The end of the decade was dominated by Chevrolet’s revamped full-size lineup, which included models like the Bel Air, the all-new Impala, and the Biscayne.
However, Ford’s models remained successful, and the Fairlane 500 and the Fairlane 500 Skyliner (the convertible version) continued to sell well.
The Skyliner Retractable Convertible eventually became a rare model, as it was produced for just three years, in 1957, 1958, and 1959. It was also the most expensive model in Ford’s lineup, selling for $3,163 in the base version.
One of the Skyliners still alive today made its way to eBay earlier this week to look for a new home to park it in their garage, flexing a condition that turns it into a time capsule whose place should be in someone’s collection.
eBay seller ladyluckgarage explains that the vehicle spent its entire life with just one owner. It was purchased and properly cared for by a certified Ford mechanic.
The photos speak for themselves and confirm the vehicle is almost a museum piece, with a spotless condition in almost every regard. The body looks fantastic, the interior is like on a new car, and the engine under the hood starts and runs correctly.
But speaking about the engine, there’s something all potential buyers should know. The car rolled off the assembly lines with a 352 V8 (the same unit was available in 1958 and 1959 on the Skyliner), but the original engine is no longer under the hood. The seller explains that the Ford mechanic swapped it with a 390 V8 from a police interceptor, and the mill still flexes a flawless condition. It starts and runs like a new car, so it’s ready to take you anywhere.
You won’t find any rust on this Ford, and it makes sense, considering it has always been garaged. Nothing is missing, and the car exhibits only minor wear, dings, and scuffs. As a result, it’s not a perfect 10, but the vehicle is still one of the best survivors I’ve seen lately.
One of the best things about this Fairlane 500 is that it sells at no reserve. It means that whoever sends the highest bid can take it home without further questions.
The car has unsurprisingly attracted everybody’s attention on eBay, so the auction currently has 21 people fighting to take it home. The top offer is $13,800, but I expect the price to go up significantly in the coming days, especially as the Ford receives more exposure.
You can find it parked in Kelseyville, California, and you should theoretically be able to drive it home on its wheels, considering everything comes in nearly spotless shape. The auction is scheduled to end in approximately five days.
