For sale is one of the most collectible American cars ever produced. This rare car is one of the few Skyliners produced with factory air conditioning in 1957. The Skyliner, also referred to as a Retractable or Hide-away Hardtop, was produced for only three years, 1957 through 1959. The 1957 is considered to be the most collectible. Production was started on April 14, 1957 and 20,766 were produced in the first year. This car was built on April 18, the 5th day of production, in the Louisville, Kentucky plant. The roof quarter trim "Skyliner" emblems were not available for the first few production cars and consequently this car was produced without them making it very rare.
This is car is an older frame off restoration of a rust free car showing less than 96,000 miles. It was refinished in the original Flame Red over Colonial White colors.
This Skyliner has the following Ford options: A 312 cid 245 HP 4 barrel carb Thunderbird Special V8, Automatic Transmission, Selectaire Air Conditioner (converted to R34 and blowing exceptionally cold), Master Guide Power Steering, Swift Sure Power Brakes, Power Lift Windows, 4-way Power Seat, Continental Kit, Twin Visored Spot Lights with Rear View Mirrors, Dual Exhaust (updated with stainless including Magnaflow stainless mufflers) with Delta Wing Tips, Electric Clock (converted to Quartz movement), Signal Seek Town & Country Radio (converted to AM/FM),Windshield Washers, Back up Lamps, Front Grill Guard, Front Bumper Wing Guards and Rocker Panel Trim.
None factory items are: Kelsey Hayes Big Bird Wire Wheels, Electric Windshield Wipers and original 50's metal cruiser Skirts with rock guards and NOS trim. The original fender skirts (included with the car) will not clear the Big Bird Wheels.
VIN D7UW162094 decoded as follows: D=V8 312 OHV-4V carb (245 HP), 7=1957, U=Assembly plant Louisville, KY, W=Fairlane 500 Hide-away Hardtop, 162094=Production number. Data Plate information: Body 51A Retractable Hardtop, Color VE3 (V=Flame Red E=Colonial White, Trim BF (Red airweave vinyl), Date 18D (built Apr 18), Production Code 616038A
This car starts and runs as good as it looks and all options work as they should. The top assembly has been fine tuned by Wayne Rollins, the International Retractable Club expert. Included is a shop manual and original (no reprint) owners manual.
This is not a trailer queen as I enjoy driving it to all shows and cruise ins. I have entered it in 5 shows resulting in 7 trophies including 2 Best of Show, 2 First Places in class and 1 Peoples Choice
The only appraisal I have is from my insurance company which is a stated value of $75,000.
Current value guides show the following:
Haggerty in Excellent condition with add for AC indicates a value of $74,200 (no adds for the 312 or any of the other options).
NADA in Excellent condition with adds for the 312 and AC indicates a value of $71,160 (no adds for any of the other options).
Thanks for looking..