For the introduction of their 1958 line of automobiles, Ford Motor Company took an unusual step in making the world aware of their vehicles by having a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 driven around the world to prove to all its stamina and performance. It was touted as being the toughest pre-announcement road test ever given to an automobile. Months before its intended pronouncement, a new Fairlane 500 left Detroit, headed east. It made appearances in England and crossed the Channel and breezed into style-conscious Paris where it is stated “overnight its glamourous lines and thoroughbred performance made it the toast of the town.” The Fairlane made its way through the steep passes of the Alps, crossed the tough Balkan roads, dealt with the heat of the Middle East, the nearly non-existent roads (primarily paths) of Central Asia and the sweltering heat and jungles of the Far East. The Ford was said to have passed each of these grueling tests with “flying colors.” The around the world test had proved itself in a way that stood apart from any other auto. The Ford Fairlane line, including this fantastic Sunliner convertible, was known for their beauty, strength, power and economy. The new-for-1958 Interceptor 332-cid V-8 engine was considered key in this excursion. The Interceptor engine delivered its maximum wheel-turning power – not at racing speeds, but at ordinary everyday driving speeds.

This beautiful example is a Grand National winner with the esteemed AACA and has also been invited to the Radnor Hunt Concours in the Philadelphia area in 2014 along with the Saratoga Springs Concours in 2013. In 2012, it won the Governor’s Cup in New Hope, Pennsylvania. To be in the position to be rewarded with these accolades, the Ford received a professional frame-off restoration that was completed in 2008 and has been driven only 1,700 sympathetic miles since.

At the time this car was built, it was America’s all-time favorite convertible – an open invitation to the proverbial “fun in the sun.” This Torch Red Fairlane 500 runs with the previously mentioned 332-cid “Police Interceptor” V-8 engine and has a white soft-top with complementary red and white interior with a red padded dashboard. The car is well-equipped with Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, American Classic whitewall tires, Fordomatic automatic transmission, Town & Country radio with rear speaker, electric clock, tissue dispenser, dual exterior mirrors; power top, windows, steering and brakes. Interior beauty and glamour was also captivating to the individuals looking to purchase a Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner in 1958; see this statement of style nearly 60-years down the road and you’ll understand the excitement of its 1958 introduction.