1957 Ford Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Hardtop
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Convertible
1957 Ford Ranchero
1. V-8 Engines Get HP Boost
2. All New Chassis
3. Brakes and Rear Axle Upgrades
4. Skyliner Retractable Hardtop Bows
5. 1957 Models Longer and Lower
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1957 FORD SUPERCHARGED FAIRLANE – Car Guy Chronicles“
1957 Ford – All New Bodies!
The Ford line of cars grew larger in 1957. The Crown Victoria with its flashy chrome “crown” was no more, and the acrylic glass-roofed Crown Victoria Skyliner was dropped, and a new model, the retractable roof hardtop called the Skyliner. A new chassis allowed the floor pan to be placed lower, which led to a lower silhouette. Wheels were now 14 inches in diameter, adding to the lower profile. The 312 CID V-8s had increased HP with 245, 270, and 300 HP on tap.
1957 Ford Facts: Resources
Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:
1957 Ford Facts –
Full-Size Car Shop Manual
Ford Licensed Product!
Immediate PDF Download!
ONLY $16.95
Click Here to Buy
Need New Springs or Shocks?
Get the Exact Springs for your Ford
Click Here for
1957 Ford Facts – FREE Service Specifications Booklet
This booklet was handed to each Service Technician. It Contains all Specifications for: Engine, Ignition, and Fuel, Cooling, Clutch, Transmission, Rear Axle, Suspension, Tires, Brakes, Electrical, etc. It’s a mini Chassis Service Manual.
1957 Ford Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1957 Ford
Collector Car Insurers
Click on the links below to find your car’s value or get a quote:
1957 Ford Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1957 Ford Cars
The 1957 Ford models kept the single-headlight front end, but that was about all that remained. The car was longer and lower, with true tailfins. Three new lines were introduced, with the base Custom”, then the Custom 300, the Fairlane, and top of line Fairlane 500. The Custom models used a 116 inch wheelbase, while the Fairlane models were at 118 inches. A new car/pickup truck based on the short-wheelbase chassis was also introduced, the Ranchero. A new frame was used for the 1957 Fords. It moved to perimeter rails out to fully envelope the passenger compartment.
The 223 CID OHV I-six continued as the base engine, now with 144 HP. The V-8 lineup included a 272 CID Y-block making 190 HP, a 292 CID version making 212 HP, a 312 CID v-8 at 245 HP, and a supercharged 312 CID Thunderbird Special with 300 HP. Also available were two dual 4-barrel versions of 312 CID V-8 rated at 270 and 285 HP. The 270 HP version had the same camshaft as all the other V-8s, but vibration dampers were added to the valve springs. The 285 HP engine had a unique camshaft and was only available to professional racers.
Some new features now available were a deep-dish steering wheel, while the radio had a transistorized audio output stage for the first time. There were warning lights for the generator output and oil pressure instead of gauges. The controls were recessed for safety, and the Lifeguard safety package was still available. Safety did not yet sell very well in the 50s. As an example, a survey of 1957 Ford owners in the March 1957 issue of Popular Mechanics, only 6.2% of owners ordered seat belts.
Ford Ranchero
The Ranchero was introduced in December 1956, three months after the traditional September model introductions. The Ranchero was based on the new full-sized Ford platform – the short-wheelbase two-door Ranch Wagon station wagon and emulated the utilitarian Courier sedan delivery. (See Special Sidebar below for more).
Historical
The 1957 Ford was very successful, being the best-selling car in America that year, overtaking Chevrolet for the first time since 1935.
1957 Ford Facts – Ford Ranchero
The Ford Ranchero was introduced in December 1956, after the September model year start-up. The Ranchero was based on the full-sized Ford platform and used the short-wheelbase model found on the Custom sedan, the two-door Ranch Wagon station wagon, and the Courier sedan delivery. It was, for intents and purposes a Courier with an open, reinforced bed. Bu it had its own unique rear window with an integrated cab and cargo box. The Ranchero was offered in two trim levels, and was built on the automobile assembly line, but it was sold as a light truck – through Ford’s truck division. The standard model was marketed to traditional pickup truck buyers such as farmers, and the “Custom” version utilized most of the options and accessories available on the Fairlane line, including stainless steel body side moldings and two-tone paint.
The upscale models were badged both as a Fairlane and Ranchero, with a stylized representation of a Longhorn cow as the symbol for the model – located on the tailgate. Print advertising of the time played on the theme of the American Southwest, with the Spanish “Ranchero” name and Longhorn symbol. Most advertising showed representations of the vehicle being used in ranching and outdoor activities, proclaiming it as “More Than A Car! More Than A Truck!” The Ranchero was a hit with the automotive press and the buying public. it filled an untapped market niche for vehicles with the utility of a light pickup and the ease of operation and riding characteristics of a car. Surprisingly, the Ranchero had a bit higher cargo capacity by about 50 pounds more than the half-ton F-Series pickup. Both standard and Custom models could be ordered with any engine available for Ford cars, all the way up to the 312 CID “Thunderbird Special”. In Canada, the Ranchero was also available in the Meteor line-up.
1957 Ford Factoids
Click a Tab to See the Details
- New V-8 Engines for 1957
- Retractable Hardtop Skyliner Debuts
- New Chassis for all Ford Cars
- The Famous 9-inch Rear Axle Arrives
Ford revamped their V-8 engine line for 1957. with upped horsepower for some and new versions for others. There were even two race engines available to selected drivers, the 285 HP twin 4-barrel and a 340 HP Supercharged beast.
A stunning new invention arrived on the automotive scene, the Skyliner retractable hardtop At the time, no other US automotive manufacturer had any idea or plan to deliver such a vehicle. 20,766 were sold this year.
A modern “perimeter” frame was developed for the 1957 Ford Cars this year, moving away from the “ladder” frame of previous years.
The almost bullet-proof Ford 9.0″ rear axle was fitted on Ford cars for the first time. It would be available on all lines for many models, including big block Mustangs through 1986.
1957 Ford Facts – Models Offered
Click a Tab to See the Details
The Custom series was the base trim level for 1957 and included chrome window moldings, a horn button instead of a horn ring, one sun visor and an arm rest on the driver’s door only. An abbreviated version of the 1955 Fairlane sweep type chrome trim began behind the front door and swept back along the body sides. Custom models used a 116 inch wheelbase frame.
The Custom was available as a 4-door Sedan, 2-door Sedan, and 2-door Business Coupe-3 Passenger.
The Custom 300 was the top trim level in the short, 116 inch wheelbase cars and included chrome window molding, chrome horn ring, two sun visors; arm rests on all doors, and a slightly modified version of the new Fairlane model’s side sweep, featuring a gold anodized insert between two chrome strips. The word “FORD” was spelled out in block letters above the grill and a small Ford crest appeared on the trunk lid.
The Custom 300 was available as a 4-door Sedan and 2-door Sedan.
The Fairlane model was the base trim level for he longer 118″ wheelbase series and included chrome window moldings with slightly less chrome around the “C” pillar than the Fairlane 500 model and a different side stripe than the higher-priced Fairlane 500 model. The Fairlane side chrome began just behind the front door. It then followed the fin forward to its source, dropped over the side and swept back, at a 45-degree angle, to a point just above the wheel opening. From there it ran straight back to the rear bumper. The word “Fairlane” appeared in script, on the side of the front fenders, and above the grille. A large V-shaped Fairlane crest appeared on the trunk lid.
The Fairlane was available as a 4-door Town Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 4-door Town Victoria Hardtop, and 2-door Club Victoria Hardtop.
The Fairlane 500 was the top trim level in the Fairlane series, also on the 118 inch wheelbase, and included all the trim used on the Fairlane models plus slightly more chrome on the “C” pillars and different side trim. The side trim was a modified version of the Fairlane sweep which included a gold anodized insert between two chrome strips. It began on the sides of the front fenders, dipping near the back of the front doors, merging into a strip and following the crest of the fins to the rear of the body.
The Fairlane 500 was available as a 4-door Town Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 4-door Town Victoria Hardtop, 2-door Club Victoria Hardtop, Sunliner Convertible, and Skyliner 2 door Retractable Hardtop.
The Ranch Wagon was the base trim level two-door station wagon for 1957. Country Sedans were the intermediate level with four-door styling. Country Squires were the top trim level, also with four-door styling. Their level of equipment and features paralleled the Custom, Custom 300 and Fairlane 500 models of passenger cars. All were built on the 116 inch chassis. All were available with either I-6 or V-8 power.
Station Wagons models were: 2-door Ranch Wagon, 2-door Del Rio Wagon, 4-door Country Sedan 6 passenger, 4-door Country Sedan 9 passenger, and 4-door Country Squire 9 passenger.
1957 Ford Facts – Engines
Click a Tab to See the Details
- 144 HP 223 CID I-6
- 190 HP 272 CID V-8
- 212 HP 292 CID V-8
- 245 HP 312 CID V-8
- 270 HP 312 CID V-8
- 285 HP 312 CID V-8
- 300 HP 312 CID Supercharged V-8
- 340 HP 312 CID Supercharged V-8
- NOTES
223 CID I-6: Serial number code “A”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 223 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.60 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 144 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 212 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 250°, Exhaust: 250°, Overlap, 26°; Lift Intake: 0.370″, Exhaust 0.370″.
Carburetor: Holley single-barrel 1904 (synchromesh) #1414 – EBP-V or 1415 – EBP-Y or 1349 – EBP-T ; (automatic) #1350 – EBP-U.
272 CID 2-Barrel V-8: Serial number code “U”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 272 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.62 x 3.30 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 173 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 260 ft. lbs. @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: Intake 0.401″, Exhaust 0.421″.
Carburetor: (standard transmission) Holley two-barrel Model 2300 #1379 ECG-AS, or Autolite 2100 ECG-BJ; (automatic transmission) Holley Model 2300 1380 ECG-AT or Autolite Model 2100 ECG-BK or ECG-AV, or ECG-AY.
292 CID 2-Barrel V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 292 cubic Inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.30 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.4:1.
Horsepower: 212 @ 4700 RPM.
Torque: 297 @ 2700 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: Intake 0.401″, Exhaust 0.421″.
Carburetor: Autolite 2100 Two-barrel model (manual transmission) ECG-AU or Holley 2300 # 1281 EDB-L; (automatic transmission) EDB-N or EDB-K.
Thunderbird Special V-8: Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.7:1.
Horsepower: 245 @ 4500 RPM.
Torque: 332 ft. lbs. @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: Intake 0.401″, Exhaust 0.421″.
Carburetor: Holley 4150 four-barrel (standard transmission – Model ECG-Y, (automatic transmission) B7A-B or B7A-B or ECZ-Z or ECZ-U.
Thunderbird High Output V-8: Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.7:1.
Horsepower: 270 @ 4500 RPM.
Torque: 336 ft. lbs. @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: Intake 0.401″, Exhaust 0.421″.
Carburetor: Two Holley 4000 four-barrel Model ECJ-AA.
Thunderbird High Output V-8 (Race Version): Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 285 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 340 ft. lbs. @ 3800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 290°, Exhaust: 290°, Overlap: 70°; Lift: Intake 0.447″, Exhaust 0.447″.
Carburetor: Two Holley 4000 four-barrels Model ECJ-AA.
NOTE: This engine was NOT available to the general public and was delivered to selected race teams. The camshaft shown here is one of many that were fitted to these engines by the factory during the year.
Thunderbird Supercharged V-8: Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1. (special reinforced heads)
Horsepower: 300 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 340 ft. lbs. @ 5300 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap: 28°; Lift: Intake 0.401″, Exhaust 0.421″.
Carburetor: Holley 4000 four-barrel Model EDB-AA or EDB-AB (Pressurized Under Enclosed Hood).
Thunderbird Supercharged (Race Only) V-8: Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 312 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.80 x 3.44 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1. (special reinforced heads)
Horsepower: 340 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 430 ft. lbs. @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 290°, Exhaust: 290°, Overlap: 70°; Lift: Intake 0.447″, Exhaust 0.447″.
Carburetor: Holley 4000 four-barrel Model EDB-AA or EDB-AB (Pressurized Under Enclosed Hood).
NOTE: This engine was NOT available to the general public and was delivered to selected race teams. The camshaft shown here is one of many that were fitted to these engines by the factory during the year.
- Torque is in ft. lbs. unless otherwise noted.
- Camshafts on race engines were revised and substituted as needed. Ford sometimes did not list the specifications after the camshaft was used. Camshaft specifications were reported to sanctioning bodies in later years as by that time aftermarket manufacturers supplied these units. We have endeavored to show the most common specifications listed.
1957 Ford Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: Custom, Custom 300 and Wagons – 116.0 inches; Fairlane & Fairlane 500 – 118.0 inches.
- Overall length: Custom & Custom – 300 201.7 Inches; Fairlane & Fairlane 500 – 207.7; Skyliner – 210.8 inches; Wagons – 203.5 inches.
- Overall width: 79.0 inches.
- Overall height: Custom & Custom 300 57.2 inches, Fairlane & Fairlane 500 – 56.2 inches, Skyliner – 56.3 inches, Sunliner – 56.5 inches; Wagons (six passenger) – 58.6 inches’ (nine passenger) – 58.9 inches.
- Front tread: 59.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 56.4 inches.
- Tires: Custom and Custom 300 – 7.50 x 14; Fairlane and Fairlane 500 – V-8 8.00 x 14, I-6 7.50 x 14; Station Wagons – 8.. x 14 on 9-passenger, 7.50 x 14 on 6- passenger
1957 Ford Facts – Engine Options
-
- I-6 and 272 CID V-8 were standard in their respective models.
- 292 CID 212 HP V-8 Optional in V-8 line.
- 312 CID 245 HP V-8 Optional in V-8 line.
- 312 CID 270 HP V-8 Optional in V-8 line.
- 312 CID 300 HP V-8 Optional in V-8 line.
NOTE: The 285 HP and 340 HP race engines were only available to professional racers recognized by or contracted to Ford.
1957 Ford Facts – Power Train Options
- Transmissions
- Three speed manual was standard equipment.
- Three-speed with automatic overdrive was optional. Approximate drive ratio: 0.70:1. Manual control below instrument panel.
- Ford-o-Matic automatic transmission was optional.
- Rear Axle Ratios:
- Six-cylinder rear axle ratios: (Ford-O-Matlc) 3.10:1, Optional 3.56:1; (manual) 3.89:1, Optional 3.70:1; and (overdrive) 3.89:1 Optional 3.70:1.
- V-8 rear axle ratios: (Ford-O-Matlc) 3.10:1, Optional 3.56:1; (manual) 3.56:1, Optional 3.70:1, and (overdrive) 3.70:1 Optional 3.56:1.
1957 Ford Facts – Significant Options
-
- Automatic Overdrive.
- Chrome engine dress-up kit.
- Continental tire kit.
- Ford-O-Matic Transmission.
- Front and rear bumper guards.
- Full wheel discs.
- Full-Flow oil filter.
- Grille guard package.
- Heavy-duty Super-Filter air cleaner.
- Lifeguard padded instrument panel and cushioned sun visors.
- Overdrive transmission.
- Power brakes.
- Power seat.
- Power steering.
- Power windows.
- Rear fender shields.
- Rear mount radio antenna.
- Seat belts, front and rear seats.
- Select-Air Conditioner for models with V-8 engines only.
- Special fuel vacuum pump for positive action windshield wipers.
- Tinted safety glass – all windows.
- Tinted windshield only.
- Two tone paint finish.
- White sidewall tires.
- Windshield washers.
- Wire wheel covers.
1957 Ford Downloads and Images
1957 Ford Facts – Related Document Downloads
Downloadable files directly related to the Ford line will appear below. Click to download:
1957 Ford Skyliner Foldout Brochure
1957 Ford Station Wagons Brochure
1957 Ford Ranchero Foldout Brochure
1957 Ford Engine Lineup Brochure
1957 Ford Car Print Advertisements
1957 Ford Service Specifications Booklet
SEEKING: 1957 Ford AMA Specifications Sheets. Got One? Click HERE
1957 Ford Fairlane V-8 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1957 Ford Fairlane V-8 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1957 Ford Fairlane Supercharged V-8 Road Test – Super Stock Magazine
1957 Ford Skyliner Exposed – Car Life Magazine
1957 Ford Ranchero V-8 Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1957 Ford Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Ford line will appear below
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner 2-door Hardtop
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner 2-door Hardtop was a radical approach to convertible driving with the entire hardtop retracting into the trunk. A surprising 20,766 found customers
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner Convertible
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner Convertible was the only convertible in the line. It was quite popular with 77,728 sold.
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door Hardtop
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door Hardtop was the top of the line 4-door this year. 68,550 were produced.
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 2-door Hardtop
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 2-door Hardtop was the top line 2-door sport model. It was the highest selling 2-door Ford model this year by a wide margin with 183,202 purchased.
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 4-door Sedan was the largest selling long wheelbase Ford this year with 193,162 produced, falling just under the Custom 300 4-door.
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 2-door Sedan
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 2-door Sedan was the highest level 2-door sedan available. 93,753 were produced.
1957 Ford Fairlane 4-door Hardtop
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 4-door Hardtop sat as the mid-level Ford 4-door this year. Only 12,695 were produced.
1957 Ford Fairlane 2-door Hardtop
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 2-door Hardtop sat just below its Fairlane 500 brother, and sold at a reasonable level with 44,127 delivered.
1957 Ford Fairlane 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 4-door Sedan was the less expensive alternative to the Fairlane 500 version. It’s modest sales of 52,060 said that most people stepped up to its more expensive but highly popular 500 Series cousin.
1957 Ford Fairlane 2-door Club Sedan
The 1957 Ford Fairlane 2-door Club Sedan was the entry level longer wheelbase Fords. only 39,843 chose this alternative.
1957 Ford Custom 300 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Ford Custom 300 4-door Sedan was the highest level shorter wheelbase Ford this year. It was the highest selling Ford in 1957 with 194,877 delivered.
1957 Ford Custom 300 2-door Sedan
The 1957 Ford Custom 300 2-door Sedan was a huge seller with 160,360 produced
1957 Ford Custom 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Ford Custom 4-door Sedan was a popular model due to its reasonable price and practicality. 68,924 were sold.
1957 Ford Custom 2-door Sedan
The 1957 Ford Custom 2-door Sedan was the entry level Ford this year. It was the choice of racers due to its light weight. 116,963 were delivered.
1957 Ford Custom 2-door Business Coupe
The 1957 Ford Custom 2-door Business Coupe gave up its rear seat for carrying capacity. Since it was oriented to sales and service people, only 6,888 were delivered, out shown by the Ford Courier panel.
1957 Ranchero Custom
The 1957 Ranchero was available as a “Custom” the upscale version and Standard. The standard was trimmed more like the Courier panel truck and the Custom was trimmed like a Ford Custom 300. In total, 6,178 were sold.