1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner

The Sunliner was the only soft-top convertible in the Ford full-size line-up for 1958. It sat in the Fairlane 500 series which offered the top trim levels that year. This beautiful Colonial White and Torch Red was subject of a thorough restoration inside and out.

After the complete restyle of the previous year, the ’58 models shared the same body with some cosmetic changes. Most notable at the front was the use of a simulated hood scoop and honeycomb grille, styling ideas borrowed from the Thunderbird. Also at the front were dual headlights that most manufacturers had adopted following recent law changes.

At the rear, they were now using four oval taillights which was somewhat of a departure from the signature round lights that Ford had been using since 1952.

Rear view showing the taillights of a 1958 Ford Sunliner
Restyled taillights for ’58

Along the side the Fairlane 500 trim was similar albeit reversed with the wide, gold anodized trim now sitting at the rear of the car.

side view of a 58 Sunliner with the convertible top down
Side view

Not all of the changes made to the styling of the ’58 were were for pure styling reasons – many were done to increase body panel strength.

The interior of the Fairlane 500 Sunliner was luxurious, with room for up to six passengers. It had an all-vinyl interior with this red / white combination being one of five different combinations available.

The 1958 Sunliner interior was similar to the '57 models.
Two-tone red / white, all-vinyl interior

Note the instrument panel was very similar to the ’57 models with its distinctive arcing speedometer.

Under the hood sits an Interceptor 332 cubic inch, 240 horsepower V8 that cost an additional $106 on the base price. The Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission that it is paired with cost another $180 over the standard 3-speed manual transmission.

Other options on this car include power steering ($69) and AM radio ($77).

Total sales were down for Ford by about 40% but 1958 was a recession year and most car makers were suffering. The Sunliner saw total sales of 35,029 which was about 55% down on the 1957 figures. If you had ordered one new, prices started at $2,650.

This ’58 Ford Sunliner is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for even more photos)

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