Chassis no. D7FC181655

270-hp, 312-cid OHV V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 118-inches

For 1957, Ford offered three sizes of V-8s, displacing 272, 292 and 312 cubic inches, respectively. Ford described the 272 as “basic,” but the others were “Thunderbird” V-8s, whether installed in a Thunderbird or a Ford passenger car. The 312 was “Thunderbird Special,” and came in three guises, a single-carb 245-hp version, dual-quad 270-hp, or supercharged 300-hp unit with a Paxton centrifugal blower.

Most of the supercharged “F-Code” engines went to Thunderbirds. “D-Code” single-carb engines made up the bulk of Fairlane sales, with the “E-Code” 2 x 4 engine something of a rarity.

This car has been correctly up-rated from single to dual four-barrel carburetors, discernable from the chassis number. Its powertrain is somewhat unusual, comprising a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, not usually found in Fairlane 500 models. The rest of its equipment is notable, too: factory air conditioning, power windows, power seat, power steering, power brakes, Continental kit and Town & Country radio with trunk-mounted antenna. Other accessories include dual mirror spotlights, fender skirts and a grille guard. An original owner’s manual is included with the car.

Recipient of a body-off restoration, it has excellent contours and paint, red-and-black vinyl interior and a black top with red boot cover. Ford outsold Chevrolet in 1957; this car demonstrates why.