Frame Off Restored Fairlane 500 Skyliner 352 V8 PS AC

In an age where brand aesthetics can easily hang around for a decade, it's hard to imagine any automaker turning out jaw-dropping but completely different designs for five years in a row. But, between 1955 and 1960, Ford did just that and, over time, each model has become an exalted classic. The 1959 Fairlane 500 is one of the most sought after cars of its era, with examples like this freshly restored Skyliner serving as great reminders why. There's simply NOTHING like it on today's roads, and that's without factoring the car's 352 cubic inch Thunderbird Special V8, 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission or correct blue-on-blue color combination that's guaranteed to turn heads. So, if you're the kind of enthusiast who likes to envision having their name engraved on trophies, take a minute to get to know this striking Ford convertible!

Driven a mere 104 miles since completion, and presenting much better than when it originally rolled down Kansas City's storied assembly lines, this impressive drop-top has been transformed into a take-no-prisoners weekender that consistently headlines cruise nights. You won't be staying under the radar with its professionally finished Surf on Wedgewood Blue paintwork, which has been correctly applied over a very clean body. There are no obvious signs of wholesale panel replacement, suggesting the car has been a straight, rust-free shell its entire life. Thanks to Jerry's Classic Cars in Springdale, Arkansas, that shell's fit and finish is almost good enough to turn reflections into reality. And ultimately, everything adds up to one super cool cruiser that, thanks to its spectacular combination of color and trim, has an absolutely magnetic presence!

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 a small AACA plaque between simple parking lamps, a thick bumper and chrome-trimmed head lights that feature prominent brow lines. Between those head lights, a finned and crested 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, polished fender skirts and prominent rocker guards perfectly complement expressive Fairlane scripts, small fender toppers and rocket-like side sweeps. Above those sweeps, a color-keyed roof folds in to a planar decklid. And behind that decklid, an intricate Fairlane badge rides inside chrome-trimmed, jet-inspired tail lights, a second heavy bumper and classy chrome exhaust tips.

Tilt the car's sculpted hood and you'll find a correct, 352 cubic inch Thunderbird Special V8 that's fully rebuilt and dressed to impress. Introduced in 1958 as a high-end Ford and Mercury staple, this stout FE block remained one of Dearborn's hottest factory options for many years. At the top of the Jet Black mill, a bright blue air cleaner draws wind into a big 4-barrel carburetor that's juiced by a series of stainless fuel lines. Atomized octane passes through a cast iron intake manifold to correct, cast iron heads that are topped by painted and Ford-branded valve covers. At the front of those valve covers, a FoMoCo generator and correct fan spin in unison as a tagged radiator keeps the block cool via pliable FoMoCo hoses. Spark comes courtesy of a traditional points distributor, which sequences fire between a FoMoCo coil, a FoMoCo voltage regulator and fresh plug wires. Aesthetically, this convertible's bay presents a clean, authentic appearance all the way from its factory air conditioning and See Clear washer bag to its Power Punch battery and Motorcraft oil filter. And best of all, the 300 horsepower engine fires instantly and sounds surprisingly beefy breathing through OEM-style exhaust.

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 powerplant, a stalwart Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed spins torque 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 weathering, reinforcing the idea that this 500 has seen only break-in miles since its complete overhaul. Braking is quick and adequate thanks to fresh drums that occupy all for corners of that chassis. And on the outside of those drums, freshly painted wheels spin 8.00-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around ornate 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 high quality plastic covers, the car's power front and rear bench seats will be livable for years to come. There's tight carpet that, thanks to low miles, still features rich black loops. Front and center, a two-tone dash hangs restored Ford telemetry above a stainless tissue box and Ford Select Aire air conditioning. At the sides of that dash, hip door panels center chrome handles, small window switches and sculpted armrests above flashy, Ford-branded sills. And in front of the driver, a white-tinged steering wheel spins a stylized rim around a chrome, Ford-branded horn ring.

The sale of this big blue beast includes a vintage owner's manual.

This first class Ford is a nicely polished piece of jet-age magic that's ready to be shown and celebrated. With its sturdy 352/Cruise-O-Matic drivetrain, streetability certainly won't be a problem, and the car's impressive interior is every bit as welcoming now as it was when new. If you're looking for a first-rate classic to add to your collection, call and claim this incredible Skyliner!