Styling was longer and lower for the '57 Monarchs, with a distinct roofline featuring a power rear window 

Monarch was totally re-engineered, offering new technology, options, and increased power. New on '57 Monarchs were push-button, master key board control automatic transmission, 14 inch wheels, horizontal sliding door locks, and wraparound rear window. Turnpike Cruisers featured power steering, power brakes, power seat, flat-topped steering wheel, power rear window, tachometer, computer clock, and flow through ventilation. One unusual option was the memory seat, which moved to its rearmost position, allowing easy exiting when the ignition was turned off. The seat automatically returned to its preset position when the key was turned back on. Monarch was also among the first in the industry to offer built-in factory air conditioning as an option. 

Safety features included instrument panel padding and padded sun visors. Safety-hold doors locks prevented the doors from springing open- even under impact. A recessed hub on the 4-spoke steering wheel, cushioned the driver from contact with steering post. On Turnpike Cruisers, the tachometer and computer clock were outlined with rubber housings. Seat belts were optional on the Monarchs, a virtually unknown feature that wouldn't appear until the early sixties.

Styling on the Monarch featured a dual curved windshield, offering "skylight visibility", with overall glass area increased by 24%. The rear quarter side channels, swept back, blending into angled "v" shaped tail lights. The front and rear bumper assemblies were oval shaped and massive. The curves of the 1956 model year were gone. With all new sheet metal, the '57 Monarch was five inches longer, three inches wider and five inches lower than the '56 model. Wheelbase grew from 119 to 122 inches and two inches of headroom was added in the interior. The sleek design looked forward to 1960, with only certain components of the drivetrain carried over. 

Unlike the U.S. Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, Canadian Cruisers' standard engine was the 255 HP 312 cu. in. V-8, with a 290 HP 368 optional - for the Cruiser exclusively. It was available only with an automatic transmission. This was the first year Monarch and Mercury used the 368 Lincoln engine, which debuted in 1956. A new power booster fan and "thermomatic" carburetor air intake were among the technological improvements for 1957. The power booster fan automatically shut off the engine fan when it was not needed to cool the engine, saving horsepower. The thermomatic system worked to give faster engine warm-ups and helped to prevent icing and vapor lock. 

Supporting the body, was a heavier, redesigned chassis. A new swept-back ball joint front suspension, with angled control arms reduced the impact of road bumps. On the rear, leaf springs were longer and located outboard of the frame. An "air cushion" ride had five inch diameter air filled rubber doughnuts replacing standard spring shackle bushings. 

Basically, there was little difference between the Monarch and Mercury. The grille used horizontal bars rather than vertical on the Mercury. Monarch had a large V and crest, centered in the grille, giving a regal appearance. The center insert in the bumper also had horizontal bars, replacing the ornamental "M" in the Mercury. All Monarchs had single headlights for 1957, unlike Mercury, which offered a dual headlight option. In the rear fender channels, Monarch lettering replaced Mercury one for one. Wheel covers had Monarch gold crown center inserts, replacing the crest of Mercury. The hood ornament and the rear deck medallion had the Monarch crown and crest, respectively. On the hood, Monarch letters, replacing Mercury, and the trunk lid had Monarch trim. Key locks on the doors had gold crown covers. The Turnpike Cruiser inscription was located on the upper front fenders, whereas it was on the "C" pillar of the Mercury. The center horn in the steering wheel replaced the Mercury crest with a solid chrome design. 

Ford Motor Company of Canada introduced the Monarch in 1946, placing them in Ford showrooms as Canada's own medium priced car. The most prominent feature was that Monarchs always had their own grille. For 1957, the model line consisted of the Lucerne, mid level Richelieu, and top of the line Turnpike Cruiser, all available in two door or four door hardtops. Unlike the Mercury Monterey, Montclair, and Convertible Cruiser, the Lucerne offered the only convertible for the Monarch line. Monarch had no station wagon for 1957. Ford of Canada built a total of 8490 Monarchs, which included 543 Turnpike Cruisers. Production continued through 1961 with none being manufactured in the 1958 model year. All Monarchs, and surprisingly a few Mercurys were built at the Oakville, Ontario plant. The Edsel replaced the Monarch in 1958 and was back in 1959 as the Monarch II. 

Competition for the Monarch and Mercury were Pontiac, Buick and Oldsmobile, the traditional bread and butter cars of GM's mid-size line up. With the addition of the Turnpike Cruiser, the Chrysler New Yorker and Olds 98 were included as well. After the ill-fated Edsel, Ford depended more and more on the Mercury and Monarch to compete in the medium price field. 

Harry Robertson of Richmond, British Columbia, owns the featured Monarch Turnpike Cruiser. Harry brought the car all the way from Dearborn, Michigan, surprised to find that it was originally sold by Brown Brothers Ford in Vancouver, B.C. An extensive eighteen month frame-off restoration was completed in February, 1997. Harry did the majority of the restoration. The engine and transmission were overhauled by the previous owner and painting was done by Vario's Collision in Surrey, B.C. The car won best in hardtop class at the March, 1997 Vancouver Motorsports show- only ten days after the restoration was completed! 

His love for '57 Monarchs and Mercurys started in October, 1956, when he saw them at Prince George Motors, coming out of the Royal Canadian Army. His father even had a 1940 Mercury four door convertible. Harry also owns a four door Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, an unrestored original he has owned since 1977, equipped with a 368 V-8. This car has been used for weddings and other special events. He also has a rare two door Commuter station wagon, with an original 312 V-8 and three speed manual transmission. The next restoration has begun and is a two door Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, which was built in Oakville, Ontario. Of course, there is one remaining parts car- a four door Turnpike Cruiser for a total of four Mercurys and one Monarch. 

The '57 Monarch Turnpike Cruiser will be remembered as one of the most stylish and ornate cars of the fifties. Its distinctive grille, with the "V" and crest gave it the look of customized car. The modern styling and engineering innovations gave the car-buying public a preview of what was to come in the sixties. It was Canada's version of highway royalty.