USA vs USA — 1957 vs 1955
| Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable | Fireflite Sportsman | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 245 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,113 cc | 5,572 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 11.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 110 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.8 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,900 lbs | 3,900 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 3,124 mm |
| Length | 5,372 mm | 5,360 mm |
| Units Produced | 48,394 | 17,060 |
| Original MSRP | $2,942 | $3,131 |
| Value (Excellent) | $125,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable brings quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman answers with greater rarity, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Full-size Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable versus the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman. Both hail from Post-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable producing 245 hp and the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman delivering 255 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Fairlane 500 uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,113 cc, while the DeSoto Fireflite relies on a V8 OHV Hemi with 5,572 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 11.5 seconds. On the collector market, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable commands a significant premium over the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.