Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner 1957–1959 car dimensions: 5529 mm long, 1981 mm wide and 1435 mm high. Boot space with the seats up is 184 litres.
The cabin seats six on bench seats and has an electric clock as standard. Options include a heater with defroster, SelectAire air conditioning on V-8 models, four-way power front seat, power windows, power steering, power brakes, and a transistor radio. No electronic driver aids appear in the equipment lists.
Luggage space with the hardtop raised is limited by the roof mechanism. With the top retracted the space shrinks to a small metal basket that holds a few suitcases. The spare tire sits under a wooden panel beneath the basket, so everything must be unloaded to reach it. The rear-hinged trunk lid is power operated.
The added weight of the retractable hardtop required heavy-duty steel wheels with wider rims and a reinforced chassis and frame. This is a full-size luxury convertible, not set up for towing or work duties.
The cabin seats six on bench seats with more headroom than prior years and rich fabric or vinyl appointments in many color combinations. A large sweeping speedometer dominates the redesigned instrument panel with recessed controls. Optional four-way power front seat adjusts forward, back, up or down. Heater and SelectAire conditioner are available, along with power windows. Electric clock is standard. Rear seat is more upright with tight legroom due to roof mechanism packaging.
Fuel use around 14 mpg overall.
V8 engines only, no six-cylinder.
Lifeguard deep-center steering wheel standard.
Double-grip door latches standard.
Safety rearview mirror standard.
Seat belts and padded dash optional.
Fuel consumption sits around 14 mpg overall with the available V8 engines ranging from 190 to 300 hp. The tank sits vertically behind the rear seat.
The retractable hardtop uses electric motors, relays, switches and extensive wiring. It has proven reliable in long-term use with no recalls noted for the roof system. Specialized parts remain available through clubs and suppliers. Shop manuals cover all subsystems including the top mechanism.
Standard Lifeguard safety includes a deep-center impact-absorbing steering wheel, double-grip door latches to keep doors closed in crashes, and a shatter-resistant swivel rearview mirror. Recessed knobs and a new frame design add protection. Optional seat belts and padded instrument panel with sun visors complete the kit. The vertical fuel tank improves rear-collision safety.
Living with the car means accepting limited trunk space when the top is down. Power assists for steering, brakes and seats ease daily use. Continental kit is a common option. Regular attention to the electric top system keeps it operating smoothly.
Length 5529 mm, Width 1981 mm, Height 1435 mm, Wheelbase 2997 mm (Fairlane 500 Skyliner 1957–1959)
Sources: manufacturer data, over-drive-magazine.com 1957 Ford Cars Fact Sheet, carfolio.com and hemmings.com/wikipedia.