During a trip to buy fireworks at True Value Hardware, I stumbled upon a 1957 Ford Fairlane plastic model as part of Revell’s Snap-Together series. As I had been told that this was the first car my parents bought upon arriving in America, I snapped it up (pun intended). Our Pick of the Day is a similar car, though nary a plastic piece is to be found. This 1957 Ford Fairlane Town Victoria is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Osceola, Pennsylvania.
At the time, I had never seen a 1957 Ford in the metal, so I felt I needed to buy this model. I knew nothing about what engines were available (it wasn’t on my radar at age 8) or what models were in Ford’s lineup, but I just knew that it was something that should be on my shelf.
Though 1955-57 Chevys appeared to be a bit more common on the street at the time, truth be told, the 1957 Ford was the sales winner for the calendar year. Nineteen fifty-seven was an interesting model year for Ford because it introduced two bodies—both six inches lower than before—within its full-size portfolio. The lower-end Custom and Custom 300 were on a 116-inch wheelbase, while the Fairlane and Fairlane 500 were on a longer 118-inch wheelbase. Though subtle, the styling was slightly different between the two—mainly from behind—with the fins on the junior models being a bit less prominent.
Engine choices were mostly similar to before, but two high-performance versions of the Y-block made an appearance. The 312 V8 with dual quads (known as “E-code”) put out 270 horsepower, while a supercharged version (“F-code”) of the four-barrel (itself rated at 245 horses) was rated at 300 horses. The only transmissions available for both were a three-speed manual (with or without overdrive) or a three-speed Ford-O-matic automatic. Other engines included a 212-horse 292 V8, 190-horse 272, or 144-horse 223ci Mileage Maker six.
Fairlane 500 styling featured a longitudinal dip from the fins, then shot forward to end near the headlights. Regular Fairlane trim featured the same initial launch from the fins, then angled back to the top of the rear bumper. This led to attractive two-toning opportunities that made the exterior of the Fairlane model distinct from the Fairlane 500.
Ford made a fuss that its Fairlane “series of fine cars offers revolutionary new ‘hardtop’ styling in the conventional two-door and four-door sedans” in addition to Ford’s pillarless Victoria styles. “Sunburst” wheel covers were standard on all Fairlane models.
Ford’s gamble lasted one more model year, upon which the 1959 Ford reverted to simply using one 118-inch wheelbase for all four models. This 31,615-mile 1957 Ford Fairlane Town Victoria was the second-ranking four-door hardtop in Ford’s portfolio. “This car runs like a top and drives like a dream,” says the seller. “When people see this car they always seem to look twice and comment on what a beautiful car it is.” This Colonial White over Silver Mocha four-door hardtop is powered by a 292 V8 with a two-barrel carburetor and an automatic transmission. “It has dual exhausts which have a nice sound,” adds the seller. “There’s no rust.”
In a world where wealthy collectors are ready to shell out over $1 million for a vehicle, this 1957 Ford is quite refreshing—it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. In fact, if you were smart, you’d pay the asking price because the fact that this car is now going viral means it will not last long at $20,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
