By A. Wayne Ferens
Published 04.15.2026
The all new 1957 models were significant for the success of the Ford Motor Company in many ways. The innovative designs not only set the stage for future generations of vehicles, but also laid the foundation for the companies "Total Performance" marketing campaign throughout the next decade.
Two models in particular that were available in limited numbers that highlighted Fords forward innovation was the introduction of the 118 inch wheelbase Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner and the revised Thunderbird that featured a reshaped front bumper from the previous model and larger grill and tailfins. These top of the line models were intended to accomplish one thing....to bring people into Ford showrooms, and if these models weren't right for them - convince the potential customer to buy another Ford model. Did it work?
Advertised as "The Worlds Only Hide-Away Hardtop" and spearheaded by Chief of Styling George W. Walker the Fairlane 500 Skyliner with its groundbreaking retractable hardtop was the first in the world to be mass-produced. The rarest 17 retractable cars were powered by a F-code 312 cu.in./300hp overhead valve V8 engine. These F-code Skyliners were specially built at the Dearborn Assembly Plant and were pretty much equipped with all available options including the McCulloch/Paxton VR57 centrifugal supercharger, Ford-O-Matic transmission, power steering, positive action wipers, power brakes, power seat, power windows, Town & Country radio, heater, front & rear bumper guards, continental kit and white-wall tires mounted on 14 inch wire wheels. Priced at over $3000.00 they were the most expensive Fords in 1957.
The 312 cu.in. 300hp supercharged OHV V-8 was fitted with a 4-barrel Holley 4000 carburetor, mechanical valve lifters and special reinforced 'EBD' cylinder heads to keep the compression ratio at 8.5:1 so it could run on regular pump gasoline. A dual-point distributor was also added. The supercharged engine option was available as a factory performance option on any '57 Ford or Thunderbird. Estimates are that around 974 F-code 312 engines were installed in various size Fords. The factory invoice price was $340.00.
Ford's other major showroom stopper was the restyled 1957 Thunderbird that kept it's two-seat configuration. As stated, the revisions included a reshaped front bumper, a larger grill and beautifully shaped tailfins with the rear of the car lengthened just enough to allow the spare tire to be re-positioned back into the trunk. The instrument panel was restyled using round gauges in a single pod from the full-size 1956 Fords. The T-Bird was available in both standard and automatic transmission.
The Crown Jewel of the '57 lineup was of course the "F-code" factory Supercharged Thunderbird OHV 312 cu. in. V8 using the same McCulloch/Paxton supercharger producing 300 horsepower at 5000rpm.
Note: A 340hp version was made available to select race teams and not to the general public. Ford was dipping it's toe into the NASCAR racing arena in response to GM's new Fuel Injected Corvette.
The F-code Thunderbirds were assembled in Dearborn, Michigan in limited numbers and didn't hit the dealers until mid-June. Only 211 were ever produced. A full line of options were also available that included a variety of power features, automatic and standard transmissions including overdrive, Life-Guard safety equipment, tinted safety glass, windshield washers, removable "port hole" hard top and rear fender shields.
The only difference in the supercharger installations between the Thunderbirds and the full size Fords was the location of the air cleaner. The supercharger is belt driven and the centrifugal type automatic ball-driven variable speed blower is lubricated with engine oil and operated by manifold vacuum. The VR57 supercharger delivered five pounds of boost. A modified fuel pump delivered fuel to the Holley carburetor fuel bowl.
By the end of the model year Ford was well pleased with Thunderbird sales rising to a highest ever at 21,380 units and Skyliner sales hitting 20,766 units. Total sales for Ford in 1957 was 1,676,449 cars outselling arch rival Chevrolet for the first time in several years. The limited production Ford Thunderbird and the Fairlane 500 Skyliner retractable had done everything Ford intended these new models to do, and they did it with style, performance and innovation.
Bibliography:
1957 Ford sales literature
'57-'59 Ford Skyliner by J.H. Magayne
Automobile Quarterly 1970
Classic & Sportscar Magazine 1988
Supercharged! Design, Testing & Installation
by C. Bell 2002
Photos: Ferens collection
