Mercurys were completely restyled for 1957. For the first time, the brand had bodies that were exclusive to it and not based on Fords or Lincolns. A concave vertical bar grille, front hinged hood, 'V' shaped taillights, upper rear fender and rear deck sculpturing, and cowl vent intakes were several of the new features.
The front bumper was massive with two huge "intakes" cut into each side. A chrome 'M' was placed between the grille and bumper. Early models had two headlights; later ones had four. The rear bumper mimicked the front; however, it was set to look like there were "exhaust" vents. The tail lights were angled triangles set in a abbreviated concave rear "wing-like" top of the quarter panel where "Mercury" in individual block letters was set.
Mercury was the official pace car at the 1957 Indianapolis 500 race.
The Montclair was now the middle series. Chrome headlight rims, "Montclair" nameplates on the upper front fenders, and an emblem ornament on the rear shelf of sedans and hardtops were the main differences between Montclairs and Montereys.