At least for me, this car represents what so many of us hope to see when we hear about a car that’s been “barn found.” This 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 two door hardtop is for sale here on craigslist in Wallingford, Connecticut with an asking price of a fairly reasonable $7,550.
According to the seller, this highly original Ford has been stored for many years. I really like the two tone white and pink or coral, with the anodized gold side spear to break it up. Ford designers were going for the forward motion look with this design, a second year refresh of the new for 1957 that was wider, longer and lower than its predecessors.
The ad says this Ford is originally from Washington State, which may help explain why the body and floors appear to be in such good condition. Northeastern cars of this vintage and originality just don’t look this decent most of the time.
There’s a bit of rust in the front fenders, and doubtless some more we can’t see. The rear bumper is not in great shape but it’s not a lost cause either. Overall, the body is in very good condition for its age.
Some of the trim is off the car, but the seller says he has it, which is helpful. At least from a distance, the glass all appears to be intact also.
This car has a lot going for it. It’s powered by the optional Police Interceptor 352 cubic inch V-8, driving through a Cruise-o-Matic transmission, and even has power steering. But does it run?
The interior looks really good for being almost 60 years old.
Fantastic view of ’50s style dashboard. I’d love to have this view in front of me every day.
The seller does not say anything about how well the car drives, or if it drives at all. So there are quite a few questions still to be answered about this car. But if I were to be the new owner of this car, I’d do whatever work needed to make it into a safe and enjoyable driver, and try to keep the body and interior as close to original as possible. My goal would be to enjoy this extremely original and fun-to-drive automobile, getting it back on the road and driving it as often as possible. So many of the cars from the fifties have now been restored to better than new condition, I think it would be great to see this one on the move again, yes, looking a bit the worse for wear, but doing what we should be doing with these cars – driving them – bringing back memories for those who were there, and reminders of what the past was really like for those who weren’t.
Looks pretty good. A good cleanup and then a good evaluation of what you’ve got and where to go from there. Won’t have many problems keeping up with modern traffic with that 352; just hope you don’t pass too many gas stations. But then, those FE motors weren’t all that bad on gas unless you tended to keep your foot in the radiator.
I like it….at 3500 tops……crazy money for a survivor Ford that certainly has rust everywhere. Rear roll down windows appear to have delaminated and or discolored from humidity. If its from Eastern Washington…less rust…..Western Washington major rain and humidity not to mention the ocean and bays. That said I love em original. Patch the quarter panel hole sand the floor, POR 15 everything that is not moving and off you go ….
$750 would be reasonable. $7500 is crazy. It’s old, but nothing special.
$7500 is crazy. Here’s a 56 4door for $6k in awesome shape. http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/5764893349.html
Yeah, I’d have to go with the ’56 for 6K. Maybe 3 grand for the 57 at best.
Careful, these cars are prone to rust…badly.
Otherwise, nice design, and not too many out there.
It just goes to show, the 2 doors are more valuable. I always thought if it says Thunderbird Special on the valve covers, it is the 352 with 300 hp and if the vin code is for police special, then it’s the Edsel 361 with 303 hp.
’58 was the first year for the FE engine series. Early production was 332, then 352. Cruise-O-Matic could start in D1 (3-speeds) or D2 (2nd and 3rd gear). Probably has a 2.69 rear axle ratio. Good thing it has power steering!
A car that’s mostly there, but NOT $7500 worth. Notice the optional padded dash?
Gold trim was for the upscale Fairlane 500 model.
Possibilities exist for those so motivated.
I’ve got a black Fairlane 4-dr Town Sedan, about 69K miles 292 2bbl, automatic, add-on a/c, hub caps, and whitewalls . . . “in the barn”. When parked, it was in MUCH better condition that the car pictured. fwiw It was my grandmother’s car, purchased used in about 1964 Needs a rh lower ball joint from tire/curb contact.
On the 58,s if you “judo chop” the trunk panel between the fairlane emblem and lock, the truck will open!! That was the thing to do almost 60 years ago
Why $7550? Strange asking price, way too high. Depending on it’s total condition and if it runs, I’d say $4K at the absolute top limit. Seller probably wouldn’t agree. Good luck on haggling for this one. This nice old girl deserves another chance!
Do you guys understand the door rule, 4 doors – 2 too many. Doors determine price! Yes asking seems a little high, but this could be a pretty easy save, and would be a good driver.
Clone of a car my grandmother owned, except hers was a light green color. Oh, and that car had a 3-speed column shift!
I agree about 4000 to much I like the 57 and 58 but I just sold two 56s fairlane onein better shape and a parts car for 6000 and a pickup load of parts some nos so I could start on the 58 bird conv