Ford redesigned its passenger cars in 1957, providing for a lower, longer, sleeker look. That, combined with Chevy’s products being in their third year, Ford was able to capture the top spot in sales for the first time since 1935. The seller bought this ’57 Fairlane 4-door sedan from an estate sale where it had the same owner since 1962. It needs a ton of work, including unfreezing the brakes so it will roll. Located in Portland, Oregon, this forlorn Ford is available here on craigslist for $1,500. Thanks for the tip, “Curvette”!
The Fairlane, named after Henry Ford’s estate, joined the lineup in 1955, where it remained until 1970. It held the top spot until 1959/60 when the Galaxie came along, thanks in part to the Space Race. The seller’s car includes just two photos, so details are scant with 60,000 miles on the odometer. It has a non-running 292 cubic inch V8 with a Ford-O-Matic transmission. New tires have been added rather than some leftover retreads. The seller bought it as a project, but all it’s done is to occupy space in his/her garage. Is it too rusty to rebuild?
Looks like it was sitting next to Christine.
I was thinking the same exact thing!!!!!!
They should add pictures of it with the new tires.
Looks like it has a Retractable trunk lid on it.
I think they are on it. “New” doesn’t necessarily mean, just bought, it can easily mean no/low miles, even if they’ve been on the car for years. It’s ill defined just like, original, one owner, survivor, ran when parked and many other words and phrases that mean whatever the seller wants it to mean, while also making the car sound more appealing in an ad.
Steve R
“New” is the universal word for the phrase “I just bought them”. Any other definition is a lie, but you’re right, lots of guys think it’s perfectly fair to lie about the car they’re selling. These tires in the pics are flat so it’s an obvious lie. Too bad he doesn’t include more than two pictures of the same side of the car. Any response to his ad should include “more pictures please”.
I’m guessing it’s the stock trunk lid with hinges that have either seized or something’s out of whack with the hinge springs.
No Fairlane Trim. I’d call it a Customline. Price OK for Parts.
Dad bought one new in 1957. He ordered it with the dual quad 312 engine………and then complained about how much gas it used. And he threw a fit when gas went from 25 cents to 27 cents per gallon!
Unless rusty beyond usual, a deal for $1500, I think. Only two photos on Craigslist but they can be enlarged on computer screen, unlike Facebook ads.
@ Dave. “I just bought them” definition?
Does that mean a few hours ago?
A few days?
Weeks or years?
Where it the line drawn?
Just curious.
Weeks. A month ago could slide. A year ago should read “New tires a year ago”. One of the pix shows flat tires, not new tires. If you bought new tires 7 years ago and never put any miles on them they are junk and need to be changed.
well with all those pics and that wealth of info from that listing the only things that are known are needs tires and not rolling and alleges there is some rust. 500.00 parts car. real shame if this was true low mile car
It is somewhat unique. If I remember correctly, it was called the “Spring Edition” (note the different side trim). Offered in the Spring of 57 only.
Side trim is correct for a ’57 Fairlane — one step down from the Fairlane 500, which had the more often seen gold side spear trim. Nothing special or unique about it.
Figure in a new back bumper as that tow strap doesn’t look good……….
$1,500 bucks clean it, get it running and driving and flip it for $5k
This is the base Fairlane, not the far more desireable Fairlane 500. In this condition, it’s probably a parts donor, since its value would likely not justify the expense of restoring it. But at least it’s not a 1958!
Excellent parts car
If you live within 50 miles of this car and you have the space at home. It may be worth a Sunday Drive to give it a gander. This would be an excellent parts car, hood, wheel covers, front and rear bumpers, fog lights, tail lights, chrome ornament on trunk, hood ornament, front fender left and rider script chrome “fairlane” labels. Wish they had a shot of the engine compartment and the interior. Looks like a good parts car that could be sold on E-Bay piece by piece. There are Ford Clubs, museums and architects/designers find uses for pieces and parts. A 1957:Ford Fairlane couch front or rear end can fetch 5-7 K. After the artsy crafty people buy it from you for 800-1000 bucks.
Granted there are only 2 photos and this one clearly needs help but if you expand the photos on craigslist the body is in really good shape, I don’t see any rot on the lower parts or in the top of the front fenders over the headlights. With some tinkering I bet the old girl would run. For $1500 you don’t get much these days there has to be that much in solid body panels. If it were closer to me I’d take a look. Of course I need another project like a hole in the head but I’d take a look nonetheless.