Automotive Landscape of 1957
A look at models launched in 1957
- Mar 25: Fiat 500 Motorizes Italy – Fiat introduces the Nuova 500, a brilliantly packaged rear-engine city car designed by Dante Giacosa that motorizes working-class Italy and becomes a global design icon.
- Sep 4: Ford Edsel Debuts – Ford officially launches the highly anticipated Edsel brand, featuring distinctive vertical horsecollar grilles and push-button automatic transmissions, though it struggles immensely in the marketplace.
- Oct 4: Space Race Inspires Automotive Styling – The launch of Sputnik 1 intensifies the American obsession with aerospace technology, inspiring exaggerated tailfins, jet-fighter inspired taillights, and massive chrome trim on Detroit cruisers.
- Dec 20: Air Suspension Gains Popularity – General Motors and other manufacturers widely offer pneumatic air suspension systems on luxury models, promising a cloud-like ride despite early reliability challenges.
US
Chevrolet Impala
Coupe
POWER
315 HP
RARITY
370,000 Sold
US
Fiat 500
Nuova
POWER
22 HP
RARITY
180,000 Sold
US
Ford Fairlane 500
Skyliner Retractable
POWER
300 HP
RARITY
20,766 Sold
EUROPE
Fiat 500
Nuova 500
POWER
21 HP
RARITY
3,893,294 Sold
EUROPE
Lotus Seven
Series 1
POWER
40 HP
RARITY
2,500 Sold
EUROPE
Ferrari 250 GT
California Spyder LWB
POWER
240 HP
RARITY
Very Rare
ASIA
Hindustan Ambassador
Mark I
POWER
55 HP
RARITY
900,000 Sold
ASIA
Prince Skyline
ALSI-1
POWER
60 HP
RARITY
33,759 Sold