1957 Ford
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1957–1959 |
| Predecessor | 1955 Ford |
| Successor | 1960 Ford |
| Engine(s) | 223 in³ (3.7 L) OHV I6 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block V8 292 in³ (4.8 L) T-bird V8 312 in³ (5.1 L) T-bird V8 |
| Wheelbase | 116 in (2946 mm) 118 in (2997 mm) |
- See also: Ford Fairlane, Ford Skyliner, Ford Ranchero, and Ford Galaxie
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.
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[edit] 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 in³ (3.7 L) OHV Straight-6 continued, now with 144 hp (107 kW). The V8 lineup included a 272 in³ (4.5 L) Y-block making 190 hp (142 kW), a 292 in³ (4.8 L) Thunderbird version making 212 hp (158 kW), a 312 cubic inch V8 making 245 HP and a supercharged 312 in³ (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.
[edit] 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 was optional along with the 2-speed Ford-O-Matic and manual transmission. Engines were also updated, with the 272 in³ dropped, the 292 in³ making 205 hp (153 kW), and a new-generation 332 in³ (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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Sources
- David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International, 178–193. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6.
- Generations: Ford Model T to Crown Victoria. Retrieved on August 21, 2006.
