Stunning 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 At Downtown Revival Car Show

May 21, 2023 • Leave a Comment

1957 Ford Fairlane 500A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show. A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show.

(This year's show will be held in Carson City on Saturday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

The Fairlane's interior was a bright red in the morning sunshine in the state capital. It was one of my favorite cars at the car show, but it was among many because there were so many spectacular cars for such a mid-sized city ~ a real tribute to those who own these cars in Carson City and neighboring communities.

1957 Ford Fairlane 500A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show. I researched the 1957 (the year my late brother Mario was born) Ford Fairlane 500 and took a journey back in time. At its launch, the Fairlane was a big step forward for Ford.

"Ford goes first for '57 with a whole new world of magic in the revolutionary Fairlane 500 Series," states a Ford Fairlane 500 brochure. "For example, now you can have that wonderful Victoria 'hardtop' look in a closed sedan!

"With windows up, the new, thin-line center pillars of the Fairlane 500 Club and Town Sedans are completely concealed by handsome chrome window frames. There's never been anything like it!"

1957 Ford Fairlane 500A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show. With an American economy humming on all cylinders, such optimistic advertising was typical of the overall positive American populace.

Oh, and that chrome! Wouldn't it be nice to bring some of that back?

The brochure highlighted even more features of the Fairlane 500.

"In addition, there's a new Full-Vision windshield that lets you see like never before; a clock that automatically retimes itself when you set it; rear doors with a built-in 'helping hand' for opening and closing; a windshield wiper you don't even hear," the brochure states.

1957 Ford Fairlane 500A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show. Imagine that! A windshield wiper you don't hear. How many of us remember such windshield wipers and that loud noise, especially in rainy climates?

"Best of all, there's a new kind of fine-car prestige that goes with this new kind of Ford that no other low-priced car can give you," the brochure continues.

"And for choice, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Series offers five new models, including two distinctive hardtops and a glamorous convertible. They're all available in a gay array of the finest new miracle fabrics for the interiors and enamel for the outer finishes."

1957 Ford Fairlane 500A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show. In another part of the brochure, it states, "Ford brings a Touch of Tomorrow to the low-price field with a new kind of car for '57.

"Take a good long look! Across the page you see a new kind of car for '57; a car so big, so new, so daringly styled, you'll hardly believe it's a Ford.

"Over 17 feet long and a scant 4 2/3 feet high, it brings you more of the things you want than any other low-priced car in history. ...

1957 Ford Fairlane 500A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show. "It was a new Inner car that made this new kind of heavier, road-hugging Ford possible. The Inner Ford ~ the part of the car you cannot see ~ was built to a longer, lower, wider scale."

Imagine not worrying much about the cost of gas!

"Ford engineers developed a Full-Cradle Chassis with a revolutionary wide-contoured frame; a new type of low-slung drive; a new level-ride suspension; a new mounting system for the built-for-keeps body," the brochure boasts.

1957 Ford Fairlane 500A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show. "Most important, the new Inner Ford provides the space needed to let you and your guests ride in roomy comfort, style and luxury. It's a new kind of gracious living on wheels."

The Fairlane 500 has special significance in Ford history.

"On this silver anniversary of Ford's V-8 leadership, with 25 years' experience could give. And it comes in the widest engine choice in Ford history ~ new high-performance Thunderbird V-8's ~ and the world’s most modern Six," the brochure enthusiastically notes.

1957 Ford Fairlane 500A stunning two-toned red and black Ford Fairlane 500 was part of the 2022 Esther Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star's Downtown Revival Car Show. "For 1957, you can enjoy a new kind of fund with this new kind of Ford. Whether you choose the distinctive Fairlane or the glamourous Fairlane 500, you'll ride sweet, low and lovely in this new prestige car of the low-price field."

Not the two references to low price! According to the Ford price sheet at the time, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 cost:

Skyliner Retractable Convertible Coupe: $2,942
Victoria Hardtop Sedan: $2,404
Town Sedan 4 Door: $2,286
Victoria Hardtop Coupe: $2,339
Club Sedan 2 Door: $2,281
Sunliner Convertible Coupe: $2,505

Look at all those model options for just the Fairlane 500! And that doesn't include the four model options for the 1957 Ford Fairlane.

"Color strikes a glorious keynote in the '57 Ford," the brochure states. "There are lively, daring, vital hues that reflect the flashing spirit of the car itself. There is color harmony inside and out matched to the spectrum of your own personal taste. ... The very tones themselves conjure up a magic mood."

The Fairlane 500 also featured luxury.

"And with Ford's new Selectaire Conditioner you can heat your Ford in the winter, cool it in the summer, by moving the dual level controls. You never had it so easy ~ or so comfortable ~ as in the '57 Ford."

The SelectAire was an advance over previous Ford air conditioners.

Gear-shifting also was an advance in the Fairlane 500.

"With Ford's automatic drive you can switch from neutral to drive, or from neutral to reverse, without going through any other gear," according to the brochure.

"Here are the brakes with the new low pedal that you'll love to touch," the brochure states. "Stopping takes up to one-third less effort. Makes driving in traffic much easier, more relaxing."

Steering was also improved.

"Here's power to reduce parking effort by 75 percent and assist you in all your driving," the brochure notes. "Yet you retain the 'feel of the wheel' on any street or highway."

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Keywords: 1957 Ford Fairlane, 1957 Ford Fairlane 500, Carson City, Carson City car show, Downtown Revival Car Show, Eastern Star, Eastern Star car show, Esther Chapter #3, Ford, Ford Motor Co., Ford Motor Company, Ford Mustang Mach 1, Nevada car show, Nevada car shows, Order of the Eastern Star

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Stunning 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 At Downtown Revival Car Show

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