---
title: "1957 Ford F-100: Styleside Debut, 3rd Gen Specs & Values | fordf100s.com"
description: "The 1957 Ford F-100 launched the third generation with a complete restyle, introducing the Styleside bed and a wider, more car-like cab design."
canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/1957-ford-f100/"
last_updated: "2026-07-17"
---

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4. /  1957 Ford F-100: Styleside Debut, 3rd Gen Specs & Values

Generation 3 · 1957–1960 

#  1957 Ford F-100: Styleside Debut, 3rd Gen Specs & Values 

Top Engine

272 Y-Block V8 · 171 hp

Wheelbase

110 or 118 in

Original MSRP

$1,878

Production

101,163

fordf100s.com · Updated July 17, 2026 

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[ 1957 ](/1957-ford-f100/)[ 1958 ](/1958-ford-f100/)[ 1959 ](/1959-ford-f100/)[ 1960 ](/1960-ford-f100/) 

Factory Spec Sheet 

MODEL YEAR 1957 

__General Specifications__
| Wheelbase          | 110 or 118 in                       |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------- |
| Curb Weight        | 3,400 lbs                           |
| Body Styles        | pickup, panel, styleside, flareside |
| Original MSRP      | $1,878                              |
| Production Numbers | 101,163                             |

__Engine Options__
| Engine                | Displacement | Horsepower | Type     |
| --------------------- | ------------ | ---------- | -------- |
| 223 Mileage Maker Six | 223 ci       | 139 hp     | inline-6 |
| 272 Y-Block V8        | 272 ci       | 171 hp     | v8       |

Available Transmissions

- 3-speed manual
- 4-speed manual
- Ford-O-Matic automatic

Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed

Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on July 17, 2026. 

The model-year engine applications, horsepower ratings, major design changes, and identification claims were reconciled against period literature and year-specific specialist references. Full-line F-Series applications were excluded when the source did not support an F-100 application.

References used

1. [Ford Heritage Vault](https://fordheritagevault.com/) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literaturePeriod brochures, sales literature, and manuals used to check model-year claims.
2. [1957-1960 Ford F-100 buyer guide](https://www.hemmings.com/stories/long-overlooked-this-easy-to-own-hauler-is-rising-in-popularity/) — Hemmings · Specialist reference
3. [1957 Ford F-100 Panel Truck brochure](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/1957-Ford-F-100-Panel-Truck.pdf) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literature

Horsepower changed from SAE gross to SAE net reporting for 1972, so figures on opposite sides of that change are not directly comparable. Production totals, weights, prices, option availability, and midyear changes can vary by source and configuration; treat them as reference points, not proof of a specific truck's original equipment.

Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). 

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. [Short-bed](/glossary/short-bed/) pickups retained a 110-inch wheelbase while [long-bed](/glossary/long-bed/) versions used a 118-inch wheelbase.

The single most important change for 1957 was the introduction of the [Styleside](/glossary/styleside/) bed. Where Ford trucks had traditionally used a stepside bed with exposed rear fenders — now called the [Flareside](/glossary/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, the base engine remained the 223 cubic-inch Mileage Maker Six at 139 horsepower. The F-100’s V8 option was the 272 cubic-inch [Y-block](/glossary/y-block/) at 171 horsepower. Larger engines listed for heavier F-Series models were not factory F-100 applications. Transmission choices included a standard 3-speed manual, an available 4-speed manual for heavy-duty work, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic.

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.

Next useful step

## Put this 1957 in generation context

Compare its factory changes, engines, and neighboring model years before planning a purchase or restoration.

[ Open the generation guide → ](/generations/1957-1960/) [ Decode a VIN ](/vin-decoder/) 

[← 1956 Ford F-100](/1956-ford-f100/)[1958 Ford F-100 →](/1958-ford-f100/)

## Build a 1957 F-100

[RestorationHow to Plan an F-100 Engine SwapPlan an F-100 engine swap from measurements and mock-up through fabrication, wiring, first start, road testing, inspection, and complete build documentation.](/restoration/engine-swap-guide/)[RestorationYour First F-100 Project Truck: Beginner's GuideBuying your first F-100 project truck? Learn which generation to choose, what to inspect, budget planning, tools, and mistakes to avoid.](/restoration/first-project-truck-guide/)[RestorationCoyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 TrucksSwap a Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 into your F-100 with this complete guide to engine sourcing, swap kits, transmissions, fuel, and wiring.](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/)[PartsFord F-100 Parts Suppliers: The Complete DirectoryEvery major Ford F-100 parts supplier, from Dennis Carpenter and LMC Truck to bed wood, chassis, and swap kit specialists.](/parts/parts-suppliers-directory/)[PartsF100 Radiator and Cooling System Upgrade GuideGuide to upgrading your F100 cooling system with aluminum radiators, electric fan conversions, and water pump upgrades for reliable temperature control.](/parts/radiators-cooling/)[PartsF100 Rear Axle and Differential GuideFord F100 rear axle guide covering the 9-inch, Dana 44, 8-inch, and Sterling 10.25 with gear ratios, identification tips, and upgrades.](/parts/rear-axles/)

## Keep Exploring

[Generation Guide1957-1960 Ford F-100 (3rd Gen): Styleside Bed + Y-Block V8Full generation overview — design changes, engines, and buying advice](/generations/1957-1960/)[ComparisonCrown Vic vs Mustang II: F-100 Front Suspension ChoicesCompare Crown Vic, Mustang II, and narrowed Crown Vic suspension for an F-100: donor years, wheel fit, steering, fabrication, and complete project costs.](/crown-vic-vs-mustang-ii/)[ReferenceF-100 Timeline 1948–1983Every model year and generation in one view](/history/f100-timeline/)[ToolVIN DecoderVerify the year, engine, and plant on any 1957 F-100](/vin-decoder/)

## Frequently Asked Questions 

 What changed in the 1957 Ford F-100? 

 For the 1957 model year, notable changes included: Complete restyle, Styleside bed introduced, wider cab, Custom Cab option As the first year of the third-generation F-100 (Styleside era), the 1957 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1957-1960 run. 

 What makes the 1957 Ford F100 the first year of its generation? 

 The 1957 Ford F-100 kicked off the third-generation F-100 (Styleside era), which ran through 1960\. First-year trucks often have unique features that later years refined or dropped, and the 1957 introduced: Complete restyle, Styleside bed introduced, wider cab, Custom Cab option First-year examples are frequently sought by collectors who value originality over the later refinements. 

 What are the key dimensions of the 1957 Ford F-100? 

 The 1957 Ford F-100 had a wheelbase of 110 or 118 in and a curb weight of 3,400 lbs. Factory body styles included pickup, panel, styleside and flareside. It was part of the third-generation F-100 (Styleside era) (1957-1960), a generation defined by the Styleside bed and the FE-family big-block V8\. 

 How many 1957 Ford F100 trucks were built? 

 Ford produced approximately 101,163 units of the 1957 Ford F100\. The original MSRP started at $1,878, which put it at the accessible end of the light-duty truck market for 1957\. For 1957 production, volumes were modest, which affects collector availability today. Condition, originality, and trim level matter more than raw production numbers when valuing a specific truck. 

 What should I look for when buying a 1957 Ford F100? 

 Focus your inspection on the 1957-specific items: Complete restyle, Styleside bed introduced, wider cab, Custom Cab option With 2 factory engine options spanning 139 to 171 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1957 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of only 101,163 makes a clean 1957 Ford F100 genuinely uncommon today. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1957 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past. 

Model Years 

- [1957 Ford F-100: Styleside Debut, 3rd Gen Specs & Values](/1957-ford-f100/)
- [1958 Ford F-100: Quad Headlights, Y-Block V8 Specs & Values](/1958-ford-f100/)
- [1959 Ford F-100: Grille Refresh, 292 V8 Specs & Values](/1959-ford-f100/)
- [1960 Ford F-100: Final 3rd Gen, 292 V8 Specs & Values](/1960-ford-f100/)

Model Years 

- [1957 Ford F-100: Styleside Debut, 3rd Gen Specs & Values](/1957-ford-f100/)
- [1958 Ford F-100: Quad Headlights, Y-Block V8 Specs & Values](/1958-ford-f100/)
- [1959 Ford F-100: Grille Refresh, 292 V8 Specs & Values](/1959-ford-f100/)
- [1960 Ford F-100: Final 3rd Gen, 292 V8 Specs & Values](/1960-ford-f100/)

VIN Decoder

 Decode supported F-100 VIN formats, or use the 1961-1983 data plate decoder for source-backed paint, trim, axle, and transmission codes. 

[Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 Data Plate Decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/) 

###  Guides for This Era 

- Restoration  
[ How to Plan an F-100 Engine Swap ](/restoration/engine-swap-guide/)
- Restoration  
[ Your First F-100 Project Truck: Beginner's Guide ](/restoration/first-project-truck-guide/)
- Restoration  
[ Coyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks ](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/)
- Parts  
[ Ford F-100 Parts Suppliers: The Complete Directory ](/parts/parts-suppliers-directory/)
- Parts  
[ F100 Radiator and Cooling System Upgrade Guide ](/parts/radiators-cooling/)
- Parts  
[ F100 Rear Axle and Differential Guide ](/parts/rear-axles/)
