1957 Plymouth Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1957 Plymouth Fury
1957 Plymouth belvedere hardtop
1. New Plymouth is Lower and Wider
2. Fury V-8 Grows to 318 CID Gets 290 HP
3. Torqueflite Arrives
4. Styling Radically Revised
5. "Torsion-Aire" (Torsion Bar) Suspension Arrives
1957 – Bigger Fins & Much More Power
1957 Plymouths were longer and wider, with very large vertical tailfins and a new torsion bar front suspension replacing the previous coil springs. and a new torsion bar front suspension replacing the previous coil springs. That new front suspension introduced Chrysler’s Torsion-Aire Torsion bar suspension shared with all Chrysler products starting in 1957. The cars were set on a longer 118 inch wheelbase, but were the same length overall, however they were 5 inches lower and almost 4 inches wider.
1957 Plymouth Resources
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1957 Plymouth Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
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1957 Plymouth
| A Sand Dune White | |
| B Jet Black | |
| C Sky Blue | |
| D Marine Blue | |
| E Meadow Green | |
| F Jade Green | |
| G Satin Gray | |
| G Satin Gray | |
| H Silver Charcoal | |
| H Silver Charcoal | |
| J Carnival Red | |
| K Ginger | |
| L Canary Yellow | |
| L Canary Yellow | |
| M Burgundy | |
| N Dusty Coral | |
| P Desert Gold |
Collector Car Insurers
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1957 Plymouth Mid-Size Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1957 Plymouth
The 1957 models were vastly restyled with longer, wider, with very large vertical tailfins. Also new was a new torsion bar front suspension replacing the previous coil springs. That new front suspension would be called Chrysler’s “Torsion-Aire” suspension. It was shared with all Chrysler products starting this year. Other new touches included a wraparound aluminum grid style grille with vertical air slot bumper, large, towering tail fin rear fenders, and a dart-shaped body profile. At the front, parking lamps were set alongside headlights for a quad-lamp effect. The cars were set on a longer 118 inch wheelbase but were the same length overall. Significantly, they were 5 inches lower and almost 4 inches wider.
the new cars’ more modern look resulted in higher sales for the Plymouth line. Plymouth’s design was so revolutionary that Chrysler used the slogan, “Suddenly, it’s 1960!” to promote the new car.
Standard on all body styles except the convertible was the I-6 L-head engine. The convertible was only model exclusively V-8 powered but V8s were available in other Belvedere models with an optional “Fury 301” a 301 CID V-8 with 215 HP. Also available was a “High-Performance Power Pak” on the 301 that developed 235 HP and was extra cost. The Fury had a new stand alone “Poly-Head” 318 CID V-8 with dual carburetors and 290 HP. (This engine would be de-tuned and become the workhorse “A” engine until 1967. A manual transmission was standard with the push-button two-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission optional on all engines. The push-button three-speed Torqueflite automatic was optional on V-8 cars and standard on the Fury.
In 1957, some Chrysler products offered a choice of either single or dual headlights, however Plymouth did not. The provision for dual beams existed, but the fascia that accommodated dual headlights had a parking light/turn signal where the high beam would be placed.
Historical
The 1957 Plymouths were introduced October 25, 1956. The Fury appeared later, on December 18, 1956. Model year production peaked at 762,231 units. Plymouth regained the third rank in American auto sales this year.
A unique station wagon prototype called the Cabana was built this year. It was based on the experimental Plainsman show car but failed to reach the production stage. The Savoy sports sedan – a four-door pillarless hardtop – was a mid-year addition, introduced in March of the calendar year.
1957 Plymouth Factoids
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- Torqueflite 3-speed Automatic Transmission Bows
- Torsion-Aire Suspension Arrives
- Fury Gets a 318 CID 290 HP V-8
The famous Torqueflite automatic transmission was released this year – optional on all V-8 Plymouths and standard on automatic transmission Fury models. The design would remain in use through 2007, though it was renamed a few times.
This was the most famous American application of torsion bar suspension. It was installed in all Chrysler products starting with these 1957 models. Chrysler’s “Torsion-Aire” suspension was only installed in the front – the same basic longitudinal rear leaf springs were retained.
As the “Horsepower Wars” continued to escalate, Plymouth responded with the last iteration of the “A” series Polyspherical head V-8. Its radical camshaft and dual 4-barrels made a respectable 290 HP, keeping it even with the Fuel Injected Chevrolet and the Supercharged Ford. This would be the one and only year that the 318 would be a high performance engine.
1957 Plymouth Facts – Models Offered
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Plaza & Suburban – Plaza Series continued as the low-priced line. The DeLuxe Suburban was part of a separate station wagon series but used Plaza trim. Identification included “Plaza” nameplates on rear fenders, untrimmed body sides, small hubcaps,; painted roof gutter rails with V-shaped front fender emblems on V-8 models. Tapered “Sport Tone” side moldings were optional at extra cost. Standard equipment included single speed windshield wipers, left-hand sun visor, dual horns, five tubeless blackwall tires, a bumper jack and tire changing tools.
The model line consisted of 4-door Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 2-door Business Coupe, 2-door Deluxe Suburban wagon and a 4-door “Taxi Special”.
Savoy & Custom Suburban – Savoy models and Custom and had the same basic design changes as Plazas. The Savoy had all features of the Plaza, plus air foam seat cushions, arm rests, horn ring, dual sun visors and a single horizontal side molding running from behind the headlights to just above the backup lights. Dual, tapering “Sport Tone” molding treatments were an option at extra cost. “Savoy” in block lettering was placed on the side of fins on passenger cars, while the comparable suburban had “Custom Suburban” nameplate attached at mid-fin height. They read “Custom” in script and “Suburban” in block letters. The Suburban models had slightly different rear fenders than other models and could have contrasting “Sport Tone” finish as an option.
The model line consisted of 4-door Sedan, 4-door Hardtop Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 2-door Sport Coupe hardtop, and 2-door and 4-door Custom Suburban wagons with the 4-door Custom Suburban available in 6- and 9-passenger versions.
Belvedere & Sport Suburban – The Belvedere line was the top Plymouth line. The Sport Suburban was the comparably equipped station wagon. (The Fury was a special high-performance model in the line but is covered separately here). Belvedere models had single side moldings as standard equipment and tapering dual side moldings, with “Sport Tone” contrast panels, as an extra cost option. “Belvedere” block letters were positioned at the middle sides of the rear tailfins, just above the moldings. Standard equipment included all items found on Savoy models, plus full wheel covers, rear quarter stone shields, electric clock, lockable glove box, cigarette lighter, and oil filter.
The Sport Suburban had a special thick pillar roof treatment that was also used on four-door Custom Suburbans, an upright spare tire mounting, rear-facing third seat when 9-passenger versions when selected, and “Sport Suburban” nameplates at mid-fin level were set above the rear tip of the horizontal side moldings or optional dual ‘Sport Tone’ moldings.
The model line consisted of 4-door Sedan, 4-door Sport Sedan hardtop, 2-door Club Sedan, 2-door Sport Coupe hardtop, Convertible, and 4-door Sport Suburban wagons in 6- and 9-passenger configurations.
Fury – The Fury was available as a two-door hardtop only. It was identified with “Fury” rear fender nameplates, gold anodized aluminum “Sport Tone” trim inserts, up-swept front bumper end extensions, safety padded dash, padded sun visors, foam seat front and rear, special clock, backup lights, directional signals, dual outside rear view mirrors, and a 290 horsepower V-8 all standard.
1957 Plymouth Facts – Engines
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- 125 HP 230 CID I-6
- 197 HP 277 CID V-8
- 215 HP 301 CID V-8
- 235 HP 301 CID Power Pak V-8
- 290 HP 318 CID V-8
230 CID I-6. L-Head. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 230 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.25 x 4.63 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 132 @ 3600 RPM.
Torque: 205 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: 236°, Exhaust: 236°, Overlap: 18°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.365″, Exhaust 0.365″.
Carburetor: Ball & Ball one-barrel BBS-2567S.; with Overdrive BBS-2568S; with automatic transmission BBS-2569S.
277 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves, polyspheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 277 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.13 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.0:1.
Horsepower: 197 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 270 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 240°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.387″, (Exhaust) 0.387″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: Ball & Ball BBD-2512S or Stromberg WW15-23; with Overdrive BBD-2513S or WW-15-24; with automatic transmission BBD-2514S or WW15-25.
301 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Base engine on Suburban V-8s. Overhead valves polyspheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 301 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.13 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 215 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 285 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 240°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.387″, (Exhaust) 0.387″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: Ball & Ball BBD-2512S or Stromberg WW15-23; with Overdrive BBD-2513S or WW-15-24; with automatic transmission BBD-2514S or WW15-25.
301 CID 4-Barrel “Power Pak” V-8. Overhead valves polyspheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 301 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.13 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 235 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 305 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 240°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.387″, (Exhaust) 0.387″.
Carburetor: Carter 4-Barrel WCF’B-2530S.
Exhaust: Dual.
318 CID Dual 4-Barrel Fury V-8. Overhead valves polyspheric head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.25:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 325 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 256°, Exhaust 256°, Overlap: 38°; Lift: (intake) 0.405″, (exhaust) 0.405″.
Carburetor: Two Carter Four-barrels Model (front) WCFB 2631S, (rear) WCFB 2632S.
Exhaust: Dual.
1957 Plymouth Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 118.0 inches.
- Overall length: 204.6 inches.
- Overall height: I-6: 56.5 inches; V-8: 56.6; Fury: 53.7 inches.
- Overall width: 78.2 inches.
- Front tread: 60.9 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.6 inches.
- Tires: All except Fury: 7.50 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless. Fury 8.00 x 14 whitewall tubeless.
1957 Plymouth Facts – Powertrains
- Two Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 1.72:1, 2nd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.39:1.
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1:45:1, 3rd -1.00:1Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.50:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 3.20:1 Overdrive 0.70:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.73:1, Optional – 3.54:1, 3.90:1, 4.10:1, 4.30:1.
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – 4.10:1, Optional – 3.90:1, 4.30:1.
- I-6: 2-Speed AMT – 3.73:1, Optional – 3.90:1, 4.30:1.
- V-8 Except Fury 3-Speed SMT – 3.54:1, Optional – 3.73:1, 3.90:1, 4.10:1, 4.30:1.
- V-8 Except Fury 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – 3.90:1, Optional – 4.10:1, 4.30:1.
- V-8 Except Fury 2-Speed AMT – 3.36:1, Optional – 3.54:1, 3.73:1, 3.90:1.
- V-8 Except Fury 3-Speed AMT – 3.18:1, Optional – 3.36:1, 3.54:1, 3.90:1.
- V-8 Fury 3-Speed SMT – 3.73:1, Optional – 3.36:1, 3.54:1, 3.90:1, 4.10:1, 4.30:1. Dealer installed 4.56:1, 4.89:1.
- V-8 Fury 3-Speed SMT Overdrive – Not Available.
- V-8 Fury 3-Speed AMT – 3.36:1, Optional – 3.18:1, 3.54:1, 3.73:1, 3.90:1, 4.10:1, 4.30:1, 4.56:1, 4.89:1.
1957 Plymouth Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission standard.
- Three-Speed Overdrive transmission ($108).
- Powerflite Automatic transmission ($180).
- Torqueflite Automatic transmission, V-8 only ($220).
- Dual exhaust was optional with V-8 engines only ($19.80).
- 230 CID I-6 125 HP Standard.
- 277 CID V-8 197 HP two-barrel engine standard in V-8 Models.
- 301 CID V-8 215 HP two-barrel engine optional ($130).
- 301 CID V-8 235 HP “Power Pak” four-barrel engine optional ($39) added to the two barrel V-8 cost.
- 318 CID 290 HP Dual four-barrel engine – Standard for Fury; in V-8 models where available ($320).
- “Sure-Grip” Positive traction rear axle ($50).
1957 Plymouth Facts – Significant Options
- Prices where known
-
- Air conditioning ($446).
- Backup lights ($8).
- Backup lights for Suburban Models ($10).
- Disc wheel covers on Plaza or Savoy ($18).
- Electric clock on Plaza and Savoy ($14).
- Front and rear buffer guards ($34).
- Heater and defroster ($69).
- Padded dashboard and sun visors ($24).
- Power brakes ($38).
- Power steering ($84).
- Power windows ($102).
- Radio, push button transistor with antenna ($73).
- Radio, Search Tune with antenna and Hi-Fi ($187).
- Radio, Search Tune transistor with antenna ($106).
- Rear seat speaker ($12).
- Tinted Solex glass ($32).
- Two-tone paint, “Sport Tone” ($20).
- Two-Tone paint, “Sport Tone” on suburban wagons ($24).
- Two-Way Power seat ($48).
- Undercoating and hood panel ($13).
- Variable speed windshield wipers ($6).
- White sidewall tires, exchange ($33).
- Windshield washer ($12).
1957 Plymouth Mid-Size Downloads and Images
1957 Plymouth Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1957 Plymouth AMA Specifications Sheets
1957 Plymouth Intro – Motor Trend Magazine
1957 Plymouth V-8 Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1957 Plymouth V-8 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1957 Plymouth Wagon Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1957 Plymouth Fury Daytona Speed Test – Sports Cars Illustrated Magazine
1957 Plymouth Fury Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1957 Plymouth Fury Road Test – Sports Cars Illustrated Magazine
1957 Plymouth Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Plymouth Line will appear below
1957 Plymouth Fury 2-door Hardtop
The 1957 Plymouth Fury 2-door Hardtop was still considered part of the Belvedere line but was so different in options and accessories that it was considered its own. 7,438 were sold to happy buyers.
1957 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible was the only convertible in the line this year. 9,866 were produced.
1957 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Hardtop
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Hardtop was the only 4-door hardtop offered until late in the year when a Savoy version was introduced. 37,446 were delivered, showing that this model was desirable.
1957 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Hardtop
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Hardtop was the top line 2-door hardtop, just under the Fury and considered by those wanting sporty looks but not aggressive power. 67,268 were delivered.
1957 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan was a very practical and popular choice in 1957. 110,414 were sold.
1957 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Sedan
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door Sedan was a popular choice for buyers considering a 2-door. 55,590 found customers.
1957 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Hardtop
The 1957 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Hardtop was the entry level 2-door hardtop. it sold well with 31,373 finding buyers. A 4-door hardtop was later added to the line and 7,601 were built.
1957 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan was the mid-level 4-door this year. It was the largest selling Plymouth with 153,093 delivered.
1957 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan
The 1957 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan was a solid selling model with 55,590 finding buyers.
1957 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Sedan
The 1957 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Sedan was the low cost 2-door in the line this year. 49,137 were sold.
1957 Plymouth Plaza 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Plymouth Plaza 4-door Sedan was the entry level 4-door. 70,248 were produced.
1957 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Business Coupe
The 1957 Plymouth Plaza 2-door Business Coupe was a commercial application in the Plymouth line. It used the rear seat area for storage. Only 2,874 were built.
1957 Plymouth Sport Suburban 4-door Wagon
The 1957 Plymouth Sport Suburban 4-door Wagon was the top level Plymouth wagon this year. 15,444 6- and 7,988 9-passenger versions were delivered.
1957 Plymouth Deluxe Suburban 2-door Wagon
The 1957 Plymouth Deluxe Suburban 2-door Wagon was the upscale 2-door wagon. 20,111 found buyers.
1957 Plymouth Custom Suburban 4-door Wagon
The 1957 Plymouth Custom Suburban 4-door Wagon was available as a 6- and 9-passenger configuration, 40,227 6- and 9,357 9-passenger versions were delivered.
1957 Plymouth Custom Suburban 2-door Wagon
The 1957 Plymouth Custom Suburban 2-door Wagon was the mid-level 2-door wagon. 11,196 were sold.
