1957 Ford

1957

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-six 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, 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. There were lights for the generator and oil instead of gauges. Safety did not yet sell, however: In a survey of 1957 Ford owners in the March, 1957 issue of Popular Mechanics, only 6.2% of owners ordered seat belts.

A new frame was used for the 1957 Fords. It moved to perimeter rails out, so that they would fully envelope the passengers.

This model was very successful, being the best selling car in America, overtaking arch rival Chevrolet for the first time since 1935. File:1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria, Garden Grove.jpg|1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria File:Ford Country Sedan 1957.JPG|1957 Ford Country Sedan File:Ford Custom Ranchero-1957.jpg|1957 Ford Custom Ranchero File:57Fordrea2.jpg|1957 Ford Fairlane 500

1958

The line was freshened with a simulated hood scoop and dual-headlight front clip for 1958. The rectangular grille openings gave way to circles and grille was set in the bumper.

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 $3,163 ($ in dollars ) while the standard convertible sold for $2,650 ($ in dollars ) and the sedan went for $2,055 ($ in dollars ). A total of 14,713 units were produced in 1958. Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner weighed 4,609-pounds.

File:1958 Ford Fairlane 500 (24375517473).jpg|1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Sedan File:1958 Ford Fairlane.jpg|1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner File:1958 Ford Country Sedan 2.jpg|1958 Ford Country Sedan File:Ford Ranchero 1958 frontleft 2006-04-08 U.jpg|1958 Ford Ranchero

1959

The top-line spot for 1959 was the new Galaxie, 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. 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.

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 the Ranch Wagon. The Australian models were powered by the 332 CID "Thunderbird" engine, producing 204 hp.

File:1959 Ford Galaxie Town Sedan.jpg|1959 Ford Galaxie Town Sedan File:'59 Ford Galaxie (Auto classique Laval '10).jpg|1959 Ford Galaxie Club Victoria File:1959 Ford Galaxie Sunliner convertible.JPG|1959 Ford Galaxie Sunliner convertible File:1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner.JPG|1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner. 1959 Galaxies carried both Fairlane 500 and Galaxie badges File:1959 Ford Ranch Wagon 2-door.jpg|1959 Ford Ranch Wagon (2-door) File:'59 Meteor.jpg|1959 Meteor (Canada) File:1959 Fairlane 500==.JPG|1960-61 Australian built Fairlane 500 with revised grille

References

References

1. Darwin, Norm. (1986). "The History of Ford in Australia". Eddie Ford Publications.
2. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/autohistorian/3800452080/in/photostream/ 1957 Ford Courier Sedan Delivery sales brochure cover] Retrieved on 31 December 2009
3. "Directory Index: Ford_Ranchero/1957_Ford_Ranchero_Foldout". Oldcarbrochures.com.
4. (1956). "A New Kind of Ford for '57". Ford Motor Company.
5. (1956). "1957 Ford Fairlane". Ford Motor Company.
6. (March 1957). "Popular Mechanics". Hearst Magazines.
7. (1956). "1957 Ford Fairlane". Ford Motor Company.
8. (11 March 2010). "Six Decades of Best Selling Cars".
9. Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly". (2008). "American Cars, 1946–1959 Every Model Every Year". McFarland & Company, Inc..
10. (1957). "Directory Index: Ford/1958_Ford/1958 Ford Fairlane Brochure". Ford Motor Company.
11. [http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9167/Ford-Fairlane-500-Skyliner.aspx 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner]
12. "Directory Index: Ford/1959_Ford/1959_Ford_Brochure_1". Oldcarbrochures.com.
13. "Ford La Galaxie Concept Car (1958)". Theme by Mauer Themes.
14. (30 September 1959). "Sedan, Ranch Wagon". [[Cumberland Argus.
15. For 1960, the range was updated with the grille and trim from the 1959 Canadian [[Meteor (car). Meteor]].[[#ND86. Darwin]], p. 136