Named after the Michigan estate of Henry Ford, the Fairlane was part of the company’s sales portfolio from 1955 to 1970. Initially the top-line model, it would take a back seat to the Galaxie in the 1960s. The cars were drastically restyled in 1957, perhaps to keep up with what was coming from Chrysler. Two drop-tops were offered: the traditional Sunliner convertible and the all-new retractable hardtop. The seller’s car was one of the 77,000 Sunliners built that year and is a restoration in progress. Located with a dealer in Gray Court, South Carolina, this Ford is available for $20,000 here on eBay or you can submit an offer.
Until 1959, the Fairlane 500 was the top dog at Ford. The Sunliner convertible was a subset of the Fairlane, and three engines were offered, from a 223 cubic inch inline-6 to a 292 or 312 cubic inch V8. We don’t know how the seller’s car was originally equipped, but a later 390 resides there now in conjunction with a top-loader 4-speed manual transmission, both added during the restoration.
We’re told this Ford came to the seller in pieces and a lot of work has been done to put Humpty-Dumpty back together again. It may be down to just the wiring and getting the car ready for new paint, work that the seller says is continuing even as the sale proceeds. The body spent some time on a rotisserie so any rust that was there should be gone now. Photos of the interior are before and after with it coming together nicely.
While it’s great that a lot of work has already been done, buying an unfinished project does come with its unknowns. And – except for paint – there aren’t too many ways left to make the car all your own. But if you’re someone who prefers leaving the heavy lifting to someone else, this project may be just the drop-top for you.
First of all this not now nor ever will be a restoration. Besides the drive train the instruments are totally modified. It could be a cool car though with a lot of work. Not even close to be worth 20K
If I were going to swap an engine into this car, it would be something with more street cred than a 390. At least it’s not an LS swap.
This is a very desirable Year and Model Ford and the work that has been done, looks good. It certainly is still a project ,but if upon inspection, it passes, I would think it is a good buy.
Nothing wrong with a 390, I’ve owned several of them. This car calls for vision, and I’ve got one stirring about in my grey matter. I see an a/c compressor sitting atop the engine so maybe the rest of the components come with the car.
also there’s a new power brake booster installed so maybe dual master cylinder comes too. It’s nice that the 4 speed trans is already installed. Don’t know about exhaust system, if it even has one. I had a 57 Fairlane 2 dr hdtp at one time, I bought it minus engine and transmission so I put a 352 3 speed manual from a 64 in it. I’d like to have this car to finish as I vision it. It would be old school though, none of those huge wheels and skinny tires so many youngsters are doing these days. Those fads come and go, I remember about 20 years ago they all had those little Hondas with the tires sticking out side the car, weird looking things. oh by the way, black pearl paint with red leather interior is part of my vision.
God Bless America
Yes 390 is just right for this car. I had a 64 390 4 speed and I have got to say it was rough on back tires and drive shafts. If I had the money I’d scap it up in a heartbeat.
I had a ’57 Fairlane 500 2 door hardtop from ’61 to ’64. After a fender bender with an old 49 Dodge , I had the car repainted from the original black and red to diamond Lustre black. Just out of the air force in ’64 , the repairs were getting costly, so I traded it in….on a new Falcon! Sure wish I had it back almost 60 years later.
I’d love to have this.. If I wasnt putting up a new shop building, I’d make an offer on this.,. It would be fun to finish the build..