HISTORY OF THE 1957-1960 FORD F-SERIES
A Fridge for Every Home
A Fridge for Every Home
THE TIME LEADING UP to 1957 was an interesting one for sure. As the Cold War continued, the citizens of the United States tried to press on. As usual, there was plenty to keep us occupied—and distracted.
In the entertainment world, the National Broadcasting Company introduces its peacock logo to the nation, promoting its lineup of color programming. Norma Jean Mortenson changed her name to Marilyn Monroe and marries playwright Arthur Miller, while
Elvis Presley raises a few concerned eyebrows during his performance of “Hound Dog” on the Milton Berle Show. Shortly after, he buys Graceland for $100,000.
Of more important note, Dwight D. Eisenhower announces he will run for re-election (he would end up winning), and signs the Federal Aid Highway Act, thereby creating the Interstate Highway System. In Alabama, Browder v.
Gayle is decided, declaring (and finalizing upon appeal) that the state’s bus segregation laws are unconstitutional.
In other news, artist Jackson Pollock dies in a car crash in New York, driving up the price of paint drippings to a new level. Teamster Jimmy Hoffa is arrested by the FBI and charged with
For Ford, 1957 would mark some big changes for the F-Series. The ‘Fridge’ style, as it’s now affectionately known due to its appliance-esque styling, was a major departure from the previous F-Series.
bribery, and although he would later be acquitted, this would signal the beginning of Hoffa’s troubles. Finally, toy company Wham-O buys the rights to the Pluto Platter, changes the name to Frisbee and has an instant success on its hands.
For Ford, 1957 would mark some big changes for the F-Series. The “Fridge” style, as it’s now affectionately known due to its appliance-esque styling, was a major departure from the previous F-Series. Assembly for the ’57s would be divvied between 10 plants after truck operations were halted at the Highland Park, Michigan, plant.
Available with a FlareSide (step) or new StyleSide bed, or even as a fully enclosed panel truck, the new ’57s had a more integrated hood and fender style that blended into the cab rather than the (until then) more traditional separate fender design. The StyleSide marked a new era for truck boxes and was the first full-width steel box available on a pickup (the earlier Chevy Cameo used fiberglass bedsides). Much roomier than the ’56s in both interior and cargo room, the third-generation F-Series was an instant success.
From an aesthetic viewpoint, there was a lot to take in. The new cab design included hidden running boards and a stunning full-width hood. The sides carried chiseled-yet-curvy lines that added to the truck’s rugged look and demanded attention.
This new generation of Ford truck touted reliability and economy, advertising “Certified
Gas Savings” and “Certified Durability” in its commercials. Engine choices for 1957 were the 223 cubic-inch Mileage Maker inline six, or the 272 cubic-inch Y-block V-8, with the 292-CID Y-block taking over as the top choice in 1959 and 1960.
Also seen in 1958 was the temporary addition of quad headlights to the F-Series, which would be discontinued for the 1961 model year. The biggest change, however, came in 1959 with the availability of factory four-wheel drive in F-100, F-250 and F-350 levels. Prior to this, anyone wanting a 4x4 would have to order the option through a third-party conversion and drivetrain company, Marmon-Harrington.
Throughout its run, the ’57-’60 Ford was an improvement over its predecessors in every way, providing more of what owners would come to expect out of a truck. Now the challenge would be, could Ford improve the F-Series even more for 1961?