Perhaps no single vehicle represents the breadth and ambition of Ford’s 1957 lineup than this Fairlane 500 Skyliner. Much has been written about the model’s fully automatic power retractable hardtop: This jaw-dropping technological marvel was originally developed, at great expense, for the Continental Mark II, but it was never used on that ultra-luxury model. The concept was too compelling to discard, however, and by featuring it on the full-size Fairlane, Ford created arguably the ultimate 1950s boulevard cruiser.

At the same time, Ford was aggressively pursuing NASCAR competition dominance. For the 1957 season, the automaker settled on a supercharged 312-cubic-inch Y-Block V-8, which quickly proved to be a contender when facing down Chevrolet’s ascendant small-block V-8-powered cars. A 300-horsepower production version of this engine followed in order to meet homologation rules; this special powertrain option would be known as the “F-Code.”

While the F-Code Thunderbirds are the best-known examples of the breed, this powerful engine was in fact available for order across the Ford lineup. Estimated production figures vary, but it is believed that fewer than 1,000 full-size Fords of all body styles were so equipped—and by some accounts fewer than 20 Skyliners were built new with this powertrain option. As the “F” prefix of this Fairlane 500 Skyliner’s chassis number indicates, this car is among that rarified set. With its fascinating power top, and more than a little extra power under the hood, it represents something truly special indeed.

Although much of its early history is at the present unknown, it benefitted from a total, ground-up restoration to factory specification under previous ownership and has seen only limited use since. No nut or bolt is said to have been overlooked during this comprehensive task, which saw the car refinished in its correct Raven Black (with subtle gold accent spear) over a white vinyl interior with Black Airweave seat inserts. Its complex electro-mechanical top was also fully restored and calibrated at this time.

At cataloguing, its odometer displays just under 55 miles; this is believed to indicate the total distance driven since the completion of the restoration. Befitting this limited use, every part of this car, from its appealing cabin to its undercarriage to its engine compartment complete with correct Paxton supercharger, remains in highly presentable condition. It presently rides on whitewall tires which, combined with the rear fender skirts and a continental kit, give the car the unsuspecting, sleeper appearance to those unaware of what is tucked away in the engine compartment.

Now offered from the Rey Collection, this beautiful and remarkably rare F-Code Fairlane 500 Skyliner is surely one of the finest examples available. It would be a prized addition to any collection of significant Fords or notable midcentury American automobiles, and it would also make an ideal candidate for show exhibition.