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. 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 the “Thunderbird Special” and came in three guises, a single-carb, 245-brake horsepower version; a dual-quad, 270-brake horsepower one; and supercharged, 300-brake horsepower unit with a Paxton centrifugal blower. Most superchargers were found in Thunderbirds, but Ford advertised it as “available in any series.” Indeed, the mighty “F-Code” was the most powerful engine Ford put in a passenger car in 1957, and one is under the hood of this Fairlane 500 Club Sedan, which is a wonderfully Plain Jane “two-door post.”

This car is confirmed as an original F-Code by the leading numeral in its chassis number. It was formerly owned by respected enthusiast Don Miller, the retired president of Penske Racing, and it has been meticulously restored and actively driven since. It has 81,028 miles recorded on its odometer, but it has remained in good cosmetic order, with its original undercoating still present underneath and the correct detailing under the hood. That the car was well kept prior to restoration is emphasized by the presence of original glass throughout, which shows only minor scratching. The Raven Black finish has a nice, deep shine, and the interior is very good, with tight upholstery, well-fitted carpets, and a perfect headliner. An AM radio, heater, dashboard-mounted clock, and wide whitewall bias-ply tires are the only notable options on this powerhouse.

F-Code Fords of any variety are rare enough, but to find a speed machine like this one, the sort that once roamed Woodward looking for a challenge, is an opportunity to be treasured.