All Ford Day Highlight - 1957 Mainline ute

This year’s 33rd edition of All Ford Day saw more than 1,500 vehicles make the journey to Geelong’s Eastern Park on Sunday, 17 March, while 7,000+ spectators were there to enjoy all things Ford. The park’s three large ovals offer ample space for display cars, with other attractions including special displays from Ford Australia, stallholders and plenty of food options.

With so many Ford and Ford family vehicles on display, you’re sure to see vehicles from all eras of Ford’s history. Customline and Mainline vehicles from the 1950s were well represented this year, and this 1957 Mainline ute was one of many on display.

Introduced in 1952 to replace the ‘twin spinner’, the Mainline would be Ford’s premium ute offering until the arrival of the Falcon.

Priced above the locally-produced English Ford utes (Anglia, Prefect, Zephyr), the Mainline also had a V8 engine those models didn’t. Initially, this was the venerable Flathead, but when the overhead-valve ‘Y Block’ V8 was introduced in 1955, the Mainline received that engine. This was paired with a three-speed column-shift manual transmission, but an automatic would become optional later.

The Mainline used an imported convertible chassis, strengthened with an additional cross-member and fitted with locally produced panels.

Styling followed that of the locally-built Customline sedans, but was usually light on for chrome and other exterior garnish. While restored Mainlines often feature whitewall tyres, chrome side trim and two-tone paint, these were rarities when new.

The 1955 Mainline body would be unchanged until 1958, defined by different grille, bumpers and exterior trim each year. These were picked from American Ford models like the Fairlane and Canadian-market Meteor.

The Mainline pictured runs a period-correct 292 cubic inch Y Block V8, which has been matched to an automatic transmission. In the cabin, a floor-shift for the auto has been fitted, along with auxiliary gauges. There’s a tachometer strapped to the steering column and a modern stereo has been fitted, too. Lowered suspension and jelly bean alloys are additional deviations from stock.

Listed for sale at All Ford Day, with an asking price of $60,000, this mild custom Mainline has since sold.

For JUST CARS’ report from the 2024 All Ford Day, click HERE.