Q: I really enjoy your articles on the older cars and I am from upstate New York. Last week's article on model cars was especially interesting.
Like you, I built quite a few models when I was a youngster, both airplanes and cars, but they were lost over the years. Around 1963, I owned a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 and have always thought that was one of the most beautiful car designs of all time. I sure wish I would have saved that car!
A few years ago I found a 1957 Ford model car kit. I think it was a Revell. My car was light green and white, and the photo of the Revell model was the same color, so that's what color I was going to paint it.
Then I remembered I also had an original ad for the 1957 Ford Fairlane that I had picked up in an antique shop. However, the Ford in the advertisement was red and white, so I figured the two items would look good together. So, I painted the model red and white to match the ad and I am attaching a photo of the two here for you and your readers to see.
Keep up the good articles, they are very interesting and informative. Ed Snyder, Williamson, NY.
A: Ed, thank you very much for the compliments, and you sure do build a very nice model car. When I look back at the car designs, I have numerous times mentioned that 1957 was a very special year when it came to quality car designs. And, I agree that the 1957 Ford was one of the best-looking cars of the entire decade, especially those two-tone Fairlanes. Unlike the other manufacturers, Ford did not cave into what I call the “fin frenzy” that took over from 1957 through 1960, culminating in some hideous fin motifs. Ford continued the use of smaller fins, and the 1961 Ford Fairlane, Starliner and Galaxie are other fine example of a great looking Ford.
Thanks again for your letter and photos, and enjoy building those models. It is an excellent way to relive the past and enjoy auto nostalgia and memories.