If you are looking for a Winter project, then this one might just be a beauty. This 1957 Ford Skyliner is just waiting for someone to restore it, and not only does it appear to be solid and virtually complete, but the engine is a goer as well. You will find it listed for sale here on eBay. The Ford is located in Tyler, Minnesota, and comes with a clear title. It seems that a few people are thinking the way that I am, and while bidding opened at $200, it has now pushed up to $7,633.
The first thing that I’ll say about this Ford is that it appears to be quite solid. There is no obvious rust in the body. The trunk floor looks good as well. The owner has removed the carpet, and this has revealed some rust in the front floors. It has been treated and is not too extensive, so it may be able to be repaired without having to replace the floor pans. Another bonus is the fact that the incredibly complex mechanism for the retractable top is complete, and it is fully operational. The owner provides a series of videos at this site that shows the top at work.
The interior is virtually complete, and there doesn’t appear to be a mass of work required to bring it back to life. The seats will require new covers, new carpet will be needed, and the edge-trim around the door frames will need to be replaced. It also looks like some of the vinyl on the door trims may need to be stretched into shape, but otherwise, it all looks promising.
The 292ci V8 fitted to the Ford starts and runs. The owner has fitted a new water pump. He has had the good sense to run the engine off a gas can, because he is unsure of the condition of the tank, and didn’t want to suck nasty stuff through the fuel system. The seller states that not only does the car run, but it also drives. However, stopping is an issue as the vehicle has no operating brakes. There is also a leak from the automatic transmission. On the plus side, the car is fitted with power steering and power brakes.
The Skyliner is an interesting car, and the retractable roof certainly attracts a premium over what you would expect to pay for a regular ’57 Fairlane. There are currently any number of nice ’57 Fairlanes on the market in the $20,000 to $25,000 bracket. The cheapest decent Skyliner was priced at $34,000, and prices went as high as $78,000. This one doesn’t appear to need any major work, but what it is going to need is a lot of those fiddly little, detailed jobs that seem to consume unexpected hours. Still, at the price, it seems worth it.
For perspective, I bought one in the late 90’s in very similar condition (but top not working) for around 9K. Got the top working, did a complete interior myself and had someone paint it to the level of a nice driver and later sold it for 15K. At 7K it’s a steal these days. The tops are complex but really not that difficult to work on once you get to know them and have a wiring diagram.
Friend of mine bought one of these a few years back in very similar condition, farmed out all the work and ended up with a very nice car,although seriously up side down financially at the end.
Love these 57 Fords, LOVE THEM! There were a lot of these around when I was a kid. Too bad you don’t see many survivors today because of the tin worm.
A few thousand bucks, and it would look just like the villains car in 1965’s Thunderball…
I know two guys that have these here in Mexico.
The one guy in Sonora has a collection of ’59s. He has them all except for a wagon.
He has the most gorgeous Ranchero you cold ever want to see with factory Air.
I talked to a gentlemen this summer who had an old 2 door wagon in his drive way. I learned he lived and worked in Texas all his life. He came back to visit and brought cars back. He said he has about 120 cars/trucks. Lots of convertibles. From the 30’s to maybe 1970. He said I could have a look some time and I did. I saw about half I think. There was 4 retractable, 2- 57,2-58. Lots of Edsel’s, Packard’s, Hudson, Lincoln convert’s from the 50’s. Caddy’s all over, some cars inside but lots outside. One car from the 40’s I think with folding headlights. He said its one of 52 made. At 80 years young, he still plans on fixing them. I don’t think he will sell anything. There’s not even a small shop to work on anything. I am glad he lets me visit and tells me his story’s, and I hope to see the rest of them. I’ll ask if I can take pictures later.
Yep looks like a good price fer it….an original paint one is fer sale around here cheaper and is tempting the heck out of me…but it’s a 59…prefer the 57’s…
i love those 57 fords I have a 37000 mile convertible here in the uk ive had it for 24 years that retractable looks a real good buy
I had 2 Fairlane 500’s. Both were eaten up by the metal worms. This car appears to be a worthwhile project.
i reckon ive been lucky with mine its all ways been rust free Alan
There’s a lot of stainless on those ’57s! I did all the stainless for a local restorer once. It’s a softer stainless than what was used on a Chevy of that era. Looks to be a very nice car!!
In case anyone might be interested, here is a rundown of what is in that car to make that roof work.
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1957-1959-ford-styling10.htm