1957 Ford

1957 - 1959 Ford
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	1957–1959
Assembly	Los Angeles, California Mahwah, New Jersey Chester, Pennsylvania Lorain, Ohio Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia (1959 model)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size Ford
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door convertible 2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 2-door station wagon 4-door station wagon 2-door coupe utility 2-door sedan delivery
Layout	FR layout
Related	Edsel Ranger Edsel Pacer
Powertrain
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 V8 332 CID (5.4 L) FE V8 352 CID (5.8 L) FE V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 3-speed automatic 2-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	116 in (2,946 mm) 118 in (2,997 mm)
Length	203.5 in (5,169 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	1955 Ford
Successor	1960 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. 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.

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-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 (224 kW), and designated "Police Interceptor" on the glove box. A dual 4 barrel version of the naturally. 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. It came standard with the deep-dish steering wheel. The radio became transistorized. There were lights for the generator and oil instead of gauges. The controls became reccesed for more safety (the Lifeguard safety package was still available)