Retractable Nationals First Place Fairline 500 Skyliner

Maybe it's the grille update or the sense of motion inherent in its swept styling, but there's just something about the 1957 Ford Fairlane that demands attention. Arguably the most underrated of Detroit's 50s super stars, the Fairlane sold well in its day and continues to be a staple of the collector car market. The beneficiary of a recent, frame-off restoration, this top option Skyliner is just waiting for summer sun and a manicured show field. With its Thunderbird V8, Ford-O-Matic 3-speed, Master Guide Power Steering, Power Brakes and Select Aire climate control, it has all the right options to be the quintessential 50s cruiser. And if you're looking to add a little spice to your weekend routine, it'll take Sunday drives to a whole new level!

Steal a glance at the car's glossy profile and you'll see what high quality craftsmanship truly looks like. A product of a professional, rotisserie restoration that was performed by a dedicated group of enthusiasts, its solid body was stripped to bare metal, thoroughly worked and painstakingly transformed into a collection of super straight panels. Once that intense labor resulted in good fit and finish, a smooth Flame Red and Colonial White basecoat was sealed in durable clear and buffed to a fantastic shine. And today, this Ford sits as one razor-sharp drop-top that's ready to turn heads for years to come.

Not surprisingly, this exceptionally clean Fairlane's stylish body features a roster of cool and carefully maintained details. At the front of the car, an exaggerated egg crate grille hangs clean headlights above simple parking lamps, a linear header emblem and a guarded bumper that bends around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, a chrome-detailed hood leads the eye to wraparound glass that's reflected by twin spot lights, cleared with bright wipers and framed in thick trim. Below that trim, sculpted door handles, subtle fender skirts and polished rocker guards perfectly complement streamlined side sweeps, expressive “Fairlane 500” scripts and small Select Aire emblems. Above those emblems, a “Skyliner” stamped roof folds into a positively gigantic decklid. And below that decklid, a classy continental kit flanks jet-inspired tail lights, a second wraparound bumper and art deco exhaust tips.

Tilt the car's sculpted hood and you'll find a correct, 312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 that's fully rebuilt and dressed to impress. Introduced in 1956 as a high-end Ford and Mercury staple, this stout Y-block remained one of Dearborn's hottest factory options until late 1961. At the top of the bright orange mill, an Argent Silver air cleaner draws wind into a big Holley carburetor that's juiced by a series of stainless fuel lines. Atomized octane passes through a factory intake manifold to correct, cast iron heads that are topped by painted and Thunderbird-branded valve covers. At the front of those valve covers, a rebuilt generator and correct fan spin in unison as a tagged radiator keeps the block cool via pliable hoses. And spark comes courtesy of a traditional points distributor, which sequences fire between a reproduction battery, a Ford voltage regulator and fresh plug wires. From its factory air conditioning to its See Clear washer bag, this convertible's glossy bay presents a clean, authentic appearance. And best of all, the 245 horsepower engine fires instantly and sounds surprisingly beefy breathing through an OEM-style exhaust system.

At the bottom of this Fairlane, a fully sorted undercarriage houses typically over-restored floors that are bolted to lots of factory-correct components. Nice enough to show but still fully drivable, this is the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like to display their car AND enjoy fun-filled weekends. Behind the beefy Y-block, a stalwart Ford-O-Matic 3-speed sends power to a familiar Ford 9-inch that's fitted with pleasant, highway-friendly gears. The car's suspension remains close to its original configuration, with factory power steering complementing factory control arms and traditional leaf springs. All of the chassis' parts are free of substantial weathering, reinforcing the idea that it's been a very long time since this 500's seen daily-driver duty. Braking is quick and adequate thanks to fresh drums that occupy all for corners of that chassis. And on the outside of those drums, correctly painted wheels spin 8.00-14 Goodyear whitewalls around classy stainless hub caps

Two-tone paint is legendary for its characteristically 50s feel. And when paired with this convertible's airy interior, it creates the perfect culmination of style and sophistication. Thanks to the car's high quality restoration, its smooth bench seats will be livable for years to come. There's tight carpet that, thanks to thick floor mats, still features rich red loops. Front and center, a stylish, two-tone dash hangs restored Ford telemetry next to a correct Town & Country radio. At the sides of that dash, gridded door panels center chrome handles, small window switches and clean armrests above flashy, Ford-branded sills. And in front of the driver, a body-matched steering wheel spins a Flame Red rim around a chrome, Ford-branded horn ring.

The sale of this AACA award winner includes a vintage owner's manual and a binder of historic documentation.

If you're looking for a premium example of an infinitely collectible car, this super cool Fairlane is a great choice. With its Thunderbird 312, automatic transmission, convertible top and excellent list of options, it was a pleasure to own in 1957 and, thanks to an immaculate restoration, continues to be in 2014. Around here, great 50s metal never sticks around for too long. Call now and admire later!