Classic recollections: 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
One of the major draws of classic cars is a love of their sheer simplicity.
Vintage vehicles lack an overabundance of inhibiting nanny features and complex add-ons, allowing their drivers to truly embrace and enjoy the behind-the-wheel motoring experience. But while our beloved rolling time machines clearly come from a different era, don't think they are devoid of any forward-thinking elements, or innovative engineering.
Folding metal hardtops have become quite common in the current automotive marketplace. However, Frank Clarton's 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner had one when it rolled out of its San Jose, Calif., factory five decades ago. Not bad for a vehicle built during Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency.
“Lowering the hardtop requires six electric motors, thirteen relays, ten switches and 610 feet of electrical wire,” the Mount Prospect resident explains. The operation starts with the rear-hinged trunk lifting straight up. The front corners of the hardtop unlatch and the whole roof moves up and backward down into the trunk.
In less than one minute, Clarton can choose between a hardtop's road-noise silencing abilities and protection from the elements, or the sun loving, open air convertible experience.
He found his Inca Gold and Colonial White Skyliner in Racine, Wis., and since that purchase in 1986, Clarton wasted no time in getting his retractable in showstopping condition. A 1960s Chevrolet interior had found its way inside and was promptly discarded for original elements. A restrictive California emission setup was also removed during the many winters he spent “sandblasting, wireburshing and painting.”
All of his efforts paid off; Clarton belongs to the International Ford Retractable Club and has garnered a silver rating with the organization. His Skyliner landed in the impressive 945-975 range out of a perfect 1,000 score.
Despite its near-mint condition, Clarton isn't afraid to go out and rack up some serious highway miles. “It's a smooth-driving vehicle and whenever I can get it out on the road, that's what I do.”
He's toured to Branson, Mo.; Dallas and into North Dakota while also driving numerous times to Pennsylvania for car meets in Hershey and Carlisle. This Ford isn't bound to just the states, as Clarton has driven his Fairlane to Windsor and Niagara Falls, Canada.
When he's in the area he heads to local venues such as the Mount Prospect or Palatine cruise nights.
Powering this boulevard glider is the stock 312-cubic-inch V-8, delivering a stout 245 horsepower for effortless freeway motoring. The black and white interior offers factory air conditioning, power steering, brakes and seats, making those long miles downright comfortable.
Even with its unconventional and intriguing roof configuration, Clarton reports that often these unique and classy Ford cruisers go unnoticed today, overshadowed by the iconic and instantly recognizable '57 Chevy. But he quickly adds it wasn't always this way.
“When they came out that year, they outsold rival Chevy and went on to become the best-selling car in the world.”
The limelight may have faded on the first production retractable hardtop-convertible, but after seeing such a pristine example as Clarton's, folks are sure to develop a new appreciation, and fascination, for this rolling classic marvel.