1957 Ford

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 based on the short-wheelbase chassis was also introduced, the Ranchero.

The 223 CID (3.7 L) OHV straight-six 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 (224 kW), and designated "Police Interceptor" on the glove box. Two dual 4-barrel versions of the naturally aspirated (non-supercharged) 312 cubic inch V8 rated at 270 and 285 HP were available. The 270 HP version had the same cam as all the other V-8s but had vibration dampers on the valve springs. The 285 HP engine had a racing cam and was only available to NASCAR and possibly other racers. This option was dubbed "E code" and was available in all body types. It came standard with the deep-dish steering wheel. The radio had a transistorized audio output stage for the first time.[4] There were lights for the generator and oil instead of gauges.[4] The controls became recessed for more safety (the Lifeguard safety package was still available).[5] Safety did not yet sell, however: In a survey of 1957 Ford owners in the March, 1957 issue of Popular Mechanics, only 6.2% of owners ordered seat belts.[6]

A new frame was used for the 1957 Fords. It moved to perimeter rails out, so that they would fully envelope the passengers.[7]

This model was very successful, being the best selling car in America, overtaking arch rival Chevrolet for the first time since 1935.[8]

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  1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria
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  1957 Ford Country Sedan
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  1957 Ford Custom Ranchero

The line was freshened with a simulated hood scoop and dual-headlight front clip for 1958.[9] The rectangular grille openings gave way to circles and grille was set in the bumper.[9] 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. A full-flow oil filter became standard across the range. 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. Air suspension, called "Ford-Aire" became optional on all vehicles except the entry-level Custom 300 for $156 ($1,582 in 2022 dollars [10]) but was cancelled in 1959. Vehicles equipped with the feature had a badge attached to the rear of the vehicle.[11]

The convertible version of Ford Fairlane 500, Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner (also called Skyliner Retractable Convertible), had been sold for three years - 1957, 1958, and 1959. It was the most expensive vehicle offered by Ford. The 1958 Skyliner sold for $3,163 ($32,082 in 2022 dollars [10]) while the standard convertible sold for $2,650 ($26,879 in 2022 dollars [10]) and the sedan went for $2,055 ($20,844 in 2022 dollars [10]). A total of 14,713 units were produced in 1958. Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner weighed 4,609-pounds.[12]

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  1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Sedan
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  1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
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  1958 Ford Country Sedan
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  1958 Ford Ranchero

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. New for safety was fully padded armrests and rear door locks that were child proof.[13] American prices ranged from the mid-1,000 to the low 3,000s. In 1958, a concept car was introduced called "la Galaxie" which incorporated the headlights into pods inline with the grille and a reduced front profile.[14]

This version was also assembled in Australia, beginning in late 1959. Local models were the luxurious Fairlane 500, the lower-priced Custom 300 (both sedans), as well as the Ranch Wagon.[15] The Australian models were powered by the 332 cu in (5.4 L) "Thunderbird" engine, producing 204 hp.[15] For 1960, the range was updated with the grille and trim from the 1959 Canadian Meteor.[16]

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  1959 Ford Galaxie Town Sedan
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  1959 Ford Galaxie Club Victoria
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  1959 Ford Galaxie Sunliner convertible
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  1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner. 1959 Galaxies carried both Fairlane 500 and Galaxie badges
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  1959 Ford Ranch Wagon (2-door)
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  1959 Meteor (Canada)
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  1960-61 Australian built Fairlane 500 with revised grille

• Media related to 1957-1959 Ford vehicles at Wikimedia Commons