This is a great site and an irreplaceable forum. I had a question about these car models: Should the database distinguish between these if the identification of cars in film and tv is certain?

For instance, in 1957, only the Fairlane 500 I believe had the gold insert between the two chrome trim pieces. (The Custom 300 offered a similar insert but it was for the style of trim that was part of that series.) If anyone had a friend or relative or themselves were involved with Ford in those times and could tell if this insert was an option on the entry-level Fairlane series, that would be helpful. Only the Fairlane 500 series offered a convertible model in 1957: the canvas top and the new "hardtop convertible" or "retractable hardtop" Skyliner model. I don't have the models and body styles for 1958, though they are very similar, with different trim.

When we are certain that the gold inlays in the Fairlane series instantly designate a Ford as a Fairlane 500, it may be possible to rename some of the current 57 Fords and organize them into a "Fairlane 500" searchable field. The same may be true for the 500 XL models of the 60s if there are any exterior features unique to that series.

I am curious about these things. Thanks.

There may be some errors in the names, so we should correct them if needed of course.
What is "500" compared to "Fairlane"? Is it part of the name and the model being then "Fairlane 500", or is it a trim level / version of the "Fairlane" series? In the latter case, it is usually not included in the model link.

I see, then that's fine. A series is basically the wheelbase and engine/transmission options then. I wonder where we can find a movie with a retractable hardtop. Maybe Ford itself would have a list of titles?

I emailed the Henry Ford Museum. There is likely a fee for research services, of which I am to find out in about two weeks. I guess I'll have to just wait or hope that I find such a film someday.

What makes a 500 is the fin height, 500 has a higher fin and 300 has a lower fin on Ford cars in the years of fin.

The fin on a 500 curved as it went to the front of the car. The fin on the 300 was straight. Also, on the 500 the back part of the chrome went to the top of the fin and on the 300 the back part of the chrome went straight back to the tail light area. In 1957 Ford made a Custom, Custom 300, Fairlane and a Fairlane 500. The customs' had the straight fin and the fairlanes' had the curved fin.