Over the years, Ford has always been a close (or not so close) second to Chevrolet in automobile sales. But one exception occurred in 1957 when Ford beat Chevy by just 7,000 units, no doubt because the Fords were all-new and the Chevys were in their third styling year of the “Tri-Fives”. The seller offers a 1957 Fairlane (500?) 4-door sedan with two-tone green paint that we’re told is the factory finish. And it has the 312 cubic-inch “Thunderbird Special” V8. Located in Martin, Kentucky, this surprising survivor is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $11,500.
With the 1957-59 redesign, the Fords were leaner than before and especially so against Chevy (but not so much compared to the “Forward Look” Chryslers). Buyers were treated to four trim levels (Custom, Custom 300, Fairlane, and Fairlane 500) plus the Thunderbird, wagons, the all-new Ranchero (a car-based pickup truck), and the Fairlane Skyliner (the retractable hardtop).
We don’t know the history of this Ford, but it’s said to be a Texas survivor due to dry weather. And it may have just 36,000 miles. But how does a car get so unused over 69 years that it retains its original paint and (maybe) interior in very good condition? The 312 V8 was named after the Thunderbird personal luxury car that was the “halo” product for the Ford Division. This one is paired with an automatic transmission, a Ford-O-Matic.
According to the seller, this Fairlane has escaped the restoration shop in fine fashion. If the paint is this good, we assume the undercarriage has no rust, either. We don’t know the seller’s association with the Ford, but he will entertain certain trades (like a T-Bucket or a vintage truck). If that’s the case, add $1,500 to the negotiations. Thanks for the cool Chevy-buster tip, “Pnuts”.
IMHO I believe it’s been repainted. If you look at drivers side back by the taillight, you can see the Fairlane 500 emblem. It looks to be the color of the car, not silver like it should be.