How many miles per gallon did the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 get?

Around 18 miles per gallon on the highway and roughly 12–15 mpg in typical city driving were common estimates for the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500. There were no official EPA fuel-economy ratings for that year, and actual mileage varied with engine choice, transmission, and condition.

The 1957 Fairlane 500 was Ford’s top-trim mid-size model for that year, offered with multiple powertrains and both manual and automatic transmissions. Because of this variety, mileage figures are best read as ranges rather than a single figure.

Overview of engines and transmissions in the Fairlane 500

The Fairlane 500 line could be equipped with a six-cylinder engine or a V8, paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission. The V8 option was typical for the era, around 4.8 liters (approximately 292 cubic inches). An automatic transmission such as Fordomatic was available, which added weight and typically reduced efficiency versus a manual transmission.

Estimated mpg by engine/drive configuration

Note: the figures below are historical estimates based on vintage road tests and owner reports. Real-world mileage varies with tune, maintenance, load, and driving style.

• Inline-six engine with manual transmission: highway about 20–22 mpg; city about 16–18 mpg.


• V8 around 292 cu in with manual transmission: highway about 18–21 mpg; city about 12–15 mpg.


• V8 around 292 cu in with Fordomatic automatic: highway about 17–19 mpg; city about 12–14 mpg.

These ranges reflect typical performance for the period; individual road tests and owner experiences can vary by several miles per gallon.

Driving conditions and typical mileage expectations

Beyond the engine and transmission, the car’s weight, aerodynamics, tire condition, and maintenance all influenced fuel economy. The Fairlane 500’s build reflected late-1950s design norms, which were not optimized for fuel efficiency by modern standards.

• Long highway trips with light loads often yielded the best mileage, roughly 20–22 mpg for six-cylinder builds and around 18–21 mpg for V8 configurations on good surfaces.


• City-style, stop-and-go driving with repeated acceleration could drop mileage to about 12–14 mpg for V8 setups and sometimes lower for older or poorly tuned examples.


• Mixed driving typically fell in the 15–18 mpg range, depending on gearing and upkeep.

In summary, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500’s fuel economy varied widely by configuration and condition. Typical highway figures hovered in the high teens to low twenties, while city mileage tended to be in the low to mid-teens.

Summary

There isn’t a single official MPG figure for the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500. If you’re assessing a specific car, expect broad ranges based on the exact engine and transmission, with highway mileage generally in the high teens to around 20+ mpg and city mileage commonly in the 12–15 mpg range. For restoration or appraisal, consult vintage road-test data or owner-maintained records tied to the precise drivetrain and condition.

How much is a Ford Fairlane 500 worth?

The value of a Ford Fairlane 500 varies significantly by year and condition, with a broad range of prices. For example, a 1958 model in good condition might be around $9,760$ 9 comma 760$9,760, while a 1967 model could be valued around $10,700$ 10 comma 700$10,700 in average retail condition, and 1963 models have sold recently for between $7,000$ 7 comma 000$7,000 and $21,525$ 21 comma 525$21,525. Prices are highly dependent on factors like the car's overall condition, mileage, original features, and history.
 

• Condition is key: A car in excellent condition with desirable features and a clean history will be worth much more than one needing significant work or with a poor history. 
• Year-to-year differences: The year of the Fairlane 500 significantly impacts its value. For example: 
  • A 1958 Fairlane 500 in good condition is around $9,760$ 9 comma 760$9,760. 
  • A 1963 Fairlane 500 has seen recent sales ranging from $7,075$ 7 comma 075$7,075 to $21,525$ 21 comma 525$21,525. 
  • A 1967 Fairlane 500 in average retail condition is around $10,700$ 10 comma 700$10,700. 
• Market fluctuations: Prices are also influenced by the current market. For example, a 1965 Fairlane 500 Custom Ranch Wagon sold for $9,450$ 9 comma 450$9,450 in October 2025, while a 1965 Fairlane 500 sold for $14,300$ 14 comma 300$14,300 in June 2025. 

How big is the fuel tank on a 1957 Ford Fairlane?

Fuel Tank:
Rear mounted, 16 gallon capacity.

What engines were available in the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500?

For 1957, Ford offered four different engines in six stages of tune. At the entry level was a 223-cubic inch Mileage Maker overhead-valve six. There were three sizes of V-8s, which displaced 272, 292, and 312 cubic inches, respectively.

How much is a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 worth today?

The value of a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 varies significantly, but a good-condition model with average features typically ranges from $16,650 to $34,100, while prices can drop to around $5,500 for cars needing significant work and can exceed $82,998 for exceptional or rare versions. Factors like condition, mileage, engine, and body style (like the highly sought-after Skyliner) greatly impact the final price.
 
Price ranges

• Average to good condition: Around $16,650 to $34,100. 
• Poor condition: As low as $5,500 for vehicles with extensive maintenance needs or title issues. 
• Excellent/rare condition: Can exceed $82,998. 

Factors that influence value

• Condition: Rust, originality, and the quality of restoration are major factors. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally increases value. 
• Body style: Convertibles and the rare Skyliner models often command higher prices. 
• Engine: The specific engine and its performance options (like the 300hp SC) will affect the value. 
• History: A well-documented history, especially a single-owner car, can be a plus. 

Where to find 1957 Ford Fairlane 500s

• Classics on Autotrader: Features listings from $13,957 up to $82,998.
• Hagerty Valuation Tools: Provides valuation guides and auction results.
• Classic.com: Lists sales data and current listings.
• eBay: Has many listings with a wide range of prices.
• Hemmings: Another source for classic car classifieds.