1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Raleigh Classic Car Auctions have built a pristine reputation over 26 years of live auctions, as the go-to for the best-of-the-best offerings for car collectors and enthusiasts. Regionally trusted and nationally recognized, Raleigh Classic Car Auctions continues to find low-mile, original examples with documentation annually. The September Special is an offering of 38 premium quality, low-mile and desirable, domestic lots from three private estates offered entirely without reserve. All vehicles are available for in-person inspection at The Raleigh Classic Showroom in Zebulon, NC; 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday: 9/15/25-10/3/25 or by appointment.

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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.

This 1957 Ford convertible was originally purchased by Miss Dorothy Allen Witty in Indiana on June 13th, 1957, from Smart and Perry Incorporated. Miss Witty relocated from Indianapolis, IN, to Kentucky in the spring of 1959, and the vehicle remained in Kentucky until 2025. The car stayed with its original owner until approximately 2005, at which point it was acquired by the esteemed collector Mr. McDaniel, who meticulously maintained it until his passing less than one year ago.

It's powered the top-of-the-line Thunderbird 292ci V8 engine paired to an automatic transmission. The interior boasts original code "AC" Colonial/Cumberland vinyl, while the exterior has been refinished in the factory correct "J" code Willow Green. Many original documents are included in the sale including the original finance papers, original 1957 registration, original service policy, dealership down payment receipt, original owner's manual and letter of loan satisfaction from 1960.

Highlights

• Offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection

• Two-owner 1957 Ford Fairlane Convertible, supported by documentation included in the sale

• Powered by top-of-the-line Thunderbird Special 292ci V8 engine producing a robust 245 horsepower paired to an automatic transmission

• Four-barrel carburetor

• Refinished Code "J" Willow Green exterior

• Original Code "AC" Colonial/Cumberland vinyl interior

Features

• Power steering

• Dual spotlight side mirrors

• Power convertible canvas top said to be in “like new” condition

• Push-button AM radio

• Continental kit rear-mounted wheel

• Period-correct exhaust tips

Known Imperfections

• Paint chips and scrapes consummate with age of vehicle

• Paint chip on front wheel well

• Dent in chrome trim at driver’s side door

• Some paint scrapes, chips and other imperfections have been covered with non-matching paint to prevent rust

Included

Documents include the original finance papers, 1957 registration, service policy, dealership down payment receipt, owner's manual and letter of loan satisfaction from 1960.

Ownership History

This car is from one of three private estates, comprising the September Special of the Raleigh Classic Car Collection. This two-owner example was originally purchased by Miss Dorothy Allen Witty in Indiana on June 13th, 1957, from Smart and Perry Incorporated. Miss Witty relocated from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Kentucky in the spring of 1959, and the vehicle remained in Kentucky until 2025. The car stayed with its original owner until approximately 2005, at which point it was acquired by the esteemed collector Mr. McDaniel, who maintained it until his passing less than one year ago.