There is a 1956 Chevy 2 door hard top 265 V/8 3 on the tree with an honest 80,000 miles that a little old lady still drives once a week to the local Albertsons grocery store. I have put a note on it several times and last year she needed some masonry repair that I did the job on. When I arrived to do the bid there sat the 56 and I was able to finally talk with her. It's not for sale and I know now she has my phone number and she knows I did a good job on the repair of her brick home. Hopefully one day I will get the phone call.
Another great feel good story Jerry. Congratulation to the Sewell Family for making this happen Fantastic to get a part of the family history back and pure class on the purchase price Bought many cars from them. had no idea they had been around since 1911. True Pillar of West Texas for a very long time
Texans need to let go of their obsessive thoughts about the greatness of Texas!...You are just another one of our 50 states making up the USA...every state has businesses that are pillars of their communities.
54 year old in Australia . Love love love the house and contents and of course the car . My home is full of mid century stuff . Just classic and so classy . ❤️❤️
Just watched till the end and HOLY SMOKE !!! The car is sooooooooooooo beautiful . My 15 year old daughter loves old cars , I can see her wanting one when she starts to drive 😊😊
Reminds me of when Dad’s mother passed in 1993. In her barn was a 1963 Chevy Impala with a little over 5000 miles. She didn’t drive and my grandfather passed soon after buying it. It had been under a tarp. In great shape except for rotten tires. My Dad cleaned it up and drove it for years. He was so proud of it. My Dad loved cars. Great mechanic. I will always have that memory of him.
My great aunt had a 1950 Chevy. dark green with the infamous power glide. When she steered the car around the corner without power steering she stutter stepped her arms with one arm never crossing over the top of the other. Twenty seven thousand miles in maybe 1980 when my greedy uncle sold it to someone. He got all the personal property of the estate. Said it was his right that the eldest relative got it all. Of course his lawyer wrote the will.
I remember the 50s well, as a kid. No, we see the past through rose-colored glasses...people were the same as now, really, except folks back then were more conformist--too much so!...And cars in particular, while having great style, were not very reliable, handled poorly, and mostly rusted out quickly.
@@curbozerboomer1773Nope, not compared to most things today, people took pride in their products. Now it's just a bunch of cheap junk that costs to much. People just don't take care of things because they are crap to start with.
That folding hardtop was a massive surprise seeing it towards to the end. Wow. Well done to the Sewell family too. Seems like a solid and passionate family business
I remember when that model was first available and then I saw one on the college campus. I thought, "Impressive!" and then my impression was, "Wow, not much luggage space." I few years later I went to meet another musician for a gig and we were deciding whose car to use. Well, he just took my string bass and laid it flat inside the trunk of his Pontiac. THAT was good trunk space.
My father had 2 56 Fords. One blue and white and 1 green and white. He 😊👍Had to 57 Ford wagons. One blue and white one black and White. 1 a 292, and 1 a 312. There were a lot of fun. 👍😊
I miss the house more than the car. I love them both, but the memories of the time spent in the house, the different smells, the family gatherings melt my heart. Thanks for sharing!
I was just back at the house earlier this month. We are fixing it up to sell (new flooring, paint, updated electrical and plumbing). No one in my family is interested in moving to Odessa.
@Jerry Heasley I thought the sofa and matching chair were cool enough to make the video well worth watching (really simple but stunning furniture pieces) let alone the Skyliner, and all the fine folks highlighted herein! Thank you. Peace.
You mention the smells in the home bringing back memories.. that is such a profound and powerful sense that we connect to our entire life. I can be triggered to a trip back in time by some particular smells in my grandparents home 60+ years ago, and it's instant and unexpected. If one could just preserve and encapsulate that for posterity.. 🤔. Especially if they were pleasant memories! 😬🤗🙏. Great story and thanks for such care in preparing it for the viewers👍👍🙏
In the fall of 1957 I was seven years old, living in Florence, Alabama. My parents and I had just left a movie theater showing Loving You, an Elvis movie. A crowd had gathered outside to watch a new Skyliner drop it's top into the trunk and applauded afterward. Seems like just yesterday.
I can remember the first time I saw the Skyliner's top fold back into the trunk. We all thought it was the coolest thing ever! When I was a kid, though, I loved my grandparents' 1940 Olds, which was stored in the back garage. It looked like something out of a gangster movie. It seemed enormous! My mom, though, said that as a teenager she was embarrassed to be seen in it and would ask her mom or dad to drop her off a block away from school! Haha! Typical teenager.
I was also 7 in 1957, and living in Bainbridge, MD, on Laffey Circle. A neighbor had a Skyliner and when that top disappeared into the trunk, all we kids could say was, "Neat-o!"
The car itself is impressive, but even more impressive is the thoroughly decent people involved right along the whole story. Well done to all concerned.
Rarely do I start watching something half-interested (I'm from the UK, not familiar with the car model etc.) and then feel glued to watching it to the end, but this was so inspiring. I also love Sewell's business ethos that shows a real passion for their products, their past and a wonderful sense of community. Well done to you all.
@@Bulletguy07, It's worth easily in the $50,000's US$ here also. This one will go much higher though, even sold in this condition. In fact, most buyers prefer this exact condition! It's insanely original for it's make and age. A true survivor! I can't fault the dealer, as the seller started so low, but I can't give them any accolades either except for a job well done in the car market! Lol!
Man, what a time capsule. That car is priceless, the whole house is so special. I don't know why, but I got a few tears in my eyes. A simpler time, beautiful. Keep us informed on the car, it's a fabulous story. Thanks for posting.
A classic , is a statement of those years ! but if we change upholstery, convertible top, rebuild the hole car is not original , is restored ! Then what people pays for it is what they like as restored not original ,were the engine has never been open,or changed , but in original state ! What the market pays it depends on the buyer , but original even worn is original , if it needs fuel pump, or radiator repair , ok accessories to the main component to prove running conditions ! Maybe im the old guard , because today people has a 1957 CHEVY and puts high performance wheels, engine, exhaust , excellent 10 coat paint job and fetch high bids !
Great story, car, house, family, and dealership! Just lost my dealership from the 50's last year, but they never had any classics, being in the midwest they all rusted away.
@@-oiiio-3993 Yes that car is Ford Tough and Ford Quality. The Thunderbird 312 was awesome and refreshing. Isn't it a novel idea it was BUILT in *America* by American workers with American parts for Americans?
@@mattskustomkreations It still has original metal tile in the kitchen and the bathrooms as well as all of the original wood doors and trim. It's a wonderfully livable house. Great floor plan. I hope it will become a new family's home soon!
@@djrosenberry That’s great. I have a background in Architecture so it really caught my eye. There are very few houses that have a “purism” in their style. 98% of houses are derivatives / less detailed/ cheaper versions of the original style.
LUVIN' this video and what the Sewell's have done. I have Mama's last car, 1991 Park Avenue built as the personal car of Aubrey Perry, 2nd generation owner of Perry Buick in Norfolk - the State's oldest Buick dealership. Mama saw the car the week it arrived and she began pestering Aubrey for the car and he promised her the car when he was ready to part with it. Sadly, Aubrey died three months later and Joe Rabel, Mama's salesman for 40+ years, 'stopped by for coffee' leaving the car with her and she never tired of having it. Joe would frequently 'stop by for coffee' with newer cars and she always said the same, 'Mine is sure a pretty car.', dismissing any thought of trading. Approaching the car upon leaving the Oncologist after her last chemo treatment, she stopped on the sidewalk, looked at the car and said, "It's such a pretty car.". October 24, 2002 is when cancer took her and the car came to me and I cannot think of not having it as it's such a tangible link to her, but also because, "It's such a pretty car.". I set out for Tucson, leaving Virginia Beach September 13, 2019 with the trunk full of what I didn;t want to trust to the movers, art, clocks, crystal, etc (weighed at an Arkansas truck stop - with a full tank of fuel the car hit 4,980#), arrived at the hotel in Tucson 51 hours later (41 hours driving time avg 29.5 mpg) and the car drives today as when it was new. I've no one to pass the car on to and will be donating it to the 'Curing Kids Cancer' charity at Mecum Auctions upon my death.
25,000 is a steal for that Skyliner though. She got took to the cleaners on that one. No kiddin.. Original not rusted, it's one of the only original survivors like that, and there's a lot of interest in them, from then until right now.
@@joegy9944, Yep, pretty-much. The market realizes quite a bit for Skyliners! A very good restoration is 40 to 50 thousand easily. That one's way better than any good restoration because it's got honest and very sight wear and tear. It just needs the correct tires, a good scrubbing, some wear items replaced, etc. looks like to me. You could put that through any big-name auction and realize a hell of a premium, because it's a survivor and in really good shape. Originality is close to everything when you get to the top end prices. This one's gonna fetch the top end, where the price get pretty high.
I was stoked that it went for what it did, but mostly that it went back to someone that is really going to drive it and take care of it. If Dena and I had a place to store it we would have kept it, for sure, but thanks to Jerry we'll always have the memory. I still want to drive it around now that it is renovavated (that was part of the spoken deal, although I don't really expect it from the Sewell's, it is their car now fair and square, and we thank them for taking care of it!) Funny enough, I am finally back in the house to renovate it and sell it. Maybe I'll make a video of the restoration too...I'm sure it won't be as popular at this special car was. Just want to say thanks to all the positive comments, it was a really special car for Dena and held lots of memories...and always will.
Enjoyed the video very much. To me the best parts were the interviews with the lovely ladies who sold the the family heirloom. What delightful ladies they are…..love and much goodwill from Victoria. 🇦🇺 Australia.🦘🦘🦘🦘👋
There are so many car enthusiasts in Australia. I have been to car shows there and look forward to going back, so if you have.a barn find that I could do a story on, let me know - before the barn find is disturbed, of course.
Hi Jerry,thank you for your reply.I really am not a car enthusiast at all although I’m aware that there are many of them here in Oz. I Remember the large cars from my teenage years and often grabbed a lift home from the dances in one. We called them “Yank Tanks”. Wouldn’t mind discovering one in my shed but hasn’t happened so far.Don’t even know how I came on that video and watched it through to stumps.I’m sure it was those lovely ladies who got me in. Such sweet smiles and happy natures about them I think. More likely to find an old tractor or farm machinery where I am. Kindest regards Leonie
My mom took some items from the house. Sean and I selected a few items too. We'd have taken many more items if we had room in our own home. We'd have taken the car if we had a garage!
@@jackbraden134 True, but the old cars are very rebuildable, not like our modern computer controlled rolling a piles of plastic. Modern cars can go 200,000 and more miles, but would be extremely expensive to rebuild.
I learned to drive in a 1956 Ford 2 door wagon 292 3 on the column w/Overdrive. Man I could POWER SHIFT that thing. I personally put 3 clutches and 5 trans in it. I nor my younger could kill that thing. My Dad took my keys one time and said when I got a TAVERN LICENSE for it I could Drive again. I was 19 or 20.
First time I went over 90mph was in a Skyliner. It was 1962 and I was twelve. Older neighbor kid had one and was giving a couple of us a ride downtown in Layton, UT. I remember sitting in the back seat and looking over the driver's shoulder at the speedometer. The top was down. If my dad had known he would have skinned the driver alive (favorite saying of his).
I love all the vintage retractable hardtop convertibles. Beautiful automobile, great story, and-as others have commented-the dealership owner saying “give them $25,000” is an act that restores one’s faith in humanity if that faith was wavering. Thank you! Peace.
Jerry, your videos never disappoint! Touching story about the 57’, and hopefully they’ll put it in their showroom on occasion as a tribute to the original owner and to document their own legacy!
My uncle bob sold new fords for years, early 50's to 76 he said after the first-year model (57) those cars sold the word got out on how the electric motors on the top kept breaking down and sales slowed down 58, and by 59 they couldn't hardly give those cars away. Now there worth their weight in gold. James's Deans cousin (yes that James Dean) Marcus Winslow has A red and white one you couldn't touch for less than $65,000. - to $75,000. - You can see it every year at the James dean run in Fairmount In. This car was worth every bit of $30 to $35 K when it rolled out of the garage needing cleaned up, you got bamboozled lady.... Oh and it is at A new car dealership where everything on the lot is for sale, that car DOES NOT HAVE A HOME YET.. BUT IT WILL WHEN THE PRICE IS RIGHT.......
My first car was a 1958 Fairlane 500 2 door with the 352 Interceptor Special.Factory 4 barrel carb,duel exhaust,and about 300 horsepower.Was a fun car.
Thanks, nice Ford. Oops:: I always eondredd a our the INTERCEPTOR ZEMGIND??, I started my a 1954 FORD/V8/2D, WITH 1957 Engine 289/ 4 BBL / dual exh/ m8,d CUSTomised:61 GALAXIE Convertible v/352/ auto:1966 GALAXIE 500 XL/352 engine/4 Speed/ dual EXH/ Deluxe(* Interior …….(* THE 1966, the favorite,& fixer upper-- sort of like Jay LENO’s GALAXIE 1966, on the cheap build up, for me….
That motor in the car is a gem mm. I had one in a 56 when I was 18, it ran like a hot rod. Good of u folks to give them what it is was worth....It is easy worth $25000. and them some...Doc Tx.
A complete car of this model, even in non running condition, would easily fetch $40-50K. Restored and running would bring well north of $100-200K+. That dealer played them even though they paid more than the asking price, which was far too low to begin with.
I thought that the amount paid over the asking price was still excessively low, especially for a unrestored all original (with apparently the exception of the paint finish) the one owner car with the retractable top and optional 312 c.i. V-8 engine and under one hundred thousand miles on the odometer. This car may have sold well under $3,000 new, but that is irrelevant since it is a relatively rare classic car now, and cars like this you just don't hear about let alone find very often these days.
It's a cool car but the automatic top is known to be horribly unreliable and sometimes get stuck while raising/lowering. Maybe some modern electric motors could make it a little more reliable.
This is one of the coolest car stories I've heard in a while. Almost brought tears to my eyes, probably because our family recently had an estate sale which was emotionally pretty painful for me.
My dad had a brand new 57 ford convertible. Pretty much the same colors. Ordered it from the local rural ford dealer. Wentworth auto sales in guys mills pa. V8, 292 , I believe and a 3 on the tree. He loved that car . Had to give it up when he got layed off from the steel mill in Titusville. Back then it happened a lot. But raising a family came first. Not like today. Losing that car broke his heart,but it started another trend, he got a used pick up a dodge I believe, and he owned a truck up till the day he died in 2009. I carry on the Ford tradition in honor of my dad. I own 4 of them at the moment a newer f150, a 77 f100. A ford 500, and a mustang convertible. Miss you dad.
I love family owned dealerships. The roots grow deep. The family sold cars to families year after year. My first dealership was a 5th generation Cadillac Pontiac store. They started selling horse carriage sales. The owner Louie Speroels in Cumberland Maryland. He taught me all about sales. The guy I took his desk had been there 40 year. I was the youngest salesman ever. I got a new Pontiac GT EVERY 4000 MILES. WOW WHAT A BENEFIT. I MADE 65,000 BUCKS IN 1985 THAT WAS A BUNCH OF MONEY BACK THEN. RIP LOUIE I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS. NEAL
Hemming classic car magazine did an amazing story on these cars several years back, telling the entire story of the development. The electric motors by themselves was an interesting story. At the time, no one made compact motors with the power they needed. It was suggested that they used hydraulic cylinders to power the top using a centrally located pump. But one executive was adamant that it had to be an electric power top because if a hose broke a sprayer people with hydraulic oil......not a good thing.
The car couldn't have gone to a better home...a huge dealership like Sewell has the resources to treat this car right, and it's good for the business. A win win as they say
My second car which I bought in 1967 for $50. was a '57 Ford Fairlane Hard Top Convertible. Beautiful blue over white paint job. The top went into the trunk just like the one in the video. The car was an absolute tank! It had a major problem with that top getting stuck halfway up and the only way to get it to open the rest of the way was to use the metal tip on an umbrella to reach a relay point way back into the trunk (Bent that umbrella more than once when I didn't pull it out fast enough!) and then the dash button would work to raise it back up again. The first time it was stuck, in the pouring rain, and we had to drive it all the way across town to the guy I bought it from to learn the trick about how to get it closed again. Got some really funny looks driving in the rain with the top sticking up in the air! I was driving in the rain in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Palmetto Expressway and a car stopped in front of me, that heavy barge just ignored me slamming on the brakes and smacked into the other car, and shoved in its trunk. There wasn't a mark on my car, but apparently, the entire engine shifted and broke the motor mounts. Fortunately, I worked for a garage with a tow service and body shop so they came and rescued both cars and fixed both at very little cost to me.
@@thewriter2549 I'm sure I must have, but having moved multiple times since then they've gone missing. The only car picture I have now is when I bought one of the first Honda cars, the 2-cylinder Sport-a-bout. $2100 over the curb! Motorcycle engine turned sideways, no A/C and got about 50 mp gallon. So sorry I traded that in when the first Civics came out.
I owned a 1975 Ford f150 Ranger/Custom. This was the first year of the F-150. I almost bought a 1940 Ford sedan all original been sitting in storage they wanted $4,000. I passed because I really didn't have the means to go get. If my dad would have went for it we could have probably had many classic cars in storage that would have brought hundreds of thousands of dollars that we could have bought for under $1,000.00. Hindsight is 20/20 as has been said. I still buy american-made tools and other things when I find them cheap enough. Democrat Barack Obama and his Cash for Clunkers caused many to be lost to the scrap. Very sad.
I could make a list of cars my husband and I owned that would make a car collector cry. The problem was we weren't able to keep them. Always had to trade in for the next gem we drove for 2-3 yrs then traded off. Many I don't even have pictures of. I loved every one of them, starting with a 1957 Chevy Cameo carrier in solid white. 2244 built in '57.
@@DR-jo7fg because of a set of circumstances I lost everything I have and had to slowly start getting some furniture but I have no income right now and nothing in the bank. I live on HUD and someone is paying my rent because I can't seem to get hired. I'm hoping that someone will help me to get another truck so I can go out and try to get some work. I'm 61 and a Christian minister ( not a pastor ) for many years. It's frustrating to see people working that don't work and I know I could outdo them but I don't get hired and now I don't have anything to put down on my application cuz I've been out of work for so many years. Anyway sorry if you didn't want to hear all that.
I was 18 and passed on a 38 Buick 4 door sedan with a straight 8 for $500. The seller was selling because of a L shaped cut in the mohair right front door panel so if replaced the car wouldn't be original. This was in 73.
Let me know what you want to see more of and I'll try to do that. I try to get a little bit better with each work because then I can't help but get good at what I am doing.
I love the idea this car is going to be well taken care of and most importantly not modded out kept original, these cars are a time capsules, great story
Completely Awesome story! i graduated high School in1982 and there was a PhysicalEducationTeacher that had purchased a HardtopConvertible Thunderbird in the 60s brand new she still used as her daily driver and after School she would demonstrate the Retractable Roof going down to a group of whoever was interested i was a MG Roadster Enthusiast and always thought the Ford Retractable roof was a Awesome part of Engineering because untill the very last part of the top going into the Trunk it didn’t really look like it would fit that front panel that folds is a game changer ! A few years after i graduated ironically i dated a Girl who’s Parents had 2 homes on the opposite sides of the United States and her Dad Collected Older TBirds he planned on restoring in the future he had one Convertible that was a driver in the Garage inFlorida my girlfreind got to use as her daily driver for work and School she hated driving the Car because it was so big and the AirConditioning wasn’t working but i thought she was the Cats Meow Cruising around with the Top Down and her long Strawberry Blonde hair flying in the wind i also loved the Swing Away Steering WheelOption that car had along with the Iconic Ford V8 exhaust note coming out of the Dual Exhaust mixed with a leaky Manilfold ! it was also a nice sight seeing the car inmy Driveway after a long work day knowing she would spend the night at my house !BTW her Dad was all about getting those Cars Complete ,in running Condition and a safe to Operate he wasn’t worried then about Cosmetics as he planned to do fullRestorations at his FarmProperty on the other Coast the Reality was i thought it was a perfect Car for SouthFlorida at that time because i had several (4) Convertibles without AC living then SouthFlorida myself
Some model years ofThunderbirds had a retractable soft top. Sometimes I think I'm dreaming about this because I've mentioned it to other car people and they say no, those tops did not retract. But, they did, right into the trunk.
Great story with this car. I look forward to seeing a follow up video with the original family who sold the car so they can see it all fixed up. Bet there will be a few tears shed in that video.
We have kept many of my grandmother's belongings as well as my uncle's. It's a shame Jerry visited after we had packed up most of the "personal" items and trucked them to California and Colorado. We kept many family treasures. And we sold quite a few items to local collectors and local folks who appreciate furnishings and items of the past.
Yes it was a iconic automobile. But I'm quite sure the dealership had ulterior motives when going after that purchase. Hence the higher price paid. They're not the heroes here. The original owners certainly were.
@@djrosenberry We found all sorts of treasures...there's still a few left. If anyone wants a few model T parts or know what to do with 15 Magnetos let me know....😄
@@anthonyangeli256 Thanks for that, but I think we all got a great experience out of it! After all value is simply subjective...I applaud that they want to keep it running and to take care of their own history too.
The hard top requires eight electric motors, operating in prefect sequence. They failed frequently, often while the top was in operation. It would completely immobilize the car. They sold few of them and it lasted only two model years. Which makes it rare and more valuable than ever.
We didn't want to try the mechanism for just that reason! Although the last time I visited my grandmother (before moving abroad in 1990; she passed away a few weeks after I returned in 1993), she did put the top down for a drive around town. It was fabulous!
Fantastic story Sir. I am a older Aussie male living in NSW. Cars have a special place in all Australians hearts. We are a Country of distance, I drive over 150 km round trip just to go to Shops. I feel sad for those to come because they will never get to experience the thrill of a big V8 engine with a manual transmission in a spanking new or possibly even used Motor Vehicle. Generic looking, aerodynamic .silent, souless pieces of plastic will never replace a hand crafted piece of metal turned into a thing of beauty. Will owners give them names as we have since day 1. Maybe the onboard system will have a name.
Neutralize that rust on the rocker panel with some Ospho and don't touch anything else. Car Dealerships are a different breed of business. Not really relished by many folks. This Dealer broke the mold for me. I was elated to hear Mr. Sewell step up to the plate, not just for him but the Dealership as a whole. Any company that's been in the same business for that many years must be doing something right. And it shows!! Good on you Mr. Sewell!!
My mother had a 57 Ford 2 door with the Thunderbird engine. She very proud of that car. It was not a Skyliner but just a coupe. We would tear up the highway going to East Texas to visit my grand parents. Her next car was a 61 Galaxie 500.
Oldest Ford Dealer in the Country.... Ford Dealerships are a rarity now in some states, city's. My dad bought a 1969 Ford F250 from dealership here in Oakland called Broadway Ford, now an Audi Dealership. The town I grew up in Alameda had a dealership, Morris Landy Ford was there for 50 years, Hayward Ford long gone now also.
they're meant to drive. I have dad's last restoration, a big block Olds. as a road car I'm surprised the mileage is pretty good. all 8 track, all Lawrence Welk pineapple music, all the time.
Very cool video. The history is great. Love the furnishings and appliances in the Grandmother's house. Amazing! Looks like the set of a 1950's TV show.
The SEWELL's have one of the best managed dealer group at all their locations. I have a special bond to them: although I am not a relative, their Grandfather, Dr.Julian Sewell delivered me into this World at Sewell-Long Hospital in Belton TX!!
What a great story! Surprised though that it had a 312 CID, but it makes sense. It's so good to hear the son refer with respect 'Sir' to the older gentlemen. Something that is hardly taught any more. It was required by both parents growing up, Mom from Alabama and Dad from Misissippi. Good luck to all.
It does.. I got a used 1956 Crown Victoria wagon from my dad who got it from a job he did (my dad and I used to do tile and linoleum) and that was a 312 Thunderbird engine.
I drove a four door 1957 Ford to the University of Illinois where I was a student. It was blue and white and had a 292 engine. The only problem I ever had was a leaky valve cover gasket. 🤠
A friend of mine bought a 57 Fairlane convertible here in the UK back in 71, and asked me to collect it for him. I was 18 at the time, and had to drive it back 120 miles across London in the rush hour. Never driven in London, or a LHD before. 3 up the tree, and those huge tail lights. Just indicate and those turn signals just made the London cabbies move out of the way. Just like parting the Red Sea. It had been converted from a straight 6 to a V8, and sprayed metallic orange. Drove it a few times with the top down. What a babe magnet. Nice to see that Sunliner refreshed and given the care it deserves. A real car, not like today's plastic milk floats.
👍👌👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic! Of course I would love to own this car. Mainly because it's a convertible with a foldable metal roof. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and especially health to all involved people.
@@firebird77clonefirebird89 Yes, they did say it needed to be replaced. For the record I said, "It does appear...". I do not think I can completely judge a car by a video.
@@eldonhoward7925 People -not you--do frequently make the mistake of judging an older car by it's outward appearance...one should never buy an older car, without having it thoroughly inspected by a good mechanic...paying a couple hundred for a good evaluation is a great idea.
Most people love the 57 Chevy which I do also but I like the 57 Ford better there's just something magical about that car the Skyliner was the luxury version my uncle who used to drive cars at Ford's test track told me that 312 engine was a fantastic engine. Especially if you ordered one with the supercharger a handful of Thunderbirds got that engine if I remember correctly it was the first engine to power a Thunderbird if I remember to go 200 miles an hour at Daytona. But because it couldn't make the second run because of mechanical problems it couldn't be claimed an official record. Also at the age of about 9 or 10 years old I belonged to an organization call The Royal Rangers. The man that used to pick us up had a 57 Ford hot rod and every time we went underneath a vidock we'd roll the windows down to hear the sound of the engine Echo and boy was that music that engine was strong. The car even smelled like an older car plus that sweet smell of the high octane gas he ran in it it was just magical it was such a treat Triton that car we always look forward to it. His other car was a 66 black Dodge Charger that we got the ride in also I remember it had the Chrome Center console with a center button shifter and the round gauges that lit up green when it was dark what great memories. Such a treat to see a Survivor car like this and to preserve the memories of that family and for other people to see and enjoy that vehicle.
I like that the young man seems humble and respects the legacy his family has built. I hope he can keep the dealership thriving for decades and pass it along to his children.
That car would fetch more than a new 2023 fully equipped Navigator at at auction without restoration. Everybody low balls because they know how much they get when it is polished and all nicks and wear spots get cleaned up. Barret Jackson is where it will end up.
There is a 1956 Chevy 2 door hard top 265 V/8 3 on the tree with an honest 80,000 miles that a little old lady still drives once a week to the local Albertsons grocery store. I have put a note on it several times and last year she needed some masonry repair that I did the job on. When I arrived to do the bid there sat the 56 and I was able to finally talk with her. It's not for sale and I know now she has my phone number and she knows I did a good job on the repair of her brick home. Hopefully one day I will get the phone call.
Sounds good, and if you do get the call, maybe you will let us do a good video on this great American story. My email is jerryheasley@gmail.com
@@thewriter2549 Sounds good. Thanks for all of the great videos. You always get this Chevy guy thinking about buying a Mustang..LOL
@@lucky-rowe2623 Now that sounds like a good story/video - Chevy guy buys a Ford.
This story is another masterpiece. Thank you Jerry for telling it.
@@rogerd9150 Thanks Roger, I started the video in March of 2021, and waited 22 months for the car to be completed.
You can feel to patina of the house and car oozing through the screen . Beautiful.
Another great feel good story Jerry. Congratulation to the Sewell Family for making this happen Fantastic to get a part of the family history back and pure class on the purchase price Bought many cars from them. had no idea they had been around since 1911. True Pillar of West Texas for a very long time
Texans need to let go of their obsessive thoughts about the greatness of Texas!...You are just another one of our 50 states making up the USA...every state has businesses that are pillars of their communities.
Great story. Props to the dealer for giving her more money, than she was asking.
That’s so cool!! They sure cleaned her up really well
54 year old in Australia .
Love love love the house and contents and of course the car .
My home is full of mid century stuff .
Just classic and so classy .
❤️❤️
Just watched till the end and HOLY SMOKE !!! The car is sooooooooooooo beautiful .
My 15 year old daughter loves old cars , I can see her wanting one when she starts to drive 😊😊
Reminds me of when Dad’s mother passed in 1993. In her barn was a 1963 Chevy Impala with a little over 5000 miles. She didn’t drive and my grandfather passed soon after buying it. It had been under a tarp. In great shape except for rotten tires. My Dad cleaned it up and drove it for years. He was so proud of it. My Dad loved cars. Great mechanic. I will always have that memory of him.
Really cool. What happened to car?
My great aunt had a 1950 Chevy. dark green with the infamous power glide. When she steered the car around the corner without power steering she stutter stepped her arms with one arm never crossing over the top of the other. Twenty seven thousand miles in maybe 1980 when my greedy uncle sold it to someone. He got all the personal property of the estate. Said it was his right that the eldest relative got it all. Of course his lawyer wrote the will.
@@ohiofarmer5918,
That sucks. It would have been nice for the Chevy to stay in the family somehow!
@@ohiofarmer5918 That's common my mother's was looted before and after too.
Beautiful story❤
It shows how well things were built in the fifties and how people use to take care of things.
I remember the 50s well, as a kid. No, we see the past through rose-colored glasses...people were the same as now, really, except folks back then were more conformist--too much so!...And cars in particular, while having great style, were not very reliable, handled poorly, and mostly rusted out quickly.
@@curbozerboomer1773Nope, not compared to most things today, people took pride in their products. Now it's just a bunch of cheap junk that costs to much. People just don't take care of things because they are crap to start with.
Amazing story and video. Thanks Jerry
surprised a dealership seems to take great pride in their history. the boy seems very respectful.
Beautiful, just beautiful...
Thank you very much!
I clicked into this story by accident. Time well spent, excellent background on the Sewell dealerships. Thanks!
That folding hardtop was a massive surprise seeing it towards to the end. Wow. Well done to the Sewell family too. Seems like a solid and passionate family business
That was what made the Skyline special. To think they make a big deal out of the same thing today, when it existed more than sixty years ago.
Well maybe, but they’re still car salesmen, just like their cousins in DFW.
I have never seen a folding hardtop before, didn't know they existed, and I am 70.
I remember when that model was first available and then I saw one on the college campus. I thought, "Impressive!" and then my impression was, "Wow, not much luggage space." I few years later I went to meet another musician for a gig and we were deciding whose car to use. Well, he just took my string bass and laid it flat inside the trunk of his Pontiac. THAT was good trunk space.
My father had 2 56 Fords. One blue and white and 1 green and white. He 😊👍Had to 57 Ford wagons. One blue and white one black and White. 1 a 292, and 1 a 312. There were a lot of fun. 👍😊
I miss the house more than the car. I love them both, but the memories of the time spent in the house, the different smells, the family gatherings melt my heart. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, it got to me, too. I could have done a whole video in there.
I was just back at the house earlier this month. We are fixing it up to sell (new flooring, paint, updated electrical and plumbing). No one in my family is interested in moving to Odessa.
@Jerry Heasley
I thought the sofa and matching chair were cool enough to make the video well worth watching (really simple but stunning furniture pieces) let alone the Skyliner, and all the fine folks highlighted herein! Thank you.
Peace.
You mention the smells in the home bringing back memories.. that is such a profound and powerful sense that we connect to our entire life. I can be triggered to a trip back in time by some particular smells in my grandparents home 60+ years ago, and it's instant and unexpected. If one could just preserve and encapsulate that for posterity.. 🤔. Especially if they were pleasant memories! 😬🤗🙏. Great story and thanks for such care in preparing it for the viewers👍👍🙏
I remember when Ford trucks came out with made in Texas by Texans on dash. This car is really beautiful
I grew up just down the road from Odessa in Fort Davis, I’ve had family members buy there cars from dealership, great people, cheers on the find!
In the fall of 1957 I was seven years old, living in Florence, Alabama. My parents and I had just left a movie theater showing Loving You, an Elvis movie. A crowd had gathered outside to watch a new Skyliner drop it's top into the trunk and applauded afterward. Seems like just yesterday.
Wow, amazing great American story!
I can remember the first time I saw the Skyliner's top fold back into the trunk. We all thought it was the coolest thing ever! When I was a kid, though, I loved my grandparents' 1940 Olds, which was stored in the back garage. It looked like something out of a gangster movie. It seemed enormous! My mom, though, said that as a teenager she was embarrassed to be seen in it and would ask her mom or dad to drop her off a block away from school! Haha! Typical teenager.
I was also 7 in 1957, and living in Bainbridge, MD, on Laffey Circle. A neighbor had a Skyliner and when that top disappeared into the trunk, all we kids could say was, "Neat-o!"
BEAUTIFULLY ORIGINAL!!! 🥰🥰
That young man Meacham have some very fine classic car taste!!! 😄🥰
The car itself is impressive, but even more impressive is the thoroughly decent people involved right along the whole story. Well done to all concerned.
Thanks for such a positive comment, I think we all had a positive experience with this and am glad to read your comment.
that's Texas
They are vultures... Again picking the bones of the dead !!!
Decent??? Wtf is wrong with u?
How nice is it, to see dealerships still in the hands of family, and not just big faceless corporate entities?
Rarely do I start watching something half-interested (I'm from the UK, not familiar with the car model etc.) and then feel glued to watching it to the end, but this was so inspiring. I also love Sewell's business ethos that shows a real passion for their products, their past and a wonderful sense of community. Well done to you all.
I’m from the UK too. Jerrys videos are amazing and you should check out all the old ones if you haven’t seen them already, there are some crackers 👍🏼
Nobody puts together a better car-find video than “legendary Jerry”
Me too - just a limp clicked in - and then I watched all 16 minutes. That's really rare for me.
UK here also. This model sells for double here what the dealer guy paid! Seems the son Ronald was perfectly happy living in a time capsule too!
@@Bulletguy07,
It's worth easily in the $50,000's US$ here also. This one will go much higher though, even sold in this condition. In fact, most buyers prefer this exact condition! It's insanely original for it's make and age. A true survivor!
I can't fault the dealer, as the seller started so low, but I can't give them any accolades either except for a job well done in the car market! Lol!
Man, what a time capsule. That car is priceless, the whole house is so special. I don't know why, but I got a few tears in my eyes. A simpler time, beautiful.
Keep us informed on the car, it's a fabulous story. Thanks for posting.
A classic , is a statement of those years ! but if we change upholstery, convertible top, rebuild the hole car is not original , is restored ! Then what people pays for it is what they like as restored not original ,were the engine has never been open,or changed , but in original state ! What the market pays it depends on the buyer , but original even worn is original , if it needs fuel pump, or radiator repair , ok accessories to the main component to prove running conditions ! Maybe im the old guard , because today people has a 1957 CHEVY and puts high performance wheels, engine, exhaust , excellent 10 coat paint job and fetch high bids !
60k
If they only knew what an international bidding war for it.
I know what you mean, just looking at the great shape of the car and the house and the contents, you feel like you know the people who lived there.
You guys better study before you go spending!
Great story, car, house, family, and dealership! Just lost my dealership from the 50's last year, but they never had any classics, being in the midwest they all rusted away.
Yup...most great original vehicles are located in the more arid states, in the SW, and also in California.
@@curbozerboomer1773 Also in the upper plains like North and South Dakota, Montana.
I liked how they gave more than the lady expected. Well done everyone and kudos to the ladies grandparents for looking after it and keeping it alive
The Sewell family was so friendly, Meacham and his dad, Collin.
$25,000 still seems light for such an original retractable.
@@-oiiio-3993 Estate prices are about the weakest you'll ever find.
@@fraidykat Been there.
@@-oiiio-3993 Yes that car is Ford Tough and Ford Quality. The Thunderbird 312 was awesome and refreshing. Isn't it a novel idea it was BUILT in *America* by American workers with American parts for Americans?
Nice car and wonderful story
What a cool house! Cool modern style - so cool to see that car in there after all those years!
What they call "mid century modern?"
@@thewriter2549 Yes, it would fall in that category. Very interesting to see that style expressed in such a small house; and in brick to boot.
@@mattskustomkreations It still has original metal tile in the kitchen and the bathrooms as well as all of the original wood doors and trim. It's a wonderfully livable house. Great floor plan. I hope it will become a new family's home soon!
@@djrosenberry That’s great. I have a background in Architecture so it really caught my eye. There are very few houses that have a “purism” in their style. 98% of houses are derivatives / less detailed/ cheaper versions of the original style.
Lovely old car. Condition is very good actually for age.
The vultures who never cared always show up.
Funny, they took the grandmother for a ride in 1957 and her grandchildren for another ride 65 years later!
LUVIN' this video and what the Sewell's have done.
I have Mama's last car, 1991 Park Avenue built as the personal car of Aubrey Perry, 2nd generation owner of Perry Buick in Norfolk - the State's oldest Buick dealership.
Mama saw the car the week it arrived and she began pestering Aubrey for the car and he promised her the car when he was ready to part with it.
Sadly, Aubrey died three months later and Joe Rabel, Mama's salesman for 40+ years, 'stopped by for coffee' leaving the car with her and she never tired of having it.
Joe would frequently 'stop by for coffee' with newer cars and she always said the same, 'Mine is sure a pretty car.', dismissing any thought of trading.
Approaching the car upon leaving the Oncologist after her last chemo treatment, she stopped on the sidewalk, looked at the car and said, "It's such a pretty car.".
October 24, 2002 is when cancer took her and the car came to me and I cannot think of not having it as it's such a tangible link to her, but also because, "It's such a pretty car.".
I set out for Tucson, leaving Virginia Beach September 13, 2019 with the trunk full of what I didn;t want to trust to the movers, art, clocks, crystal, etc (weighed at an Arkansas
truck stop - with a full tank of fuel the car hit 4,980#), arrived at the hotel in Tucson 51 hours later (41 hours driving time avg 29.5 mpg) and the car drives today as when it was new.
I've no one to pass the car on to and will be donating it to the 'Curing Kids Cancer' charity at Mecum Auctions upon my death.
25,000 is a steal for that Skyliner though. She got took to the cleaners on that one. No kiddin..
Original not rusted, it's one of the only original survivors like that, and there's a lot of interest in them, from then until right now.
@@joegy9944,
Yep, pretty-much. The market realizes quite a bit for Skyliners! A very good restoration is 40 to 50 thousand easily. That one's way better than any good restoration because it's got honest and very sight wear and tear. It just needs the correct tires, a good scrubbing, some wear items replaced, etc. looks like to me. You could put that through any big-name auction and realize a hell of a premium, because it's a survivor and in really good shape. Originality is close to everything when you get to the top end prices. This one's gonna fetch the top end, where the price get pretty high.
Absolutely outstanding 👏 I was born in 57
I was stoked that it went for what it did, but mostly that it went back to someone that is really going to drive it and take care of it. If Dena and I had a place to store it we would have kept it, for sure, but thanks to Jerry we'll always have the memory. I still want to drive it around now that it is renovavated (that was part of the spoken deal, although I don't really expect it from the Sewell's, it is their car now fair and square, and we thank them for taking care of it!)
Funny enough, I am finally back in the house to renovate it and sell it. Maybe I'll make a video of the restoration too...I'm sure it won't be as popular at this special car was.
Just want to say thanks to all the positive comments, it was a really special car for Dena and held lots of memories...and always will.
Enjoyed the video very much. To me the best parts were the interviews with the lovely ladies who sold the the family heirloom. What delightful ladies they are…..love and much goodwill from Victoria. 🇦🇺 Australia.🦘🦘🦘🦘👋
There are so many car enthusiasts in Australia. I have been to car shows there and look forward to going back, so if you have.a barn find that I could do a story on, let me know - before the barn find is disturbed, of course.
Hi Jerry,thank you for your reply.I really am not a car enthusiast at all although I’m aware that there are many of them here in Oz. I Remember the large cars from my teenage years and often grabbed a lift home from the dances in one. We called them “Yank Tanks”. Wouldn’t mind discovering one in my shed but hasn’t happened so far.Don’t even know how I came on that video and watched it through to stumps.I’m sure it was those lovely ladies who got me in. Such sweet smiles and happy natures about them I think. More likely to find an old tractor or farm machinery where I am. Kindest regards Leonie
Goods were built to last much longer than those built today. This house has a treasure trove of working antiques.
My mom took some items from the house. Sean and I selected a few items too. We'd have taken many more items if we had room in our own home. We'd have taken the car if we had a garage!
That's not really true,a car back in the 60s with 100.000mi.was considered pretty much ready for a rebuild or the junk yard.
@@jackbraden134 True, but the old cars are very rebuildable, not like our modern computer controlled rolling a piles of plastic. Modern cars can go 200,000 and more miles, but would be extremely expensive to rebuild.
I learned to drive in a 1956 Ford 2 door wagon 292 3 on the column w/Overdrive. Man I could POWER SHIFT that thing. I personally put 3 clutches and 5 trans in it. I nor my younger could kill that thing. My Dad took my keys one time and said when I got a TAVERN LICENSE for it I could Drive again. I was 19 or 20.
This is an amazing story. And that they gave over the asking price‼️ Bravo Sewell family 👏 👍
First time I went over 90mph was in a Skyliner. It was 1962 and I was twelve. Older neighbor kid had one and was giving a couple of us a ride downtown in Layton, UT. I remember sitting in the back seat and looking over the driver's shoulder at the speedometer. The top was down. If my dad had known he would have skinned the driver alive (favorite saying of his).
I love all the vintage retractable hardtop convertibles.
Beautiful automobile, great story, and-as others have commented-the dealership owner saying “give them $25,000” is an act that restores one’s faith in humanity if that faith was wavering. Thank you!
Peace.
that car is easily worth more than $25000 in todays market.
Had 2 Fords across the street in 1980 like that and the TINY BMW in garage in the corner..HaHa
That car is worth well over $100,000... they stole it at 25K...disgusting
I had a 312 in my 1956 Montclair 😅
Jerry, your videos never disappoint! Touching story about the 57’, and hopefully they’ll put it in their showroom on occasion as a tribute to the original owner and to document their own legacy!
Showroom and homecoming parades!
$25,000? That was a steal if it had needed a complete restoration.
My uncle bob sold new fords for years, early 50's to 76 he said after the first-year model (57) those cars sold the word got out on how the electric motors on the top kept breaking down and sales slowed down 58, and by 59 they couldn't hardly give those cars away. Now there worth their weight in gold. James's Deans cousin (yes that James Dean) Marcus Winslow has A red and white one you couldn't touch for less than $65,000. - to $75,000. - You can see it every year at the James dean run in Fairmount In. This car was worth every bit of $30 to $35 K when it rolled out of the garage needing cleaned up, you got bamboozled lady.... Oh and it is at A new car dealership where everything on the lot is for sale, that car DOES NOT HAVE A HOME YET.. BUT IT WILL WHEN THE PRICE IS RIGHT.......
I just love this story.
Thanks - I appreciate your comment.
My first car was a 1958 Fairlane 500 2 door with the 352 Interceptor Special.Factory 4 barrel carb,duel exhaust,and about 300 horsepower.Was a fun car.
Thanks, nice Ford. Oops:: I always eondredd a our the INTERCEPTOR ZEMGIND??, I started my a 1954 FORD/V8/2D, WITH 1957 Engine 289/ 4 BBL / dual exh/ m8,d CUSTomised:61 GALAXIE Convertible v/352/ auto:1966 GALAXIE 500 XL/352 engine/4 Speed/ dual EXH/ Deluxe(* Interior …….(* THE 1966, the favorite,& fixer upper-- sort of like Jay LENO’s GALAXIE 1966, on the cheap build up, for me….
That motor in the car is a gem mm. I had one in a 56 when I was 18, it ran like a hot rod. Good of u folks to give them what it is was worth....It is easy worth $25000. and them some...Doc Tx.
A complete car of this model, even in non running condition, would easily fetch $40-50K. Restored and running would bring well north of $100-200K+. That dealer played them even though they paid more than the asking price, which was far too low to begin with.
Exaaaaaaaaaaaaaactly... STOLE it. Crooks.
100% ! Stealership shysters
@@243wayne1 Heavy sigh... if they only knew how to google the price. They would wet their panties.
I thought that the amount paid over the asking price was still excessively low, especially for a unrestored all original (with apparently the exception of the paint finish) the one owner car with the retractable top and optional 312 c.i. V-8 engine and under one hundred thousand miles on the odometer. This car may have sold well under $3,000 new, but that is irrelevant since it is a relatively rare classic car now, and cars like this you just don't hear about let alone find very often these days.
Never seen a restored 57 Ford go for no hundred thousand plus
It's a cool car but the automatic top is known to be horribly unreliable and sometimes get stuck while raising/lowering. Maybe some modern electric motors could make it a little more reliable.
This is one of the coolest car stories I've heard in a while. Almost brought tears to my eyes, probably because our family recently had an estate sale which was emotionally pretty painful for me.
I know the feeling. My sister and older brother took everything to a Consignment store. They got ripped off ! 😮😅
Just love your vidios, the car is on my bucket list, can't wait till the next one.
Awesome! Thank you!
My dad had a brand new 57 ford convertible. Pretty much the same colors. Ordered it from the local rural ford dealer. Wentworth auto sales in guys mills pa. V8, 292 , I believe and a 3 on the tree. He loved that car . Had to give it up when he got layed off from the steel mill in Titusville. Back then it happened a lot. But raising a family came first. Not like today. Losing that car broke his heart,but it started another trend, he got a used pick up a dodge I believe, and he owned a truck up till the day he died in 2009. I carry on the Ford tradition in honor of my dad. I own 4 of them at the moment a newer f150, a 77 f100. A ford 500, and a mustang convertible. Miss you dad.
HAHAHA!!! That ain't a 4Runner. THAT'S a LAND CRUISER!
I love family owned dealerships. The roots grow deep. The family sold cars to families year after year. My first dealership was a 5th generation Cadillac Pontiac store. They started selling horse carriage sales. The owner Louie Speroels in Cumberland Maryland. He taught me all about sales. The guy I took his desk had been there 40 year. I was the youngest salesman ever. I got a new Pontiac GT EVERY 4000 MILES. WOW WHAT A BENEFIT. I MADE 65,000 BUCKS IN 1985 THAT WAS A BUNCH OF MONEY BACK THEN. RIP LOUIE I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS. NEAL
It is so refreshing to see such a kind appreciative attitude and genuine expression of love and appreciation from someone toward a mentor in 2023.
YOU KNOW THEY MAKE OIL FOR THOSE HOODS DON'T YOU? Works on all hoods also.
Hemming classic car magazine did an amazing story on these cars several years back, telling the entire story of the development. The electric motors by themselves was an interesting story. At the time, no one made compact motors with the power they needed. It was suggested that they used hydraulic cylinders to power the top using a centrally located pump. But one executive was adamant that it had to be an electric power top because if a hose broke a sprayer people with hydraulic oil......not a good thing.
The car company made money from this family from beginning to end.
The car couldn't have gone to a better home...a huge dealership like Sewell has the resources to treat this car right, and it's good for the business. A win win as they say
Looks awesome!👍🥰
Beautiful to see the old girl go back home! I hope they let her sit in the showroom again!
My second car which I bought in 1967 for $50. was a '57 Ford Fairlane Hard Top Convertible. Beautiful blue over white paint job. The top went into the trunk just like the one in the video. The car was an absolute tank! It had a major problem with that top getting stuck halfway up and the only way to get it to open the rest of the way was to use the metal tip on an umbrella to reach a relay point way back into the trunk (Bent that umbrella more than once when I didn't pull it out fast enough!) and then the dash button would work to raise it back up again. The first time it was stuck, in the pouring rain, and we had to drive it all the way across town to the guy I bought it from to learn the trick about how to get it closed again. Got some really funny looks driving in the rain with the top sticking up in the air!
I was driving in the rain in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Palmetto Expressway and a car stopped in front of me, that heavy barge just ignored me slamming on the brakes and smacked into the other car, and shoved in its trunk. There wasn't a mark on my car, but apparently, the entire engine shifted and broke the motor mounts. Fortunately, I worked for a garage with a tow service and body shop so they came and rescued both cars and fixed both at very little cost to me.
What a story! Did you take any n pictures?
@@thewriter2549 I'm sure I must have, but having moved multiple times since then they've gone missing. The only car picture I have now is when I bought one of the first Honda cars, the 2-cylinder Sport-a-bout. $2100 over the curb! Motorcycle engine turned sideways, no A/C and got about 50 mp gallon. So sorry I traded that in when the first Civics came out.
I owned a 1975 Ford f150 Ranger/Custom. This was the first year of the F-150. I almost bought a 1940 Ford sedan all original been sitting in storage they wanted $4,000. I passed because I really didn't have the means to go get. If my dad would have went for it we could have probably had many classic cars in storage that would have brought hundreds of thousands of dollars that we could have bought for under $1,000.00. Hindsight is 20/20 as has been said. I still buy american-made tools and other things when I find them cheap enough. Democrat Barack Obama and his Cash for Clunkers caused many to be lost to the scrap. Very sad.
I could make a list of cars my husband and I owned that would make a car collector cry. The problem was we weren't able to keep them. Always had to trade in for the next gem we drove for 2-3 yrs then traded off. Many I don't even have pictures of. I loved every one of them, starting with a 1957 Chevy Cameo carrier in solid white. 2244 built in '57.
Buy my 80 f150 ranger
My 68. 303 z-28 has 73,300 miles second owner bought in 1976
@@DR-jo7fg because of a set of circumstances I lost everything I have and had to slowly start getting some furniture but I have no income right now and nothing in the bank. I live on HUD and someone is paying my rent because I can't seem to get hired. I'm hoping that someone will help me to get another truck so I can go out and try to get some work. I'm 61 and a Christian minister ( not a pastor ) for many years. It's frustrating to see people working that don't work and I know I could outdo them but I don't get hired and now I don't have anything to put down on my application cuz I've been out of work for so many years. Anyway sorry if you didn't want to hear all that.
I was 18 and passed on a 38 Buick 4 door sedan with a straight 8 for $500. The seller was selling because of a L shaped cut in the mohair right front door panel so if replaced the car wouldn't be original. This was in 73.
I was BORN IN A 57 FORD 2DR HARDTOP...NICE FIND✓
That looks like something Jay might be interested in for his garage. And I'm sure he would have paid more than $25,000 for it.
Looks like more of a story about the car dealership and the people that own it than the car
Let me know what you want to see more of and I'll try to do that. I try to get a little bit better with each work because then I can't help but get good at what I am doing.
I like the attitude of those people. They value their history. I wish more people did these days.
I love the idea this car is going to be well taken care of and most importantly not modded out kept original, these cars are a time capsules, great story
Completely Awesome story! i graduated high School in1982 and there was a PhysicalEducationTeacher that had purchased a HardtopConvertible Thunderbird in the 60s brand new she still used as her daily driver and after School she would demonstrate the Retractable Roof going down to a group of whoever was interested i was a MG Roadster Enthusiast and always thought the Ford Retractable roof was a Awesome part of Engineering because untill the very last part of the top going into the Trunk it didn’t really look like it would fit that front panel that folds is a game changer ! A few years after i graduated ironically i dated a Girl who’s Parents had 2 homes on the opposite sides of the United States and her Dad Collected Older TBirds he planned on restoring in the future he had one Convertible that was a driver in the Garage inFlorida my girlfreind got to use as her daily driver for work and School she hated driving the Car because it was so big and the AirConditioning wasn’t working but i thought she was the Cats Meow Cruising around with the Top Down and her long Strawberry Blonde hair flying in the wind i also loved the Swing Away Steering WheelOption that car had along with the Iconic Ford V8 exhaust note coming out of the Dual Exhaust mixed with a leaky Manilfold ! it was also a nice sight seeing the car inmy Driveway after a long work day knowing she would spend the night at my house !BTW her Dad was all about getting those Cars Complete ,in running Condition and a safe to Operate he wasn’t worried then about Cosmetics as he planned to do fullRestorations at his FarmProperty on the other Coast the Reality was i thought it was a perfect Car for SouthFlorida at that time because i had several (4) Convertibles without AC living then SouthFlorida myself
Some model years ofThunderbirds had a retractable soft top. Sometimes I think I'm dreaming about this because I've mentioned it to other car people and they say no, those tops did not retract. But, they did, right into the trunk.
Skyliner! Only made em 3yrs. 57 first year.
Great story with this car. I look forward to seeing a follow up video with the original family who sold the car so they can see it all fixed up. Bet there will be a few tears shed in that video.
Not a bad idea!
That car cleaned up and running well is worth double what the dealer paid.
it cost more than double to get it running well
@@thewriter2549that I very much doubt .
I bought a couple cars from Sewell Ford in Odessa. Live in Kermit....
True fact: Ford outsold Chevy in 1957.
Chevy out sold Ford when they were retooling the factories for the Model A, 1927? Chevrolet offered any color but black.
Ford had better financing.
Y block Ford couldn't hold a candle to a small block Chevy!
That may be true but who wants a’57 ford? I see more’57 Chevy’s that a ‘57 ford.
Here's another true fact, Henry Ford named his estate Fair Lane after the Road his father lived on in Ireland
Sad to see all of their belongings go. So, all my collections will become pocket change when I go.
We have kept many of my grandmother's belongings as well as my uncle's. It's a shame Jerry visited after we had packed up most of the "personal" items and trucked them to California and Colorado. We kept many family treasures. And we sold quite a few items to local collectors and local folks who appreciate furnishings and items of the past.
The Skyliner was an amazing car. And the Sewell Ford who sold it . A amazing garage find. Thank you for sharing this amazing story!
It was an amazing "aha!" moment when I found the original purchase invoice from Sewell Ford in a file cabinet in the house!
Yes it was a iconic automobile. But I'm quite sure the dealership had ulterior motives when going after that purchase. Hence the higher price paid. They're not the heroes here. The original owners certainly were.
@@anthonyangeli256 Agree totally 💯
@@djrosenberry We found all sorts of treasures...there's still a few left. If anyone wants a few model T parts or know what to do with 15 Magnetos let me know....😄
@@anthonyangeli256 Thanks for that, but I think we all got a great experience out of it! After all value is simply subjective...I applaud that they want to keep it running and to take care of their own history too.
This was a wonderful presentation . Kind of had a Paul Harvey story line - "And you know the rest of the story" .
Being in Texas I'm surprised that Dennis or Richard didn't try to buy this lol
The hard top requires eight electric motors, operating in prefect sequence. They failed frequently, often while the top was in operation. It would completely immobilize the car. They sold few of them and it lasted only two model years. Which makes it rare and more valuable than ever.
This top required extensive work to operate.
Exactly! I think it was worth $40K myself.
Three model years- '57,' 58 and '59.
We didn't want to try the mechanism for just that reason! Although the last time I visited my grandmother (before moving abroad in 1990; she passed away a few weeks after I returned in 1993), she did put the top down for a drive around town. It was fabulous!
That car should be on the dealership's show room floor
Retractable hardtop! Worth well over 50k. My uncle has restored several; was offered over a 100 grand for one of them.
I find the people just as interesting as the car
Fantastic story Sir. I am a older Aussie male living in NSW. Cars have a special place in all Australians hearts. We are a Country of distance, I drive over 150 km round trip just to go to Shops. I feel sad for those to come because they will never get to experience the thrill of a big V8 engine with a manual transmission in a spanking new or possibly even used Motor Vehicle. Generic looking, aerodynamic .silent, souless pieces of plastic will never replace a hand crafted piece of metal turned into a thing of beauty. Will owners give them names as we have since day 1. Maybe the onboard system will have a name.
57 Ford retractable? 😭
Neutralize that rust on the rocker panel with some Ospho and don't touch anything else. Car Dealerships are a different breed of business. Not really relished by many folks. This Dealer broke the mold for me. I was elated to hear Mr. Sewell step up to the plate, not just for him but the Dealership as a whole. Any company that's been in the same business for that many years must be doing something right. And it shows!! Good on you Mr. Sewell!!
Beautiful original 57 ford Skyliner Perfect the way it is I'd rather have the car in Original form than restored. WOW
My mother had a 57 Ford 2 door with the Thunderbird engine. She very proud of that car. It was not a Skyliner but just a coupe. We would tear up the highway going to East Texas to visit my grand parents. Her next car was a 61 Galaxie 500.
I love that old convertible car. I would love it in England
Oldest Ford Dealer in the Country.... Ford Dealerships are a rarity now in some states, city's. My dad bought a 1969 Ford F250 from dealership here in Oakland called Broadway Ford, now an Audi Dealership. The town I grew up in Alameda had a dealership, Morris Landy Ford was there for 50 years, Hayward Ford long gone now also.
they're meant to drive. I have dad's last restoration, a big block Olds. as a road car I'm surprised the mileage is pretty good. all 8 track, all Lawrence Welk pineapple music, all the time.
Very cool video.
The history is great.
Love the furnishings and appliances in the Grandmother's house. Amazing! Looks like the set of a 1950's TV show.
Very enjoyable, thank you !
I love old cars so much more character ❤
The SEWELL's have one of the best managed dealer group at all their locations. I have a special bond to them: although I am not a relative, their Grandfather, Dr.Julian Sewell delivered me into this World at Sewell-Long Hospital in Belton TX!!
What a great story! Surprised though that it had a 312 CID, but it makes sense. It's so good to hear the son refer with respect 'Sir' to the older gentlemen. Something that is hardly taught any more. It was required by both parents growing up, Mom from Alabama and Dad from Misissippi. Good luck to all.
It does.. I got a used 1956 Crown Victoria wagon from my dad who got it from a job he did (my dad and I used to do tile and linoleum) and that was a 312 Thunderbird engine.
Every 57 Ford I have seen had a 312 engine, before that a 292 engine
I drove a four door 1957 Ford to the University of Illinois where I was a student. It was blue and white and had a 292 engine. The only problem I ever had was a leaky valve cover gasket. 🤠
Great car, great story. Something tells me $25k was pretty cheap for this gem.
A friend of mine bought a 57 Fairlane convertible here in the UK back in 71, and asked me to collect it for him. I was 18 at the time, and had to drive it back 120 miles across London in the rush hour. Never driven in London, or a LHD before. 3 up the tree, and those huge tail lights. Just indicate and those turn signals just made the London cabbies move out of the way. Just like parting the Red Sea. It had been converted from a straight 6 to a V8, and sprayed metallic orange. Drove it a few times with the top down. What a babe magnet.
Nice to see that Sunliner refreshed and given the care it deserves. A real car, not like today's plastic milk floats.
👍👌👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic! Of course I would love to own this car. Mainly because it's a convertible with a foldable metal roof.
Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing.
Best regards luck and especially health to all involved people.
That is fantastic to clean it up and revive it
How good does it look
Yes, which took 4 months in a restoration shop. The 312 cubic inch V8 had to be rebuilt, brakes rebuilt, and lots more.
What a great story, and of course the car! Great to see that it is well taken care of.
My grandmother took great care of it, in theory on my uncle's behalf. I think she loved its style.
Awesome car! It does appear to only need to be cleaned up.
Apholstery needed replacement.
@@firebird77clonefirebird89 Yes, they did say it needed to be replaced. For the record I said, "It does appear...". I do not think I can completely judge a car by a video.
Right, I did not video the refurbishing, but I learned the car needed needed lots of work, especially the top.
@@eldonhoward7925 People -not you--do frequently make the mistake of judging an older car by it's outward appearance...one should never buy an older car, without having it thoroughly inspected by a good mechanic...paying a couple hundred for a good evaluation is a great idea.
Most people love the 57 Chevy which I do also but I like the 57 Ford better there's just something magical about that car the Skyliner was the luxury version my uncle who used to drive cars at Ford's test track told me that 312 engine was a fantastic engine. Especially if you ordered one with the supercharger a handful of Thunderbirds got that engine if I remember correctly it was the first engine to power a Thunderbird if I remember to go 200 miles an hour at Daytona. But because it couldn't make the second run because of mechanical problems it couldn't be claimed an official record. Also at the age of about 9 or 10 years old I belonged to an organization call The Royal Rangers.
The man that used to pick us up had a 57 Ford hot rod and every time we went underneath a vidock we'd roll the windows down to hear the sound of the engine Echo and boy was that music that engine was strong. The car even smelled like an older car plus that sweet smell of the high octane gas he ran in it it was just magical it was such a treat Triton that car we always look forward to it. His other car was a 66 black Dodge Charger that we got the ride in also I remember it had the Chrome Center console with a center button shifter and the round gauges that lit up green when it was dark what great memories. Such a treat to see a Survivor car like this and to preserve the memories of that family and for other people to see and enjoy that vehicle.
great story thanks
I like that the young man seems humble and respects the legacy his family has built. I hope he can keep the dealership thriving for decades and pass it along to his children.
That car would fetch more than a new 2023 fully equipped Navigator at at auction without restoration.
Everybody low balls because they know how much they get when it is polished and all nicks and wear spots get cleaned up.
Barret Jackson is where it will end up.