1957 Chrysler Cars Fact Sheet
1957 Chrysler Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Everything was bigger for Chrysler in 1957. Bigger engines, bigger bodies, more headlights, more options. The Chrysler 300C boasted two engines – 375 and 390 horsepower!
1957 Chrysler – Bigger and Bolder
The 1957 edition of Chrysler’s Line – now called “The Forward Loo”‘ was widely acclaimed for its clean lines and crisp styling. Fins were larger and so were the engines.
General Year Information – 1957 Chrysler
Drawing the most attention for 1957 were the large sweeping rear fender fins. The grille used a broad, horizontal motif. All 1957 Chryslers had new bodies as well as new chassis features, with torsion bar suspension being the big innovation this year. The long-standing Newport name was no longer used for the hardtop body styles. Dual headlamps became standard equipment shortly after production began and as such are missing from many brochure illustrations and advertisements. Dual rear swept back aerials were a new option.
The Saratoga returned as the mid-level Chrysler after an absence of four years. The Hemi engine’s bore and stroke were increased and the cubic inch displacement was raised nearly ten percent to 392 CID. The Poly-head engine used on the Saratoga and the Windsor was now raised to the 1956 Hemi’s 354 CID.
INNOVATIONS: Optional “Captive-Aire” (tubeless) tires on the New Yorker Town and Country station wagon (where a spare tire was not provided) were all new. 14″ tire/wheel combos were new as well, lowering the ride height and accentuating the car’s sleek look. The Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission was now the standard automatic transmission.
Production: Chrysler cars production for 1957 totaled 122,273 units. See the attached chart for the detailed model breakout.
1957 Chrysler Factoids
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Chrysler’s passenger car application of the torsion bar suspension system was introduced this year for all Chrysler and Corporation cars. Chrysler’s “Torsion-Air” suspension was only used on the front suspension. The system is called “longitudinal mounting” and as used until the 1981.
The first Torqueflite automatic transmission provided three speeds forward plus reverse. Gear ratios were 2.45:1 in first, 1.45 in second, and 1.00 in third. The transmission was controlled by push buttons located on the vehicle’s dashboard. Catch the 1957 Chrysler Full Line Brochure HERE.
The new Hemi had a 4.00″ bore and 3.906″stroke. The deck height was raised to 10.87″ accommodate the stroke. Because its deck was taller, the heads were cast with wider intake ports so that earlier manifolds could be used with the new heads. The version of the 392 in the Chrysler 300C was rated at 375 HP and 390 HP. See the Chrysler 300C Brochure HERE.
1957 Chrysler Facts – Models Offered
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1957 WINDSOR SERIES C75-1 (Poly 8-Cylinder): Windsors remained the entry-level Chryslers, and had a more plain interior trim. Standard equipment was less than the Saratoga and New Yorker.
Mechanically, Windsors only differed by the absence of the Hemi V-8 with the “Poly” head 34=54 CID standard. They were also fitted with a manual transmission as standard in lieu of the Torqueflite.
Two tone hardtop models had optional “Flight Sweep” color panels on the rear fenders, where “Windsor” in script was located, 3/4ths of the way back aft of the rear wheelhouse opening.
1957 SARATOGA SERIES C75-2 (Poly 8-Cylinder): The Saratoga lineup returned. This mid-line Chrysler was based on the Windsor. It featured upgraded upholstery. a higher horsepower Poly engine with dual exhausts, and had backup lamps and an emergency brake warning dash light. Torqueflite transmission, stainless steel wheel covers and power steering were standard equipment.
A single horizontal trim molding ran from front to rear, giving the car a long sweeping look. Two-tone finish was optional and popular. The “Saratoga” script was located below the horizontal trim line, just aft of the front wheelhouse opening. Early cars had single headlamps, with a dual system optionally available.
1957 NEW YORKER SERIES C76 (Hemi 8-Cylinder): For 1957, the top-of-the-line model Chrysler featured the largest production car engine available in that year, at 392 CID. It was the familiar Hemi making 325 HP. The styling copied the Windsor and Saratoga, except that a narrow, dart-like color sweep distinguished the sides of the car. Interiors were plush and much more upscale from the Windsor and Saratoga.
New Yorkers with two-tone finish had the roof color added to the side trim area. Trim was upscale from the Windsor and Saratoga and many features were standard: power steering, variable speed wipers, backup lights, windshield washer, to name a few.
All body styles were included in this series: 4-door Sedan, 2- and 4-door Hardtops a Convertible and a Town & Country Wagon. Dual rear antennas were a popular option that emphasized the sweep of the large tail fins.
1957 CHRYSLER 300C SERIES C76-300 (Hemi 8-Cylinder): The third version of the 300, the “300C” continued as the fastest and most powerful production car in the country. The 300 featured full leather interior trim and a new, masculine grille unlike any Chrysler offering, and the front bumper did not have the short, narrow vertical bumper guards found on other 1957 Chryslers.
Exterior ornamentation was minimal with single spear-like moldings on the lower rear quarter panels. The round 300 medallion, with a red-white-blue background and model numbers and lettering made its debut. Two medallions were placed on the side spear, four on each hubcap, one each on the hood, deck lid, glove box and another within the steering wheel center hub. Only the two on the spears carried both numbers and letters, the others had only the “300” designation. The colors of the emblem were to represent that this was an All-American performance car.
With the new, smaller, 14 inch wheels being used, it was necessary to provide for additional brake cooling on the Chrysler 300. This was accomplished by adding a rectangular opening below the headlamps which admitted air and guided it, via a duct, to the front brakes. The 300s were considered a part of the New Yorker series, but were so different as to be a world apart from that line – and also almost every other U.S. production automobile except for perhaps the Corvette.
Monotone colors were used exclusively on the 300. No two-tone colors were available.
- Cloud White
- Gauguin Red
- Jet Black
- Parade Green
- Copper Brown
1957 Chrysler Facts – Engines
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Windsor Series Standard Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Polyspherical combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 354 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.94″ x 3.63″. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 285 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 365 foot-pounds at 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 256°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″. Carburetor: Carter two-barrel, Type BBD Model 2527S.
Saratoga Standard and Windsor Series Power Pack Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Polyspherical combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 354 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.94″ x 3.63″. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 295 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 390 foot-pounds at 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 256°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel, Type WCFB Model 2589S. Includes dual exhaust and full-low oil filter standard.
New Yorker Series Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 392 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.90″. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 430 foot-pounds at 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel, Type WCFB Model 2590S.
Chrysler 300C Series Standard Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 392 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.90″. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 375 @ 5200 R.P.M. Torque: 420 foot-pounds at 4000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters with high-lift camshaft and extra-stiff valve springs. Camshaft Duration: Intake 280°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 60°, Lift (Intake) 0.444″ (Exhaust) 0.435″. Carburetors: 2 Carter 4-barrels Front WCFB Model 2534S, Rear WCFB 2535S.
Chrysler 300C Series Optional High Output Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 392 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.90″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 390 @ 5400 R.P.M. Torque: 410 foot-pounds at 4200 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters with high-lift camshaft and extra-stiff valve springs. Camshaft Duration: Intake 260°, Exhaust 255°, Overlap 40°, Lift (Intake) 0.455″ (Exhaust) 0.455″. Carburetors: 2 Carter 4-barrels Front WCFB Model 2534, Rear WCFB 2535.
NOTE: This engine was available only with stick shift and no power options. It had special four-bolt cast iron exhaust headers and a 2-1/2 inch low back-pressure exhaust system. Current information indicates that this camshaft had faster ramps – equivalent duration to the standard engine is: Intake 300°, Exhaust 295° Overlap 95°.
1957 Chrysler Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All models – 126.0″. Separate body and frame construction. Hotchkiss drive. Hypoid rear axle. Total-Contact brakes.
- Front tread: Windsor and Saratoga 61.4″, New Yorker and 300C 61.2″
- Rear tread: Windsor and Saratoga 59.7″, New Yorker and 300C 60.0″
- Overall length: Windsor, Saratoga, New Yorker and 300C 219.2″, Town & Country 218.9″.
- Overall width: All 78.8″
- Overall height: Windsor and Saratoga 57.0″, New Yorker 57.2″, 300C 54.7″
- Tires: Windsor and Saratoga – 8.50 x 14, New Yorker and 300C – 9.00 x 14.
1957 Chrysler Facts – Power Train Options
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- Windsor. Three-speed manual transmission standard with Torqueflite automatic transmission optional.
- Saratoga and New Yorker. Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission standard.
- Chrysler 300C. Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission standard. Three-speed manual transmission special order (standard with the optional 390 HP V-8).
1957 Chrysler Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
NOTE: Monotone colors were used exclusively on the 300: Cloud White, Gauguin Red, Jet Black, Parade Green, and Copper Brown only.
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1957 Chrysler
1957 Chrysler Facts –
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1957 Chrysler Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-Temp air conditioning.
- Backup lights for Windsor (standard on other series).
- Captive Air tires (standard on Town and Country station wagon).
- Dual head lamps (standard on all lines shortly after production commenced).
- Dual rear antennas.
- Fresh air heater.
- Full-flow oil filter on Windsor.
- Hand brake warning signal for Windsor (standard on other series).
- Hi-Way Hi-Fi phonograph.
- Instant Air heater.
- Non-slip differential.
- Nylon chord tires.
- Outside mirrors.
- Power brakes.
- Power front antenna.
- Power steering on Windsor (standard on other series).
- Power windows lifts.
- Radio with Music Master or Electro-Touch tuner.
- Rear seat speaker.
- Rear window defroster.
- Six-Way power seat.
- Stainless steel wheel covers for Windsor (standard on other series).
- Tinted glass.
- Two-tone finish (not available on 300C).
- Undercoating.
- Whitewall tires.
- Windshield washer (standard on New Yorker/300C).
1957 Chrysler Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1957 Chrysler Car Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1957 Chrysler Brochure – All Lines
1957 Chrysler Car Print Advertisements
1957 Chrysler 300C Print Advertisements
1957 Chrysler Announcement 300C Press Release
1957 Chrysler Car All Lines AMA Specifications Sheets
1957 Chrysler 300C Service Supplement
1957 Chrysler 300C Owners Manual Supplement
1957 Chrysler 300C Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1957 Chrysler Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1957 Chrysler Line will appear below
1957 Chrysler 300C Logo
The new Chrysler 300 logo would be used through 1961. The emblem matched the bold character of the car. Each new year would add a letter to the logo, through “G”
1957 Chrysler 300C Convertible
The 1957 Chrysler 300C Convertible was all style and flash. Its base price of $5,359 limited the run to 484 cars
1957 Chrysler 300C 2-door Hardtop
The Chrysler 300C was offered as a hardtop and convertible. 1,918 hardtops were sold.
1957 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
The 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible was #4 on the high-price list, and was the only convertible other than the 300C. Only 1,049 left the factory, indicating that perhaps a Windsor or Saratoga version was needed.
1957 Chrysler New Yorker 4-door Hardtop
The New Yorker 4-door Hardtop lost its “Newport” designation but still sold almost 11,000 units in 1957.
1957 Chrysler New Yorker 2-door Hardtop
The New Yorker 2-door hardtop also gave up both its “Newport” and upscale “St. Regis” designations and sold just a bit less than the previous year at 8,863, likely due to the Saratoga offering.
1957 Chrysler New Yorker 4-door Sedan
The 1957 New Yorker 4-door Sedan sales dropped to 12,369 from over 24 thousand in ’56. This was definitely because of the new Saratoga version.
1957 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country Wagon
The 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country Wagon was very pricey at $4,746, however they were popular and 1,391 were sold.
1957 Chrysler Saratoga 4-door Hardtop
The 1957 Saratoga 4-door Hardtop merely added to 4-door hardtop model sales – adding 11,586 to the totals.
1957 Chrysler Saratoga 2-door Hardtop
The Saratoga nameplate returned after a 5-year hiatus, with a Windsor Poly-head 4-barrel V-8 and New Yorker-like options and interiors. Shown is the Saratoga 2-door hardtop. Note the single headlights in this early depiction.
1957 Chrysler Saratoga 4-door Sedan
The 4-door Saratoga sales ate into the New Yorker’s 4-door, but returned 14,977 deliveries, adding up to over 27,000 high-end sedan sales.
1957 Chrysler Windsor 4-door Hardtop
The 1957 Windsor 4-door Hardtop sales doubled over 1956 at 14,354.
1957 Chrysler Windsor 2-door Hardtop
The loss of the upscale Windsor Nassau 2-door Hardtop dropped this body style’s sales by almost 1/2, down to 14,027, but with the Saratoga version selling 10,633, totals actually jumped up.
1957 Chrysler Windsor 4-door Sedan
The biggest bite in sales came from the 1957 Windsor 4-door Sedan – which dropped to 17,639 delivered, down from 53,199 in ’56.
1957 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country Wagon
The 1957 Windsor Town & Country Wagon sold slightly less than the previous year at 2,035 units, but not significantly.
1957 Chrysler V-8s
The Chrysler line was one of the few luxury lines that offered two different engines, rather than just a lesser tuned version of the premium car’s V-8. This would continue until the Hemi was retired in 1959.
1957 Chrysler Nose 1XA
The entire Chrysler model line, less the 300C, featured the same nose. At first the dual headlights were optional, but they were standardized by January 1957.
1957 Chrysler Tail Fins
All 1957 Chryslers used the same taillights and rear fascia. The difference was in the fin where the New Yorker had the seven hash marks (arrow) Windsor had “Windsor” in script, and the Saratoga had nothing. The 300C had the “300” emblem in this position.
1957 Chrysler 300 Front Brake Air Intake
The Chrysler 300C nose was entirely different and very aggressive looking. It carried dual headlights from day one. The orange grilles below the headlights allowed air to the front brakes.