Vehicle Description
Cool '50s resto-mod. Super clean bodywork with a Ford 351W V8 under
the hood, C6 automatic, and a modern subframe with power steering
and disc brakes. Also equipped with A/C and an upgraded stereo, but
still has a vintage feel. Great cruiser!There's nothing on the
outside of this Ford that gives away the updates underneath, and
that's the essence of a resto-mod. The upgrades are hidden.
Fortunately, the exterior lives up to the work that was invested,
with laser-straight bodywork that comes from somewhere dry and
warm, because there's just no evidence that this car was ever
rotted or wrecked. The two-tone Torch Red and Colonial White
combination is pure 1950s timeless and looks great on 1957's sleek,
updated bodywork. The Fairlane added plenty of chrome, with that
dramatic strip running down the flanks and highlighting the modest
fins in back-maybe it's easier to see why Ford out-sold Chevy in
'57. The doors swing shut easily, gaps are good all around, and
that continental kit out back makes this car look about a mile
long. The chrome and stainless trim is in very good condition, with
a lot of it having been refinished during the build, but some of it
could be nice original stuff, too. And the only thing that tips
anyone off that this isn't a standard '57 Ford are those twin
exhaust tips out back.The interior was nicely refurbished at the
same time using period materials and correct patterns that keep the
'50s feel. The big steering wheel makes it easy to handle (although
it now has power steering) and the original shifter has been
connected to the updated C6 3-speed automatic transmission. Factory
gauges continue the OEM theme and the controls manage all the
original features. You'll note there's an under-dash A/C unit that
blows nice and cold and while the original AM radio is still in the
dash, there's a newer Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit underneath,
which feeds speakers on the rear package shelf. Seat belts have
been added for safety. The trunk is positively massive particularly
with the spare tire hanging off the rear bumper, and it's outfitted
with a correct plaid mat.Mechanically, there's no trace of the
somewhat tepid Y-block, which has been replaced with a bigger and
more powerful 351 Windsor V8. It's not radical or built for speed,
but with a 4-barrel carburetor and MSD ignition, it's plenty potent
and makes this big Ford feel light on its feet. It's neatly dressed
with Ford Motorsport hardware and there's a massive radiator up
front. A modern A/C system is efficient and uses R134a refrigerant,
so it'll be easy to service in the future and you'll note that both
power steering and power front disc brakes are included. The front
subframe is from a late-model and includes an updated suspension
with a fat sway bar, so handling is a bit more familiar. The
aforementioned C6 3-speed automatic transmission feeds what appears
to be a GM 10-bolt rear end with highway gears inside, making this
a great cruiser. Note the clean floors and rockers, the newer dual
exhaust system, and recent gas tank out back. And if you need more
evidence of how clean this car really is, check out that spare tire
well, which looks almost factory fresh. Nice! Steel wheels with
hubcaps complete the illusion, and they carry 205/75/14 Goodyear
whitewall radials for an updated ride. A set of steel fender skirts
painted to match the car are included.The 1957 Fords were wonderful
cars with full-sized comfort and plenty of style. This one offers
the added bonus of extra horsepower that doesn't change the car's
basic personality. With plentiful parts and easy service, plus the
safety of disc brakes, the modifications are smart but invisible.
If you like the '57 Ford, this one delivers everything that an
original does with the benefit of modern performance. Call
today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
