The Ford Custom nameplate was rooted in simplicity by design, not by limitation. In 1957, it occupied a more focused place in Ford's lineup, aimed at buyers who valued clean lines, mechanical honesty, and substance over ornamentation. This example starts with that purposeful foundation and then completely redefines what a Custom can be. Built with a clear vision and executed to a high standard throughout, this '57 Ford Custom is a fully modernized street machine that retains its Ford identity while delivering serious performance and refinement.
Finished in deep black, the body presents with crisp lines and a level of detail that rewards close inspection. The front grille has been custom fabricated using two stock Ford grilles, with custom driving lights tucked behind that add a thoughtful detail. Both front and rear bumpers are flush-mounted, with the rear unit custom-built to integrate a clean center-exit exhaust without disrupting the car's original lines. The headlights and taillights are frenched, the front drip rail has been smoothed, and the rear wheel openings were subtly enlarged by three-quarters of an inch to properly accommodate the wider rear wheels. That stance is finished with Schott Mod Sport wheels measuring 18" up front and 20" in the rear, wrapped in 245mm front and 295mm rear Pirelli P-Zero tires. The result is unmistakably a 1957 Ford, but sharpened, lowered, and far more purposeful than stock.
Beneath the body sits a full Art Morrison chassis, transforming the way this Custom drives. Power comes from a supercharged 5.4L Ford V8, finished with Thunderbird-branded valve covers that tie the modern drivetrain back to Ford's heritage. The engine bay is finished to the same standard as the exterior, featuring a smoothed firewall and clean panel work. A Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission puts the driver squarely in control, sending power through a carbon-fiber driveshaft to a Ford 9" rear with 3.50 gears and limited-slip differential. The custom-fabricated stainless exhaust system runs the full length of the chassis, it features long tube headers, mandrel-bent tubing, polished mufflers, and a true dual layout that merges cleanly into a center-exit configuration. A four-link rear suspension, coilovers at all four corners, power rack-and-pinion steering, and power-assisted Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes give the car modern road manners and serious stopping power.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed in rich Saddle Tan leather and feels carefully designed rather than simply reupholstered. Front and rear bucket seats feature period-inspired vertical pleating, while a full-length center console runs cleanly between the seats and houses the manual shifter. The dashboard retains its original 1957 Ford shape but has been smoothed for a clean presentation, with Dakota Digital instrumentation integrated seamlessly into the factory-style gauge cluster and paired with a custom steering wheel that incorporates the original-style horn ring and Ford crest, color-matched to the interior and designed to preserve a traditional, era-appropriate look. Modern climate control is discreetly incorporated through subtle round vents, with the ignition, wiper controls, and power window switches hidden beneath the dash to keep the cabin visually uncluttered. Door panels, carpeting, headliner, and even the trunk were all finished to the same standard, with consistent color, tight stitching, and clean transitions throughout.
This Ford Custom has earned significant recognition for its execution, including Best Ford honors at the 2019 NSRA Southeast Nationals and NSRA Nationals in Louisville, along with Builder's Choice awards at Goodguys events in Raleigh and Nashville. It was also featured in the February 2019 issue of Street Rodder magazine.
The original Ford Custom was designed to be practical, affordable, and straightforward. This one keeps the name but completely rewrites the mission. It is a ground-up, supercharged, six-speed street machine that blends restraint with ambition and delivers presence and performance. Every decision in this build was made with intent, resulting in a '57 Ford Custom that respects its original identity while delivering a thoroughly modern driving experience.
Key Highlights
Frame-off built '57 Ford Custom
5.4L Supercharged V8
Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual transmission
Ford 9" rear with 3.50 gearing
Limited-slip differential
Art Morrison chassis
Roots-style supercharger
Stainless exhaust with center-exit design
Long tube headers
Coilover suspension
4-link rear suspension
Double A-arm front suspension
Carbon fiber driveshaft
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Wilwood power four-wheel disc brakes
Modern air conditioning
Schott Mod Sport wheels
Frenched headlights and taillights
Flush-mount front and rear bumpers
Custom leather interior
