Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

The further we get from the decade of the 1950s, the more we miss and appreciate the fabulous cars produced during that era. By today’s standards, they may be antiquated in certain ways. But when these cars were brand-new, they were the most exciting, beautiful and advanced machines the general public ever laid eyes on. Remember, every generation lives on the leading edge of known technology ‒ and that’s precisely what this trio of cars represents. So take a top-down look at a three history-making examples of American ingenuity on offer at the 2016 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction.

The Original Transformer: 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner

This 1957 Ford Skyliner F-Code with its retractable roof heading for Palm Beach is still a marvel of engineering to this day.

Ford decided to do the seemingly impossible in 1957 by offering a full-size family car that was both a convertible and hardtop all wrapped up in a single vehicle. This was a daring concept that defied all contemporary logic. How in the world can they fold up an all-steel roof and put it somewhere out of sight just so a driver can see the sun in the day and the stars at night? Ford’s execution of the challenge is still a marvel of engineering; even Mercedes-Benz has its own variation of this approach on the market to this very day.

Compared to the ’56 model, the 1957 Ford took the brand to an entirely new appearance level. We have George W. Walker, who headed up Ford’s design group, to thank for this breakaway look, referred to as “equaflair” styling. It represented the very moment when Ford catapulted itself to the forefront of modern automobile manufacturing.

Ford continued to flirt with the outer edge of technology by offering a power plant combination for this machine that is still coveted today by collectors, hot-rodders and all car buffs in general – a supercharged V8. The F-code option on this Fairlane 500 Skyliner consists of a 312ci Y-block and a McCulloch/Paxton centrifugal supercharger huffing through a single 4-barrel carburetor and special cylinder heads with an 8.5:1 compression ratio. The combination of this car model and engine option makes this creation just one of seven ever produced!

The Ford Y-block was decades ahead of its time, even though most of us didn’t realize it until the next century. As recently as the April 2016 issue of Hot Rod magazine, a 400ci version of this classic Ford power plant generated close to 600 naturally aspirated horsepower in that publication’s “Engine Masters Challenge.”

So if major technological significance is high on your collectible car criteria list, this 1957 Ford Skyliner belongs in your garage ‒ at any and all cost.

Sibling Rivalry: 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible

Virtually handmade, this 1953 Buick Skylark has been completely restored.

For a brand that was supposedly supported by an older demographic, Buick never ceased to amaze automotive consumers of any age. In 1953, when the term “sports car” was barely comprehended, Buick paid tribute to its own 50th anniversary with this striking ‒ and sporty ‒ Skylark Convertible. This limited-production car would join the Olds 98 Fiesta and the Cadillac Eldorado as GM’s statement to the world of their design expertise. Of the three, the Buick’s success was the most prominent, with sales totaling 1,690 examples. Considering the $5,000 cost of entry into this exclusive neighborhood, that production number was impressive by any standard.

This car was virtually handmade. Except for the hood, trunk lid and part of the convertible tub, the rest of the body panels were exclusive to the ’53 Skylarks. That classic sports car touch of cutting down the height of the windshield 3 inches ‒ and thus the roof line ‒ is the aerodynamic icing on the design. Notice the stylized wheel-well openings created to suggest motion even when the car is parked.

Buick’s soon-to-be-famous Nailhead engine series powers this machine. At 322 cubes, this frisky V8 provides satisfying performance for the driver. A Dynaflow automatic transmission backs up that Nailhead, while power steering and brakes give you all the control you need to enjoy motoring down the roads of your choice. And you’ll be doing it on authentic Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels.

Other power features include top, windows and front seat. As you might expect from a corporate show-off car, a Selectronic signal-seeking radio with a power antenna provided the owner with the ultimate in high-tech gadgetry.

This car was purchased new in February 1953 by millionaire George Whittell in Reno, Nevada, who kept it the rest of his life. It was then given to his nurse and eventually stored at the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection). In 2004, this prized example was given a complete restoration. Only two years later it generated a Junior First Place at the AACA spring gathering.

If General Motors products are part of your family tree, here’s a chance to bring home the most dashing and debonair grandfather any family could ever hope for.

Step Back in Time and Relive the Future: 1957 Supercharged Thunderbird

This red 1957 Ford Thunderbird F-Code soon to be crossing the block in Palm Beach is rare, as most were white or black.

This classic Thunderbird may be the closest any of us will ever get to actually having a personal, two-seater, Star Wars-caliber, intergalactic highway interceptor vehicle. Fins, air scoop, low profile, porthole windows and even a supercharger playing havoc with Mother Nature right under the hood ‒ all combined for just one purpose. That’s driver satisfaction, baby.

This car’s thrust comes from a 300hp version of the astonishing F-code 312ci Y-block with its tried-and-true McCulloch Paxton supercharger blowing through a single 4-barrel carb. An automatic transmission, power steering and brakes congregate in a lush red interior that still looks contemporary after so many years.

Sitting behind the steering wheel and devouring the look of the dash pod right in front of you signs, seals and delivers the proof of jet-age influence on this ground transportation device. Perfect round analog gauges in the most beautiful turned-metal panel look like they came straight from an F-86 Saber Jet, although it might have been a P-38 Lightning.

The rest of the interior is functional and comfortable, just as you should expect. Memory seats, power windows and a Town & Country signal-seeking radio with rear deck antenna round out the option list.

Besides the porthole-equipped hardtop, this car also comes with a soft-top and tonneau cover. Fender skirt shields, back-up lights and tinted glass are the finishing touches on this wonderful collectible.

The car’s Flame Red exterior adds even more uniqueness to this particular example, since most ’57 ’Birds were white, then black – in that order. So red ones, especially those equipped with the F-code, will be far more rare and more desirable.

The restoration on this magnificent example was done to the exacting standards of the concours segment of the market, such as the AACA show circuit. To date the car has won numerous awards and remains one of the best examples available of a sweet-spot in automotive design that may never be equaled.

Each of these three great 1950s automobiles has already gone down in history as a spectacular achievement in design, styling and performance. They will always be regarded as such. And even though their ability to draw the attention of crowds everywhere is a sight to behold, it is nothing compared to the thrill of making one of these cars your own and driving it around your neighborhood for the very first time. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

‒ Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

For up-to-date information on these vehicles and others on the Palm Beach docket, click HERE.