1957-1960 Ford F-100 (3rd Generation)

Introduction

By 1957, the American auto industry was in the grip of a styling revolution. Cars were getting lower, wider, and more flamboyant with each passing year, and Ford’s truck division was determined to keep pace. The third generation F-100, introduced for the 1957 model year and produced through 1960, brought a dose of late-1950s boldness to the Ford truck lineup. It was wider, more powerful, and more visually assertive than the second generation it replaced — a truck that reflected the era’s confidence and appetite for chrome.

The third generation arrived during a tumultuous period for the American economy. The 1957-1958 recession dented truck sales industry-wide, but it also forced manufacturers to offer more value and more features to attract buyers. Ford responded with a truck that was substantially more capable than its predecessor. The cab was wider, the bed options expanded with the introduction of the Styleside body, and the engine lineup grew to include Ford’s new FE-series big-block V8 — the same engine family that would later power everything from Galaxies to GT40 race cars.

For the enthusiast and collector, the 1957-1960 F-100 represents a fascinating intersection of classic truck utility and late-1950s automotive exuberance. These trucks are less commonly seen at shows than their 1953-1956 predecessors, which means clean examples tend to draw attention. They also offer a broader range of factory engine options, making them appealing to builders who want period-correct V8 power without resorting to engine swaps.

Design and Body

The most significant change for the third generation was the introduction of the Styleside bed. Previous F-Series trucks had used a traditional stepside design (now commonly called “Flareside” in Ford terminology) with exposed rear fenders and running boards between the cab and the rear wheel openings. The new Styleside bed featured smooth, flush sides that extended the full width of the cab, creating a cleaner, more modern appearance and slightly more usable bed width. Ford offered both Styleside and Flareside beds throughout the third generation, giving buyers a choice between modern styling and traditional function.

The cab itself was redesigned with more interior room. It was approximately three inches wider than the second generation cab, which translated directly into more shoulder room on the bench seat. The windshield was a wraparound design carried over conceptually from the 1956 model, though it was a new piece specific to the third generation. The roofline was flatter and more squared-off than the rounded second generation, giving the truck a more substantial visual presence.

The 1957 models wore a relatively restrained front end with dual headlights flanking a wide horizontal grille. For 1958, Ford adopted quad headlights — two on each side — following a trend that swept the entire American auto industry that year. The quad headlight arrangement gave the 1958-1960 trucks a wider, more aggressive face. The grille was also redesigned for 1958 with a more prominent horizontal bar theme, and minor grille and trim revisions followed for 1959 and 1960.

Along the sides, the bodyline was simpler and more slab-sided than the sculpted forms of 1950s passenger cars. This was a deliberate choice: Ford’s truck designers understood that pickups needed to project ruggedness, and the clean, flat body panels also made the truck easier and cheaper to repair — a practical concern for working vehicles.

The 1957-1960 trucks sat on a 118-inch wheelbase, an increase over the second generation’s standard 110-inch wheelbase. This longer wheelbase improved ride quality and provided a more proportional stance, particularly with the wider Styleside bed.

Engines and Drivetrain

The third generation’s engine lineup expanded significantly, reflecting the horsepower race that dominated the late 1950s. Ford offered a wider range of powerplants than in any previous F-100 generation.

223 Cost Clipper Six: The 223-cubic-inch inline-six carried over as the base engine, now branded the “Cost Clipper” in truck marketing. It produced approximately 137 horsepower in its truck tune. This remained the workhorse choice for buyers focused on economy and reliability, and it was the most commonly ordered engine in the F-100 during this period.

272 Y-block V8: The 272-cubic-inch Y-block V8 continued as the entry-level V8 option for 1957, producing around 171 horsepower. It was dropped after 1957 as Ford transitioned to newer engine designs.

292 Y-block V8: Replacing the 272, the 292-cubic-inch Y-block V8 became the standard V8 option from 1958 forward. It produced approximately 186 horsepower. The 292 was a torquey, reliable engine well-suited to truck duty and remained in Ford’s truck engine lineup well into the 1960s.

332 FE V8: Ford’s new FE (Ford-Edsel) engine family debuted in the F-100 for 1958. The 332-cubic-inch version produced approximately 240 horsepower — a dramatic step up from anything previously available in a half-ton Ford truck. The FE engine was physically larger than the Y-block and required careful attention to clearances during installation, but it gave the F-100 true high-performance capability.

352 FE V8: For 1960, the FE option grew to 352 cubic inches, producing approximately 208 horsepower in the truck-tuned version (though passenger car versions of the same engine made considerably more). The 352 FE would go on to become one of Ford’s most important truck and car engines of the 1960s.

Transmission choices included the standard three-speed manual with column shift, an available four-speed manual, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic. For 1958 and later, the automatic option was upgraded to the improved Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic on V8-equipped trucks, offering smoother shifts and better durability than the earlier Ford-O-Matic unit. The availability of the Cruise-O-Matic was a meaningful improvement for buyers who wanted automatic convenience, as it was a far more refined unit.

All third generation trucks used a 12-volt electrical system, carried over from the 1956 second generation trucks.

Notable Features

Ford expanded the F-100’s trim and options list for the third generation, moving the truck further toward dual-purpose daily-driver capability.

The Custom Cab option returned and was more comprehensive than ever. It included upgraded upholstery with pleated vinyl or woven fabric inserts, a chrome horn ring, bright metal window trim, foam-padded seat cushions, dual sun visors, an arm rest, and additional insulation. The Custom Cab transformed the F-100’s interior from spartan work truck to something approaching passenger car refinement. On a well-optioned 1957-1960 Custom Cab, the interior is pleasant enough to serve as a comfortable daily driver even by modern standards.

Two-tone paint options continued to be popular, and Ford offered an expanded palette of colors that reflected late-1950s tastes. Combinations like Colonial White over Raven Black, or light blue over dark blue, were common. Special-order colors were also available for fleet buyers.

The Styleside bed could be ordered with a factory bed liner option on later models, and the tailgate featured an improved latching mechanism over earlier generations. The Flareside bed retained its running boards and remained popular with buyers who valued the convenience of stepping up into the bed from the side — particularly useful for utility and agricultural work.

An interesting option for 1957-1960 trucks was the factory-available power steering, which made the heavier third generation trucks significantly easier to maneuver at low speeds and during parking. Power brakes were also available, though four-wheel drum brakes remained standard throughout the generation.

Production and Legacy

The third generation F-100 sold well despite launching into the teeth of the 1957-1958 recession. Ford’s truck sales dipped in 1958 along with the rest of the industry, but recovered strongly in 1959 and 1960. The Styleside bed proved immediately popular with buyers and quickly became the dominant configuration over the traditional Flareside, a trend that would continue through every subsequent generation.

In the collector market, the 1957-1960 F-100 is sometimes described as the “overlooked generation.” It lacks the immediate name recognition of the 1953-1956 trucks and the muscle-era appeal of the later 1960s models, but this relative obscurity works in the buyer’s favor: clean examples are often more affordable than comparable second generation trucks, offering strong value for the money. This dynamic has been shifting in recent years as more enthusiasts discover the third generation’s appealing combination of style, power, and usability.

The third generation also holds mechanical significance as the bridge between Ford’s flathead-to-Y-block transition and the FE big-block era. A 1957 F-100 with a 272 Y-block and a 1960 F-100 with a 352 FE represent very different levels of performance and capability, giving the generation breadth that rewards exploration.

The 1960 model year was the last for this body style. Ford would introduce the radically different fourth generation for 1961, featuring a completely new cab with unibody-influenced construction and much more angular styling. The third generation was the last F-100 to carry the rounded, organic design language of the 1950s, making it the end of a styling era.

Buying Tips

When evaluating a 1957-1960 F-100, the same rust-focused inspection approach that applies to earlier generations is essential, but there are some generation-specific areas to watch. The cowl area at the base of the windshield is a known rust trap, as water collects in the cowl vent channel and eventually rots through. The cab mounts and the area where the cab meets the frame should be inspected carefully. On Styleside trucks, check the bed sides where they meet the wheel openings — this is a stress point that can develop cracks in addition to rust.

The Styleside bed’s inner wheelhouse panels are another area prone to corrosion. Because they’re enclosed rather than exposed like on a Flareside, moisture gets trapped and damage can be advanced before it’s visible from the outside. Remove the bed and inspect the frame rails, cross members, and cab mount area if possible, as these hidden areas often tell the true story of a truck’s condition.

Parts availability for the third generation is good but not quite as extensive as for the popular 1953-1956 trucks. Dennis Carpenter, LMC Truck, and several other suppliers stock a wide range of reproduction parts. Sheet metal is reasonably well-covered, with reproduction cab corners, floor pans, door skins, and bed components available. Interior parts including seat upholstery kits, door panels, and headliners are available in both stock and custom configurations.

For engines, the 223 six and 292 Y-block are well-supported with rebuild parts. The FE engines (332 and 352) benefit from the massive aftermarket built around the FE family’s use in performance cars — parts are abundant and machine shops are familiar with the platform. If an engine swap is in the plans, the third generation’s wider engine bay accommodates small-block Ford swaps (289, 302, 351W) with relative ease, and swap kits are commercially available.

Pricing for the third generation generally runs slightly below comparable second generation trucks. Solid project trucks can be found from $5,000 to $12,000. Driver-quality examples in good running condition typically sell for $18,000 to $35,000. Well-restored trucks bring $40,000 to $65,000, with Custom Cab trucks, Styleside beds, and big-block FE engines commanding premiums. As with all classic trucks, rust-free examples from dry-climate states carry a significant premium over trucks from the Midwest and Northeast, and this price differential is often justified by the savings in bodywork and structural repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years are the third generation Ford F-100?

The third generation Ford F-100 was produced from 1957 through 1960. This generation introduced the Styleside bed with smooth, flush sides alongside the traditional Flareside, and featured bold late-1950s styling with quad headlights starting in 1958. It was the last F-100 generation to carry the rounded design language of the 1950s before the angular 1961 redesign.

What engines came in a 1957-1960 Ford F-100?

The 1957-1960 F-100 offered the widest engine range of any generation to that point. Options included the 223 cubic inch inline-six, the 272 and 292 cubic inch Y-block V8s, and Ford’s new FE-series big-block V8s — first the 332 (approximately 240 horsepower) for 1958, then the 352 for 1960. The FE engines gave the F-100 genuine big-block performance for the first time.

How much is a 1957-1960 Ford F-100 worth?

A 1957-1960 Ford F-100 typically sells for $5,000 to $12,000 as a project truck, $18,000 to $35,000 for a driver-quality example, and $40,000 to $65,000 for a well-restored truck. Custom Cab models, Styleside beds, and trucks equipped with FE big-block engines command premiums. Rust-free examples from dry-climate states carry a significant price advantage over trucks from wetter regions.

What is a Styleside bed on a Ford F-100?

The Styleside bed was introduced on the 1957 Ford F-100 as an alternative to the traditional Flareside (stepside) design. It features smooth, flush sides that extend the full width of the cab, creating a cleaner, more modern appearance and slightly more usable bed width. The Styleside quickly became the dominant configuration and outsold the Flareside in every subsequent generation.

What is the difference between the 1957-1960 and 1961-1966 Ford F-100?

The 1957-1960 F-100 features rounded 1950s styling with a 118-inch wheelbase and Y-block or FE V8 engines. The 1961-1966 fourth generation introduced dramatically angular bodywork, an experimental unibody construction option (1961-1963), and the landmark Twin I-Beam independent front suspension for 1965. The fourth generation also replaced the 223 six with the larger 262 cubic inch six.