1957 Ford

1957 – 1959 Ford
1957 – 1959 Ford
	1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	1957–1959
Assembly	Main plant; Dearborn, MI(⇗); Branch Assembly; Twin Cities, MN(⇗); Somerville, MA(⇗); Richmond, CA(⇗); Norfolk, VA(⇗); Memphis, TN(⇗); Louisville, KY(⇗); Long Beach, CA(⇗); Kansas City, MO(⇗); Mahwah, NJ(⇗); Dallas, TX(⇗); Chicago, IL(⇗); Chester, PA(⇗); Buffalo, NY(⇗); Atlanta, GA(⇗); Worldwide; Broadmeadows,Australia(1959 model)(⇗);
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size Ford
Body style	2-doorsedan(Tudor, Club Sedan); 2-door business sedan (Tudor); 4-doorsedan(Fordor, Town Sedan); 2-doorhardtop(Club Victoria); 4-doorhardtop(Town Victoria); 2-doorconvertible(Sunliner); 2-doorretractable hardtop(Skyliner); 2-doorstation wagon; 4-doorstation wagon; 2-doorcoupe utility(Ranchero); 2-doorsedan delivery(Courier)
Layout	FR layout
Related	Meteor(Canada); Edsel Ranger; Edsel Pacer; Edsel Roundup; Edsel Villager; Edsel Bermuda
Powertrain
Engine	223 CID (3.7 L)OHVI6; 272 CID (4.5 L)Y-blockV8; 292 CID (4.8 L)T-birdV8; 312 CID (5.1 L)T-birdV8(1957); 332 CID (5.4 L)FEV8(1958–59); 352 CID (5.8 L)FEV8(1958–59)
Transmission	3-speedmanual; 3-speedCruise-O-Maticautomatic; 2-speedFord-O-Maticautomatic
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

ThemainstreamFordlineofcarsgrew substantially larger for1957,a model which lasted through 1959. The Crown Victoria with its flashy chrome "basket handle" was no more, and theacrylic glass-roofedCrown Victoria Skylinerwas replaced by a new model, the retracting-roof hardtopSkyliner.

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 adifferentialwhose pinion gear was exceptionally low relative to the axleshafts, lower than in conventionalhypoiddifferentials.

1957

The 1957 models retained a single-headlight front end like their predecessors, but were unmistakable with their long flanks andtailfins.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 truckhybrid based on the short-wheelbase chassis was also introduced, theRanchero.

The 223 CID (3.7 L)OHV straight-sixcontinued, now with 144 hp (107 kW). TheV8lineup included a 272 CID (4.5 L)Y-blockmaking 190 hp (142 kW), a 292 CID (4.8 L)Thunderbirdversion making 212 hp (158 kW), a 312 cubic inch V8 making 245 HP and asupercharged312 CID (5.1 L)Thunderbird Specialmaking 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 (theLifeguardsafety package was still available).^[5]Safety did not yet sell, however: In a survey of 1957 Ford owners in the March, 1957 issue ofPopular 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 Country Sedan
1957 Ford Custom Ranchero
1957 Ford Fairlane 500

1958

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-speedCruise-O-Matic automaticwas optional along with the 2-speedFord-O-Maticandmanual 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)FEV8 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 inLorain, Ohioat Ford'sLorain Assemblyplant 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 Skyliner
1958 Ford Country Sedan
1958 Ford Ranchero

1959

The top-line spot for 1959 was the newGalaxie,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 theRanch 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 CanadianMeteor.^[16]

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

References

^Darwin, Norm (1986).The History of Ford in Australia.Newstead: Eddie Ford Publications. pp. 136–139.ISBN 978-0959228724.
^1957 Ford Courier Sedan Delivery sales brochure coverRetrieved on 31 December 2009
^"Directory Index: Ford_Ranchero/1957_Ford_Ranchero_Foldout".Oldcarbrochures.com.Retrieved2011-11-20.
^^a ^b"A New Kind of Ford for '57".Ford Motor Company. 1956. p. 7.Retrieved2020-09-20– via Oldcarbrochures.com.
^"1957 Ford Fairlane"(brochure). Ford Motor Company. 1956. pp. 16–17.Retrieved2011-11-20– via Oldcarbrochures.com.
^Popular Mechanics.Hearst Magazines. March 1957.
^"1957 Ford Fairlane"(brochure). Ford Motor Company. 1956. pp. 18–19.Retrieved2011-11-20– via Oldcarbrochures.com.
^Markus, Frank (11 March 2010)."Six Decades of Best Selling Cars".Motor Trend.RetrievedOctober 25,2016.
^^a ^bFlory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008).American Cars, 1946–1959 Every Model Every Year.McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 893.ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
^^a ^b ^c ^d1634–1699: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–".RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
^"Directory Index: Ford/1958_Ford/1958 Ford Fairlane Brochure".Ford Motor Company. 1957.Retrieved2011-11-20– via Oldcarbrochures.com.
^1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner
^"Directory Index: Ford/1959_Ford/1959_Ford_Brochure_1".Oldcarbrochures.com.Retrieved2011-11-20.
^"Ford La Galaxie Concept Car (1958)".Old Concept Cars.Theme by Mauer Themes.Retrieved19 April2022.
^^a ^b"Sedan, Ranch Wagon".The Cumberland Argus.Parramatta, NSW. 30 September 1959. p. 6.Retrieved18 January2015.
^Darwin,p. 136

External links

Media related to1957-1959 Ford vehiclesat Wikimedia Commons

[Darwin1-1] 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 coverRetrieved on 31 December 2009

[3] "Directory Index: Ford_Ranchero/1957_Ford_Ranchero_Foldout".Oldcarbrochures.com.Retrieved2011-11-20.

[57p7-4] "A New Kind of Ford for '57".Ford Motor Company. 1956. p. 7.Retrieved2020-09-20– via Oldcarbrochures.com.

[5] "1957 Ford Fairlane"(brochure). Ford Motor Company. 1956. pp. 16–17.Retrieved2011-11-20– via Oldcarbrochures.com.

[6] Popular Mechanics.Hearst Magazines. March 1957.

[7] "1957 Ford Fairlane"(brochure). Ford Motor Company. 1956. pp. 18–19.Retrieved2011-11-20– via Oldcarbrochures.com.

[8] Markus, Frank (11 March 2010)."Six Decades of Best Selling Cars".Motor Trend.RetrievedOctober 25,2016.

[kelly893-9] Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008).American Cars, 1946–1959 Every Model Every Year.McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 893.ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.

[inflation-US-10] 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–".RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.

[11] "Directory Index: Ford/1958_Ford/1958 Ford Fairlane Brochure".Ford Motor Company. 1957.Retrieved2011-11-20– via Oldcarbrochures.com.

[12] 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner

[13] "Directory Index: Ford/1959_Ford/1959_Ford_Brochure_1".Oldcarbrochures.com.Retrieved2011-11-20.

[14] "Ford La Galaxie Concept Car (1958)".Old Concept Cars.Theme by Mauer Themes.Retrieved19 April2022.

[Cumberland-15] "Sedan, Ranch Wagon".The Cumberland Argus.Parramatta, NSW. 30 September 1959. p. 6.Retrieved18 January2015.

[16] Darwin,p. 136

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References

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External links