Ford Fairlane
The world's first mass-produced retractable hardtop, a marvel of 1950s engineering.
- Power
- 245 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 111 mph
- Est. value
- $22k–$85k
About the Ford Fairlane
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was a technological tour de force, introducing the first mass-produced power-retractable hardtop. Developed at a cost of $20 million, its 'Hide-Away Hardtop' mechanism utilised seven electric motors and over 600 feet of wiring to fold the roof into the luggage compartment. While it shared the sleek, finned styling of the 1957 Ford line, the Skyliner required a unique frame and a fuel tank relocated behind the rear seat to accommodate the roof. Today, it is a highly prized collector car, celebrated more for its complex mechanical ballet and 'Jet Age' aesthetics than its outright performance.
Ford Fairlane specs
The Ford Fairlane produces 245 bhp (183 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Fairlane |
| Trim | 500 Skyliner |
| Years | 1957–1959 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Retractable Hardtop |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 48,394 built |
| Original price | About $2,900 when new |
| Engine | 5.1-litre 'Thunderbird Special' V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,113 cc (5.1 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 245 bhp (183 kW) at 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 9.5 s |
| Top speed | 111 mph (179 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,776 kg (3,915 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 138 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Fairlane worth?
A typical Ford Fairlane is estimated to be worth $22,000 – $85,000 (about £16,000 – £63,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,900.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Fairlane rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Fairlane is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 50 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Fairlane fun facts
- The retractable top mechanism is so complex it uses 10 power relays, 10 limit switches, and four lock motors to complete its cycle in roughly 40 seconds.
- Because the roof takes up almost the entire boot, Ford provided a small 'luggage bin' that sat in the centre of the trunk area to prevent items from being crushed.
- The Skyliner was originally intended to be a Continental Mark II, but the project was moved to the Ford brand to help recoup its massive development costs.
