1957

The 1957 Ford F-100 marked the beginning of the third generation and represented the most dramatic redesign in the truck’s history to that point. Ford threw out the second-generation body almost entirely, delivering a truck that was wider, lower, and far more modern in appearance. The new cab sat on a stretched 118-inch wheelbase, up from the previous 110 inches, giving the truck a more planted stance and improved ride quality.

The single most important change for 1957 was the introduction of the Styleside bed. Where Ford trucks had traditionally used a stepside bed with exposed rear fenders — now called the Flareside — the new Styleside featured smooth, flush sides that gave the truck a cleaner, more integrated look. The Styleside quickly became the more popular choice among buyers, though the Flareside remained available for those who preferred the classic look or needed the narrower bed for tight loading situations.

Under the hood, Ford expanded the powertrain lineup. The base engine remained the 223 cubic-inch Mileage Maker Six, now producing 139 horsepower. The 272 cubic-inch Y-block V8 carried over as the mid-range option at 171 horsepower. New for 1957 was the 292 cubic-inch Y-block V8, the largest engine yet offered in the F-100, producing a healthy 212 horsepower. Transmission choices included a standard 3-speed manual, an available 4-speed manual for heavy-duty work, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic for buyers who wanted the convenience of clutchless driving.

The cab itself was a completely new design. It was noticeably wider than the second-generation cab, with more shoulder room for driver and passenger. The windshield was larger, improving visibility, and the interior took cues from Ford’s passenger car line with updated instrumentation and more comfortable seating. The Custom Cab option added upgraded trim, additional insulation, and a two-tone paint scheme that gave the truck a decidedly upscale feel for the era.

Exterior styling reflected the late-1950s design language Ford was applying across its entire vehicle range. The front end featured a bold grille with horizontal bars, hooded headlights, and a prominent Ford crest. Chrome accents along the beltline and around the windows gave the truck a level of visual refinement that earlier generations had never achieved. The 1957 F-100 was a truck that looked at home on a job site or parked in a suburban driveway, and that versatility was exactly what Ford intended.

Production for the 1957 model year reached approximately 101,163 units. The truck’s combination of fresh styling, the new Styleside bed, and expanded engine choices made it an immediate hit. Today, the 1957 F-100 is one of the most sought-after years among collectors, prized for its clean lines and the distinction of being the first year of a generation that would define Ford trucks through the end of the decade.