1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria 2 Door Hardtop
1957 was a big year for the Fairlane line. After the success of the first generation from 1955 to 1956, Ford retooled a bit and made the car longer, lower, and added tailfins. It was also the year they added a top trim level, the 500, and the introduction of the Skyliner, a convertible Fairlane with a retractable hardtop.
For consignment, a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria 2 door hardtop and as the original brochure put it, "for the newest standard of breathtaking beauty, look no further than this lovely two door Victoria." . From the first glance at this model, we have to agree with the writers at Ford.
Exterior
Ford boasted the thin line of the roof and lack of B-pillar which resulted in a "wonderful wide open convertible feeling" and in profile you can see the spacious greenhouse that almost renders the Flame Red appearing to be floating above the body. This open feel is helped by a wraparound windshield with L-shaped pillars that hug the glass and there's curvature to the rear window as well. The side trim is fantastically artistic with a silver wedge that meets a rising trim piece that continues onto the shoulder line and rides the fin back to a point. Above this trim, Colonial White paint offsets the red and creates visual interest that is a stunning testament to 50's design. Out back, Thunderbird influence is replicated in the tail lights and a sculpted chrome bumper presents a virtual wall of protection and a mirror-like finish. Browed headlights and another bold bumper highlight the front of the car and a straight hood flows narrowly from the windshield. 14-inch wheels have beautiful hubcaps and are wrapped in white wall tires. Despite some areas of bubbling low on the red paint, the car's overall paint and metal are in fantastic condition.
Interior
Black and white door panels also benefit from a metal wedge and are in good condition with some patina sneaking in. The split bench is classically black and white also with black bordering white tuck and roll patterned vinyl, all in decent condition, and the back seats repeat the pattern in an unsplit bench. Black and white colors the dash as well, beginning with the black plastic steering wheel sharing its column with a slim black shifter. In front, a lovely arched speedometer flanked by fuel and temp gauges. Chrome bezels house knobs and switches in the lower dash and the black background shows some usage patina. The etched panel of the middle section houses vent controls, an AM radio, and a clock. Below the glossy black lower dash is an added oil pressure gauge. Black looped carpet covers the floor and the white, perforated headliner looks perfect. The trunk is lined with a plaid mat and holds a spare white wall and Flame Red fender skirts.
Drivetrain
The reverse hinged hood reveals a driver quality Thunderbird Special 312ci V8, fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor and backed by a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the Ford 9" rear with 3.10 gears. Drum brakes are found at all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Minimal surface rust, some residual oil on the rear differential, and some extra grease on the steering knuckles are the only things that detract from an otherwise very clean underside. The dual exhaust split wide before meeting stock style mufflers, then chrome tips for the final few inches of travel. Coil spring suspension is found up front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
In 1957, it would not be unusual for a family to jump in the car and go for a ride in the country just for the joy of driving. Sitting in this car, it's easy to imagine such an adventure, it's the ideal tour bus for a family of four to hit the rolling hills. It rides super soft, has more than enough power, and visibility, of course, is off the charts. We note the turn signals are not working but all other functionality scores high. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This car hints of the straight, narrow panels that would be the design in the 60's, but retains classic 50's styling with fins, two tone paint, big glass, and white walls. As the top of the line Fairlane, this would have represented a level of success and upward mobility in 1957, and thanks to some great designers, still elicits that attitude today. Only now, it's an iconic classic.
D7BV122682
D-312ci 4bbl V8
7-1957
B-Buffalo, NY Assy Plant
V-Fairlane/Fairlane 500/Victoria
122682-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63A-Fairlane 500 Club Victoria 2 Door Hardtop
COLOR AE-Raven Black & Colonial White
TRIM U-Colonial White Vinyl & Black Silver Shadow Fabric
PRODUCTION CODE 28M435SP-December 28th
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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