Home Archive 1957 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop

1957 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop Skyliner Retractable Hardtop

The Fairlane 500 Skyliner was the world's first mass-produced retractable hardtop, its steel roof folding electrically into the trunk - the signature halo model of the 1957 Ford line.
D7RW183122
8 Cyl. 312 C.I. Thunderbird Special V8 (D)
Engine
Skyliner Retractable Hardtop
Body
(R)
Plant
Post-War Era
Era
No factory image on file
1957 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop

VIN Breakdown

PositionValueDecoded
Engine Code D 8 Cyl. 312 C.I. Thunderbird Special V8 (D)
Year Code 7 1957
Plant Code R (R)
Body Code W W
Serial Number 183122 Production #183122

Basic Information

MakeFord
ModelSkyliner Retractable Hardtop
Year1957
Body StyleSkyliner Retractable Hardtop
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
EraPost-War Era

Engine & Details

Engine8 Cyl. 312 C.I. Thunderbird Special V8 (D)
Assembly Plant(R)
Plant CodeR
Pattern SourceFord
Confidence90%

Original Specifications

Wheelbase118
Length210.8
Width77

Source: Historical automotive documentation (1960-1972)

Specifications

Engine

Engine8 Cyl. 312 C.I. Thunderbird Special V8
Cylinders8
Displacement312 cu in
Horsepower245
Carburetor4 BC
Compression9.7:1
Torque332 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm
Bore & Stroke4.00 × 3.50 in

Dimensions

Production20766
Rear Tread56.4
Wheelbase118
Front Tread59
Length210.8
Width77

Drivetrain

AxleSemifloating
Rear Axle Ratio4.5
Transmission3.25
Clutch TypeSingle plate dry disc
Differential Ratio3.56
DifferentialHypoid
Steering GearWorm & roller
DriveRear wheel drive
Reverse Ratio2.86
Gears3

Suspension

Front SuspensionIndependent ball joint with coil springs
Rear SuspensionLongitudinal leaf spring
Tire Size7.5 x 14

Brakes

Parking BrakeRear service brakes
Brake Drum Size11
Service Brakes4 wheel hydraulic drum

Fuel & Electrical

Fuel Capacity20
Oil Capacity5
LubricationPressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
ExhaustDual
Fuel TypeRegular
RadiatorFin and tube
IgnitionDistributor and coil
Cooling19 Quarts / Centrifugal pump with thermostat
Battery12

Equipment

EquipmentFordomatic automatic transmission / Power brakes / Power steering

Colors

Exterior ColorsAll colors may not be available in all models. / Colonial White / Coral Sand / Cumberland Green / Doeskin Tan / Dresden Blue / Enamel / Flame Red / Gunmetal Gray Metallic / Gunmetal Gray Metallic No. 2 / Inca Gold / Silver Mocha Metallic / Silver Mocha Metallic No. 2 / Starmist Blue / Two Tone Colors Available / Willow Green / Woodsmoke Gray

Pricing

MSRP$2942.00

Other

Doors2
1gear2.4
2gear1.49
3gear1

Specifications are for this body style. The 1957 VIN resolves model year, body style, and engine; trim series is not VIN-encoded, so values that vary by series are shown as distinct options/ranges.