1957 Ford Custom Series

The Ford models received a styling update for 1957 though many of the previous design cues remained. The short-wheelbase models included the Custom (in both six and eight-cylinder power), and the Custom 300. The Fairlane was the base trim level for the longer wheelbase models and the Fairlane 500 was the top-trim level. A range of two- and four-door station wagons with seating for six and eight passengers were offered, along with a sporty and luxurious Thunderbird offered solely as a convertible.

The Custom line was three inches longer than the previous year, and its wheelbase was one-half-inch longer. They sat lower to the ground due to 14-inch wheels. Styling features included tailfins which Ford described as 'high-canted fenders,' rear-opening hood, sloping windshield posts, and streamlined wheel openings. The base trim level had chrome window moldings, an armrest on the driver's door, one sun visor, and a horn ring. Body styles included a two- and four-door sedan, and a business coupe.

The base engine was an overhead valve six-cylinder unit with 223 cubic-inch displacement, a Holley one-barrel carburetor, four main bearings, and delivered 144 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The 272 cubic-inch V8 was optional, with five main bearings, a Holley two-barrel carburetor, and 190 horsepower at 4,500 RPM.

The Custom 300 trim level added chrome window moldings, two sun visors, armrests on all doors, and a chrome horn ring. Body styles included a two- and four-door sedan, and both six- and eight-cylinder engines were offered.

The base Custom model was priced at $1,990 for the two-door sedan, $2,040 for the four-door sedan, and $1,890 for the business coupe. The eight-cylinder option added approximately $100 to the base price. The Custom 300 six-cylinder two-door sedan was priced at $2,100 and the four-door at $2,160. The V8, again, added approximately $100 to the base price.

Within the base Custom model, Ford built approximately 116,963 examples of the two-door sedan, 68,924 of the four-door, and 6,888 of the business coupe. The Custom 300 production included 194,677 of the sedan and 160,360 of the two-door sedan.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020