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1957 Ford

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1957 – 1959 Ford
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
Overview
ManufacturerFord
Production1957–1959
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size Ford
Body style2-door sedan (Tudor, Club Sedan)
2-door business sedan (Tudor)
4-door sedan (Fordor, Town Sedan)
2-door hardtop (Club Victoria)
4-door hardtop (Town Victoria)
2-door convertible (Sunliner)
2-door retractable hardtop (Skyliner)
2-door station wagon
4-door station wagon
2-door coupe utility (Ranchero)
2-door sedan delivery[2] (Courier)
LayoutFR layout
RelatedMeteor (Canada)
Edsel Ranger
Edsel Pacer
Edsel Roundup
Edsel Villager
Edsel Bermuda
Powertrain
Engine223 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 V8 (1957)
332 CID (5.4 L) FE V8 (1958–59)
352 CID (5.8 L) FE V8 (1958–59)
Transmission3-speed manual
3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic
2-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase116 in (2,946 mm)
118 in (2,997 mm)
Length203.5 in (5,169 mm) [3]
Chronology
Predecessor1955 Ford
Successor1960 Ford

The 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. Wheels were now 14 inches in diameter rather the previous 15 inches, this also helped to give a lower profile. The major component of this chassis was a differential whose pinion gear was exceptionally low relative to the axleshafts, lower than in conventional hypoid differentials.

1957

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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]

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

1958

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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 ($1,647 in 2023 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 ($33,403 in 2023 dollars [10]) while the standard convertible sold for $2,650 ($27,985 in 2023 dollars [10]) and the sedan went for $2,055 ($21,702 in 2023 dollars [10]). A total of 14,713 units were produced in 1958. Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner weighed 4,609-pounds.[12]

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

1959

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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]

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

References

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  1. ^ Darwin, Norm (1986). The History of Ford in Australia. Newstead: Eddie Ford Publications. pp. 136–139. ISBN 978-0959228724.
  2. ^ 1957 Ford Courier Sedan Delivery sales brochure cover Retrieved on 31 December 2009
  3. ^ "Directory Index: Ford_Ranchero/1957_Ford_Ranchero_Foldout". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
  4. ^ a b "A New Kind of Ford for '57". Ford Motor Company. 1956. p. 7. Retrieved 2020-09-20 – via Oldcarbrochures.com.
  5. ^ "1957 Ford Fairlane" (brochure). Ford Motor Company. 1956. pp. 16–17. Retrieved 2011-11-20 – via Oldcarbrochures.com.
  6. ^ Popular Mechanics. Hearst Magazines. March 1957.
  7. ^ "1957 Ford Fairlane" (brochure). Ford Motor Company. 1956. pp. 18–19. Retrieved 2011-11-20 – via Oldcarbrochures.com.
  8. ^ Markus, Frank (11 March 2010). "Six Decades of Best Selling Cars". Motor Trend. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  9. ^ a b Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946–1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 893. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
  10. ^ a b c d 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  11. ^ "Directory Index: Ford/1958_Ford/1958 Ford Fairlane Brochure". Ford Motor Company. 1957. Retrieved 2011-11-20 – via Oldcarbrochures.com.
  12. ^ 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
  13. ^ "Directory Index: Ford/1959_Ford/1959_Ford_Brochure_1". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
  14. ^ "Ford La Galaxie Concept Car (1958)". Old Concept Cars. Theme by Mauer Themes. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  15. ^ a b "Sedan, Ranch Wagon". The Cumberland Argus. Parramatta, NSW. 30 September 1959. p. 6. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  16. ^ Darwin, p. 136

Further reading

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