the photos. Dual exhaust outlets have been integrated into the rear bumper. the windshield is in good condition, but notes one rear side window is discolored. All lighting is said to work. The underside presents as being strongly clean, with undercoating and minimal surface rust. The interior materials appear to be in very good, undamaged condition, with the seller reporting the front-seat’s power adjustments are functional. The carpet condition is described as “excellent’ The headliner has a functioning dome light and appears to be in good condition. a voltmeter has replaced a faulty warning light, and that a horn button is now located on the steering column. The factory AM radio and clock are said to be in working order, and has added a Fahrenheit touchscreen entertainment center, with remote, below the dash.
