1957 Ford

Infobox Automobile
name=Ford


manufacturer=Ford Motor Company
production=1957–1959
predecessor=1955 Ford
successor=1960 Ford
class=Full-size Ford
assembly=Lorain, Ohio
layout=FR layout
transmission=3-speed automatic
2-speed manual
body_style=2-door coupe
4-door sedan
wheelbase=116 in (2946 mm)
118 in (2997 mm)
engine=223 CID (3.7 L) "OHV" I6
272 CID (4.5 L) "Y-block" V8
292 CID (4.8 L) "T-bird" V8
312 CID (5.1 L) "T-bird" V8The mainstream Ford line of cars grew substantially larger for 1957, a model which lasted through 1959. The Crown Victoria with its flashy chrome "basket handle" was no more, and the acrylic glass-roofed Crown Victoria Skyliner was replaced by a new model, the retracting-roof hardtop Skyliner. The new chassis allowed the floor to be placed much lower, which in turn led to a lower and longer look overall.

1957

The 1957 models retained a single-headlight front end like their predecessors, but were unmistakable with their long flanks and tailfins. A plethora of trim lines was introduced, starting with the base "Custom", "Custom 300", "Fairlane", and top-line "Fairlane 500". The two Custom lines used a 116 in (2946 mm) wheelbase, while the Fairlanes had 118 in (2997 mm) between the wheels. A new car/pickup truck hybrid was also introduced, the Ranchero.

The 223 CID (3.7 L) "OHV" Straight-6 continued, now with 144 hp (107 kW). The V8 lineup included a 272 CID (4.5 L) "Y-block" making 190 hp (142 kW), a 292 CID (4.8 L) "Thunderbird" version making 212 hp (158 kW), a 312 cubic inch V8 making 245 HP and a supercharged 312 CID (5.1 L) "Thunderbird Special" making 300 hp. A dual 4 barrel version of the normally aspirated (non-supercharged) 312 cubic inch V8 rated at 270 HP (some sources report 285 HP) was reportedly available, although that engine option was not listed in most Ford sedan factory literature and is more commonly associated with one of the optional Thunderbird engines. This option was dubbed "E code" and featured a unique camshaft, cylinder heads, intake manifold and various other performance enhancements.

1958

The line was freshened with a simulated hood scoop and dual-headlight front clip for 1958. The rectangular grille openings gave way to circles, and a new 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic was optional along with the 2-speed Ford-O-Matic and manual transmission. Engines were also updated, with the 272 CID dropped, the 292 CID making 205 hp (153 kW), and a new-generation 332 CID (5.4 L) "FE" V8 rated at 240 HP in 2 barrel form and 265 HP in 4 barrel "Interceptor" form. The new 352 cubic inch V8, also dubbed "Interceptor" and rated at 300 hp (224 kW) made its debut. Galaxie production was started in Lorain, Ohio at Ford's Lorain Assembly plant for 1958 and continued through 1959 with 102,869 Galaxies produced there.

1959

The top-line spot for 1959 was the new "Galaxie", positioned above the continued Fairlane 500. The Custom line was dropped, with Custom 300 the lowest rung on the ladder, and all 1959 Fords used the long 118 in (2997 mm) wheelbase.Prices ranged from the mid 1,000 to the low 3,000s.

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