What cars were released in 1957?
American mainstream releases
The following list highlights major American nameplates either redesigned for 1957 or newly introduced as part of that year’s market-refresh cycle.
- Chevrolet Bel Air (1957) — A redesigned full-size Chevrolet that became one of the era’s most recognizable symbols of 1950s American motoring.
- Pontiac Bonneville (1957) — Pontiac’s top-line model, positioned as a luxury performance cruiser and a precursor to the modern muscle-leaning GT.
- Cadillac Eldorado Brougham (1957) — A hand-built, ultra-luxury two-door coupe representing Cadillac’s pinnacle of style and technology.
- Edsel (announced 1957 for the 1958 model year) — Ford’s ambitious new marque, introduced as a distinct line intended to compete with premium brands.
European sports and luxury releases
This list covers notable European sports cars and luxury models introduced or released around 1957, signaling a shift toward high-performance grand touring and refined engineering.
- Jaguar XK150 (1957) — The successor to the XK120/140 lineup, offering improved aerodynamics, power, and comfort for performance-minded buyers.
- Maserati 3500 GT (1957) — Maserati’s stylish and capable grand tourer that helped establish the brand’s modern GT philosophy.
- Ferrari 250 California Spyder (1957) — A legendary mid-front-mid-engine open-top Ferrari that combined speed with distinctive coachwork.
- Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (1957) — A race-bred road model that underscored Ferrari’s commitment to performance and racing pedigree.
Additional context
Beyond the models listed above, 1957 was a year of broader design experiments and brand-building in both sides of the Atlantic. Many manufacturers explored new body styles, interior appointments, and performance options that would influence mid-century automotive design for years.
Summary
What cars came out in 1957?
Ford's Thunderbird was at full zenith in '57, while Chrysler offered the 300C, Plymouth the Fury, and DeSoto the Adventurer. The Pontiac Bonneville, Rambler Rebel, and Studebaker Silver Hawk were also unveiled in 1957. It's a noteworthy year for car enthusiasts.
What was the average price of a new car in 1957?
A new car in 1957 cost approximately $2,100 for an entry-level model, but the price could go much higher depending on the brand and features. For example, a top-tier model like the 1957 Lincoln Premiere Convertible had a list price of $5,381, which included options like power steering and windows.
- Entry-level: The cheapest 1957 Chevy was a basic 150 Utility Sedan for $1,885, though this model did not include a back seat.
- Mid-range: A mid-level Chevy, Ford, or Plymouth was around $2,100.
- Premium: The 1957 Lincoln Premiere Convertible sold for $5,381 with several standard premium features.
- Inflation-adjusted: According to titlemax.com, a 1957 Ford Sunliner would have cost about $27,096 in 2020 dollars.
What was the most expensive American car in 1957?
The Continental Mark II is an ultra-luxury coupé that was sold by the Continental Division of Ford for the 1956 and 1957 model years. The first (and only) product line of Continental, the Mark II was developed as the worldwide flagship vehicle of Ford Motor Company.
What was the most popular car in 1957?
The most popular car in 1957 was the Ford Fairlane, which outsold the Chevrolet for the first time since 1935. Although the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is arguably more iconic, Ford sold more full-size cars that model year.
- Ford Fairlane: Ford's full-size cars, including the Fairlane, became the best-selling cars in America for the 1957 model year, with the company selling over 1.5 million units.
- 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air: Despite being outsold, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is considered one of the most iconic cars of the era, known for its distinctive styling and powerful V8 engine. It is frequently cited as a symbol of the period and remains highly sought after by collectors today.
