--- title: "Buy This NASCAR 1957 Ford Fairlane From When Stock Cars Were Actually Stock" date: "2026-09-13" modified: "2026-09-13" authors: - name: "Stephen Edelstein" job_title: "Weekend Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/stephen-edelstein.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/buy-this-nascar-1957-ford-fairlane-from-when-stock-cars-were-actually-stock" categories: - "Culture" - "For Sale" - "History" - "NASCAR" - "News" - "Racing" tags: - "Auctions" - "Ford" - "Mecum Auctions" --- # Buy This NASCAR 1957 Ford Fairlane From When Stock Cars Were Actually Stock ![1957 Ford Fairlane NASCAR race car]() *\Mecum Auctions\* It may still be called the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, but [NASCAR race cars]() are in no way stock—and haven't been for a long time. Back in the early days of the series, though, that was closer to the truth. Sure, teams modified cars to make them faster (sometimes without the approval of officials), but those cars started out on a showroom floor. A relic of that era is now headed to auction. This 1957 [Ford]() Fairlane doesn't have decals for headlights. What it does have are big chrome bumpers and a front bench seat (albeit with a roll bar strut running down the middle), features that don't exactly help performance or safety, but instead are remnants of its previous life as a road car. It'll be among the lots at [Mecum's]() upcoming Nashville auction, crossing the block on September 26. In addition to exemplifying NASCAR's truly-stock era, this Fairlane was driven by one of the series' first big stars. Edward Glenn "Fireball" Roberts Jr. scored eight wins in this car, including three in a row at [North Wilkesboro](), Langhorne, and the Southern States Fairgrounds. They were among the 33 total wins the future Hall of Famer would amass over a 15-year career. Roberts also had 36 poles to his credit, although his highest finish in the championship was second, during his rookie season in 1950. Roberts' nickname turned out to be portentous; he died as a result of burns received in a crash at the 1964 World 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. ![1957 Ford Fairlane NASCAR race car]() ![1957 Ford Fairlane NASCAR race car]() ![1957 Ford Fairlane NASCAR race car]() Under the ornamented hood is a 312-cubic-inch (5.1-liter) V8, connected to a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. This is one of the "Y-block" engines used throughout the Ford lineup in the late 1950s, so named because of an extra-deep skirt that gives them more of a "Y" than a "V" shape. This engine is claimed to make 300 horsepower, which would have been a lot for the time. According to the auction listing, this car was found in the backyard of Roberts' home in Charlotte and restored for the 57 Heaven Museum in Branson, Missouri. It's also been displayed at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Roberts' hometown. Mecum isn't saying how much the car is expected to sell for, and early stock cars aren't common on the auction circuit or as commoditized as [historic race cars]() from other disciplines. It could start a bidding war if more than one dedicated NASCAR fan clocks it, or fly under the radar. ![1957 Ford Fairlane NASCAR race car]() ![1957 Ford Fairlane NASCAR race car]() ![1957 Ford Fairlane NASCAR race car]() ![1957 Ford Fairlane NASCAR race car]() Cars like this may have helped NASCAR gain traction with fans, but the series is having a harder time maintaining even a shred of road relevance today. Road cars and race cars have diverged, and suitable body styles are dwindling thanks to an increased focus on SUVs and pickups by the U.S. automakers. NASCAR grids will start looking like the parking lots of today's America when the [Truck Series]() becomes the main event. *Got a tip or feedback? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Stephen has always been passionate about cars, and managed to turn that passion into a career as a freelance automotive journalist. When he's not handling weekend coverage for The Drive, you can find him looking for a new book to read. ### Author social links [Twitter]() ## More - [This Huge Car Collection Is Ridiculous, and It’s for Sale]() - [Different Times: Immaculate 1954 Greyhound Scenicruiser Bus for Sale Is a Reminder of What Was]() - [This 80-Series Toyota Land Cruiser Is Going to Sell for Big Bucks at Monterey Car Week]() - [This 1967 Ford Fairlane With Straight Pipes Sounds Like Heaven]() - [The Ford Mustang From Bullitt Just Sold For A Record-Breaking $3.7 Million]() - [This One-of-Two, Corvette-Engined, Ferrari Formula 1-Inspired Race Car Could Be Yours]() - [$2.2 Million 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Sets Record as Most Expensive Ford Mustang Ever]() - [This 1918 Detroit Electric Is Powered by Modern Batteries, And It Actually Works]()