On the beloved teleision series, “Father Knows Best,” the Anderson family gets a new car for in its fourth season, a 1957 Ford Custom Fordor Sedan. Photos from IMCDB.

We are counting down the Top 50 hot rods and street cars of all time that have made an appearance in a television series, or a memorable television episode. Starting from #50, and counting down to our #1 pick, follow along with our memories, and see where your favorite show lands.

24. Father Knows Best: 1957 Ford Custom 300 Fordor Sedan

A 1957 Ford Custom 300 Fordor Sedan made its debut in season four, episode nine of the wholesome television series “Father Knows Best.” As the Anderson’s fourth family car – it also marked the switch from a Mercury to a Ford. This car had significant screen time, as Jim (Robert Young) attempts to teach Margaret (Jane Wyatt), his wife, how to drive when there is nothing in the home to eat for breakfast and groceries are needed.

The car was used throughout the season as Ford’s lineup for the 1957 year is introduced. Style cues include a single-headlight front end design and is further distinguished by elongated rear quarter flanks and protruding tailfins. Several trim lines were introduced, starting with the base Custom, and upping to the Custom 300, Fairlane, and top-line Fairlane 500.

It’s been referred to as “the other ‘57” referring to its direct competitor, the Chevrolet Bel-Air, which it does resemble. Both Ford Custom lines used wheelbase that was a 116 inches in length. The standard 223 cubic-inch, 3.7-liter, straight-six powerplant was upgraded to output 144 horsepower. An optional V8 was available in several configurations, including a 4.5-liter, 272 cubic-inch Y-Block capable of 190 horsepower, a 4.8-liter Thunderbird motor that made 212 horsepower, a 312 cubic-inch V8 rated at 245 horsepower, and finally a supercharged 5.1-liter that could put out 300 horses.

Standard appointments included the popular deep dish steering wheel, transistor radio, lights for the generator and oil pressure rather than gauges, and recessed controls as a safety advancement. The 1957 models rolled on new frames that pushed the perimeter rails out, giving a wider stance and improved stability on the road.

Back to our regular programming … things don’t go as swimmingly as planned for Jim, as, Margaret lashes out at her husband in frustration, saying “Learning how to drive wasn’t my idea!” He soon accepts teaching her was a bad idea. Seems father doesn’t always know best, after all!