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How much did a 1957 Ford Skyliner cost new?


The 1957 Ford Skyliner, a revolutionary car of its time, was the first mass-produced vehicle to feature a retractable hardtop roof. This innovative design made it a standout in the automotive market, and it remains a classic favorite among car enthusiasts today. But how much did this iconic car cost when it first hit the market? Let’s take a closer look at its pricing and what made it so special.


The Original Price of the 1957 Ford Skyliner


When the Ford Skyliner debuted in 1957, it was priced at approximately $2,942. This price tag placed it among the more expensive models in Ford's lineup at the time, reflecting the advanced engineering and luxury features that came with the retractable hardtop. Adjusted for inflation, this would be roughly equivalent to around $30,000 in today’s dollars, making it a premium vehicle for its era.


Why Was the Skyliner So Expensive?


The higher price of the Skyliner was justified by its groundbreaking technology and unique design. Here are some of the key reasons for its cost:



  • Retractable Hardtop Mechanism: The Skyliner's roof could fold and retract into the trunk at the push of a button, a feature that required complex engineering and added significant production costs.

  • Luxury Features: The Skyliner was equipped with premium materials and finishes, making it a more upscale option compared to other Ford models.

  • Limited Production: Due to its specialized design, the Skyliner was produced in smaller numbers, which also contributed to its higher price.


The Skyliner's Legacy


Despite its high price, the 1957 Ford Skyliner was a hit among buyers who wanted a car that combined style, innovation, and luxury. Today, it is a sought-after collector's item, with well-preserved models fetching significantly higher prices at auctions. The Skyliner remains a testament to Ford's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design in the 1950s.


Whether you're a classic car enthusiast or simply curious about automotive history, the 1957 Ford Skyliner is a fascinating example of mid-century innovation and style. Its original price of $2,942 was a reflection of its cutting-edge features and remains a point of interest for car lovers everywhere.


Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles per gallon does a 1957 Ford Thunderbird get?


1957 Ford Thunderbird MPG
Based on data from 2 vehicles, 8 fuel-ups and 1,039 miles of driving, the 1957 Ford Thunderbird gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.48 with a 5.21 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 1 outliers (11.11%) removed.



What is the most rare Ford?


The 50 cars all in the teeth orange paintwork. The same as the original. There are some visual cues like the Saturn black spoiler.



How much is a Ford Skyliner worth?


Q: What is the average sale price of a Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner / Galaxie Skyliner? A: The average price of a Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner / Galaxie Skyliner is $41,723.



How much did a 1957 Ford cost new?


The 284 Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable Hardtops to leave the Kansas City, Missouri plant were Ford's most expensive car in 1957 with a base price of $2,942, and to this day, they create a sensation wherever they go.



What was the best selling car in 1957?


Here are the top-selling vehicles in America from 1957 through the end of 1977: 1957: Ford Skyline. 1958: Ford Thunderbird.



How many 1957 Ford Skyliner were made?


20,766 units
Production totaled 20,766 units in 1957, declining to 14,713 in 1958 and to 12,915 in 1959. An electric clock was standard.



How many 1957 Thunderbirds still exist?


In total, there were 21,380 Thunderbirds sold in 1957, each with one of three V8 engine options: D-, E- or F-Type. The vast majority were the D-Type V8, while 1,363 were E-Type, and just 197 were F-Type. There are only an estimated 40 F-Types left in existence today.



What is the value of a 1959 Ford Skyliner?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,350 for a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner? The highest selling price of a 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner at auction over the last three years was $105,300.



How much did a 1957 Ford Thunderbird cost new?


Thunderbird sales dipped a bit in 1956 to 15,631 cars, but sales soared to 21,380 units in 1957., when model year production ran through the end of the calendar year. It still far outsold the Corvette. The 1957 T-Bird's price had climbed to $3,408, but it remained an attractive buy.



What was the original price of a 1957 Ford Skyliner?


New for 1957 was the great-looking and exciting Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable Hardtop model which proved very popular. The vehicle cost $2,945 and was the highest priced model in Ford's lineup. Today, these cars have become classics and very collectible for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.