What models did Ford have in 1957?
Ford's 1957 lineup consisted of the Base/Mainline, Custom (including Custom 300), Fairlane (including Fairlane 500 and the Fairlane 500 Skyliner retractable), and the Thunderbird as a standalone model. These names represent Ford's main product families that year, spanning entry-level to personal luxury options.
What follows is a clearer look at the principal Ford models offered in 1957, how they fit into the brand's strategy that season, and notes on notable variants that remain part of Ford's historical image from the era.
Ford's 1957 model lineup
Below is a concise breakdown of Ford's principal model names offered to buyers in 1957, across the main car lines and notable special variants.
- Mainline
- Custom
- Custom 300
- Fairlane
- Fairlane 500
- Fairlane 500 Skyliner
- Thunderbird
These model names reflect Ford's strategy in 1957, combining entry-level (Mainline), mid-range (Custom and Custom 300), and higher-end trims (Fairlane 500 and Skyliner), plus the standalone Thunderbird luxury coupe.
Notable variants and features
Thunderbird: Ford's personal luxury model
In 1957, the Ford Thunderbird continued as a separate model line, positioned as a two-seat personal luxury car with a focus on style and performance, distinct from the full-size mainline or Fairlane families.
Fairlane 500 Skyliner: retractable hardtop
One standout variant of the 1957 lineup was the Fairlane 500 Skyliner, a two-door hardtop with a power-retractable roof. It blended the comfort of a coupe with the open-air appeal of a convertible, marking Ford's early experiments in retractable-roof designs.
Summary
Ford's 1957 lineup centered on the Mainline, Custom line (including Custom 300), the Fairlane family (including the Fairlane 500 and the Fairlane 500 Skyliner retractable), and the Thunderbird. Together, these products illustrate Ford's strategy that year to cover entry-level buyers, mid- and upper-range customers, and the premium personal-luxury segment, while introducing innovative features like the Skyliner roof.
