The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 perfectly captures the optimistic, tailfin-styled swagger of postwar America, and this two-tone example listed here on Craigslist in Albany, Oregon is a great mix of ready-to-drive and ready-to-tinker. Finished in yellow and white with a rust-free body, this classic hardtop is powered by a T-Bird 312 V8 and includes a trove of extras, spares, and recent upgrades. The price has just been reduced, making it a strong value for anyone seeking a vintage Ford with curb appeal and character. Thanks for the tip Curvette!
According to the seller, the car runs great and has been removed from insurance, suggesting it was roadworthy and driven recently. The 312 V8, borrowed from the Thunderbird, gives this Fairlane a little extra performance cred, and it’s backed by an automatic transmission. A second transmission is included with the sale as a backup.
Mechanically, it’s had some important service completed. The brakes have been redone with new pads and wheel cylinders, and the front suspension has seen attention as well. The seller also replaced the driveline bearings, radiator, and starter, so it’s been actively maintained despite its age.
The interior is said to be in great condition with slip covers on the backrests, which often means the original material underneath has been preserved. Power windows are a rare and welcome feature for 1957, though the driver’s side needs a new motor, the seller includes three extras. A neutral safety switch and rear main seal are needed, but both parts come with the sale.
There’s also a stash of chrome engine dress-up parts that haven’t been installed yet, perfect for someone who wants to personalize the engine bay without sourcing parts. With its iconic styling, two-tone paint, and healthy V8, this Fairlane 500 offers just the right blend of ‘50s flash and practical usability.
Would you finish the final touches on this Fairlane and hit the road, or take it to the next level with show-ready upgrades?
One of the only 4 Fords I’ve owned was a ’57 door sedan, bottom of the line 6 cylinder, 3 on the tree, only accessories a heater and a radio. One step above my ’42 Ford Jeep. I guess this is a good looking car but it’s hard to tell with the crappy pictures.
Make that 2 door.
Great car for a tinkerer and it’s not another tri-five Chevy at the cars and coffee.
Sometime around 1973 I bought one of these for $50.00. It was black with black diamond pleat seats but no motor or transmission. No problem I had a 64 352 with a top loader 4 speed that with a lot of work I installed in the 57 Ford. It was a blast to drive even though it was a bit hard to handle. Remembering those days in my early manhood really makes me want to go for this one, but alas! I just don’t have the will or strength for such things these days. I know someone’s going to love this one.
God Bless America
My dad bought one new in 1957. I went to the dealership with him (I was 7). They had a T-Bird on the floor with a dual quad 312………..dad liked it but told the salesman that he needed a family car. Dad was told he could order a Fairlane 500 with the exact same dual quad engine……….and he did. I still remember those “Thunderbird Special” valve covers.
My cousin had this exact car and color new in 1957. As a ten-year old I thought it was one of the most beautiful cars I had ever seen. (And I had ridden in the Lincoln Futura the year before). The sweep of the side molding onto the fin was perfectly balanced, and gave the two-tone paint a touch of elegance. Beautiful car.
A 57 Ford Fairlane, much like this one, was my 1st car. It had the 312 Thunderbird engine. The problem was that it consumed a lot of oil. Just glad you could stop at almost any gas station back in 1968 & buy used oil….lol
Reminds me of the ’57 Ford that
Robert Mitchum drive in the movie Thunder Road. And I think
that car had that Thunderbird Special engine too. In the Midwest, these cars looked good
for about two years and then the
rust started. Floorboards fell out,
headlights rusted right out of their sockets, and so much more.
Throw in a rubber floor mat that
was made to look like carpeting,
and you had a car that just screamed “I’m cheap!”. After Hudson closed for good, my grandpa bought s ’58 Ford wagon
but didn’t keep it long. Within 18
months, that Ford was a real rust bucket! Grandpa had the rust fixed as best he could and then traded it in for a ’60 Chevy Impala
wagon. After that, he bought nothing but GM products. Me, the closest I ever came to owning
one was the 1/25 scale model I bought from AMT. Nice car while it lasted.
Thunder Road ! You can watch this early black and white Mitchum moonshine runner movie on You Tube.