Single-Family-Owned 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Town Sedan

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The premiere full-size Fairlane model, named after Henry Ford's Dearborn estate, made its debut in 1955, coinciding with the introduction of the original Thunderbird. These luxurious vehicles played a significant role in Ford achieving its highest sales figures since 1923. Available in a variety of body styles, all six featured a trademark chrome "Fairlane stripe" along the length of the car and were powered by either a 223 cu-in straight-six, 272 cu-in V8, or the top-of-the-line 292 cu-in “Thunderbird V8.” The 1957 model year saw the introduction of a premium Fairlane 500 trim level wearing a completely restyled low, sleek body measuring 17.5 feet in length. Beloved for their distinctive 1950s styling cues and dazzling color schemes, Fairlanes are highly sought after today to enjoy on memorable weekend cruises and grab attention at local car shows. 

Highlights

• Desirable Fairlane 500 specification riding on a lengthened 118-inch wheelbase

• Owned by a single family from new, purchased by the consignor’s mother in March 1957 in Del Norte, Colorado

• Highly original, non-running project primed for recommissioning or a sympathetic restoration

• Finished in two-tone Woodsmoke Gray and Colonial White with a Gray basket-weave fabric interior

• Powered by the range-topping 292 cu-in “Y-Block” V8

• Said to retain its original Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission as per the consignor

• This Fairlane 500 Town Sedan is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 45,000 miles at the time of listing, which is believed to be original as per the consignor

Features

• 14-inch steel wheels with chrome covers

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• Chrome exterior trim

• Gold accent stripe

• Dual exterior rear-view mirrors 

• Vent windows

• Dual sun visors 

• Three-spoke body-color steering wheel

• Push button AM radio

• Clock

• Locking glove box

• Manual roll-up windows

• Body-color dashboard

• Lap belts

• Cigarette lighter

• Rear ashtray

• Dual exhaust outlets 

Known Imperfections

• The vehicle does not run and will require recommissioning prior to road use

• The consignor notes an oil leak and suspects the rear main seal is dried out

• Front passenger door window is cracked

• Surface rust present in the engine bay

Included

• Original purchase documents

• Spare tire and tire cover

Ownership History

The consignor reports that this Ford Fairlane Town Sedan was purchased new by his mother in March 1957 in Del Norte, Colorado where it remained until 1992. That year it was trailered to Montana where it has been held in storage for the past three decades. The car was reportedly last in running order following the completion of some recommissioning work in 2011.