1957 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop loaded with options including factory AC

Description

For sale is one of the most collectible American cars ever produced. This rare car is one of the few Skyliners produced with factory air conditioning in 1957. The Skyliner, also referred to as a Retractable or Hide-away Hardtop, was produced for only three years, 1957 through 1959. The 1957 is considered to be the most collectible Production was started on April 14, 1957 and 20,766 were produced in the first year. This car was built on April 18, the 5th day of production, in the Louisville, Kentucky plant. The roof quarter trim "Skyliner" emblems were not available for the first few production cars and consequently this car was produced without them making it vary rare.
This car is an older frame off restoration of a rust free car showing less than 96,000 miles. It was refinished in the original Flame Red over Colonial White colors.
This Skyliner has the following Ford options: A 312 cid 245 HP 4 barrel carb Thunderbird Special V8, Automatic Transmission, Selectaire Air Conditioner (converted to R34 and blowing exceptionally cold). Master Guide Power Steering, Swift Sure Power Brakes, Power Lift Windows, 4-way Power Seat, Continental Kit. Twin Visored Spot Lights with Rear View Mirrors, Dual Exhaust (updated with stainless including Magnaflow stainless mufflers) with Delta Wing Tips, Electric Clock (converted to Quartz movement), Signal Seek Town & Country Radio (converted to AM/FM), Window Washers, Back up Lamps, Front Grill Guard (V-bar), Front Bumper Wing Guards, Rocker Panel Trim and original Fender skirts.
Non factory items are: Kelsey Hayes Wire Wheels, Electric Windshield Wipers, chrome oil cap and original 50's metal cruiser Skirts with rock guard and NOS trim.
VIN D7UW162094 Decoded as follows: D=V8 312 OHV-4V carb (245 HP), 7=1957, U=Assembly plant Louisville, KY, W=Fairlane 500 Hide-away Hardtop, 162094=Production number. Data Plate information: Body 51A Retractable Hardtop, Color VE3 (V=Flame Red E=Colonial White, Trim BF (Red airweave vinyle), Date 18D (built April 18), Production Code 616038A
This Skyliner starts and drives as good as it looks and all options work properly. The top assembly has been fine tuned by Wayne Rollins, the International Retractable Club expert. Included is a shop manual and original (no reprint) owner's manual.
This is not a trailer queen as I enjoy driving it to shows and cruise ins. I have entered this car in five shows resulting in seven trophies including 2 best of shows, 2 first places and one peoples choice.
This car was appraised by my insurance in 2013 for a stated value of $75,000. Current value guides indicate the following: Haggerty in Excellent condition with an add for AC indicates a vale of $78,200 (no adds for the 312 or any other options:. NADA in Excellent condition with adds for the 312 and AC indicate a value of $73,320 (no adds for any of the other options).
Stored in a temperature controlled garage. Thanks for looking.