What engine came in a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500?

The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 did not rely on a single engine; buyers could select from several powertrains, including a 223 cubic inch inline-six and multiple V8 options in the 272–312 cubic inch range, depending on trim and options.

Engine options for the 1957 Fairlane 500

Ford offered both straight-six and V8 power for the Fairlane 500 in 1957. The following list covers the main engine types that appeared in this model year:

• Inline-six engine: 223 cubic inches (approximately 3.7 liters).


• V8 engine options:
  
  
  
  • 272 cubic inches
  
  
  • 292 cubic inches
  
  
  • 312 cubic inches
  
  
  
  

The exact engine installed depended on production date, body style, and the specific trim level chosen. Higher-trim Fairlane 500 models were more likely to be equipped with larger V8s, while lower-cost configurations could use the inline-six or smaller V8 options.

Historical context and notable variants

Engine lineage and performance perception

The 1957 Fairlane 500 sat at the peak of Ford’s mid‑late-1950s design language, pairing a stylish, pillared two-door body with a range of powerplants. The inline-six emphasized economy and smooth operation, while the V8s offered progressively more torque and acceleration, appealing to buyers seeking extra performance without stepping into the most expensive packages.

Trim-level impact on engine choice

Availability of the larger V8s often correlated with the chosen trim and options package. The Fairlane 500 nameplate indicated the top tier of comfort and equipment, and with that badge frequently came the more robust V8 options, whereas entry-level configurations could be powered by the smaller inline-six or a smaller V8.

Summary

In short, the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 did not come with a single engine choice. It offered a spectrum of powerplants—from a 223 cubic inch inline-six to multiple V8 options in the 272–312 cubic inch range—allowing buyers to tailor performance and price to their preferences. The exact engine depended on the car’s trim, date of manufacture, and optional equipment.

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. 

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

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.

What engine is in a Ford Fairlane 500?

302 CID V8
Basic models featured the 302 CID V8 and three-speed manual transmission as standard.