my 57 didn't have one when I got it - about 50,000 original miles - looked and worked well and I'm near positive it'd never had any major work - at 70,000 still goin fine, but awhile back I put the filter on just because I got one on a truck I parted out
many thousands of these ol beasts went over 100,000 w/ just normal good care and no filter, and many hi milers got rebuilt to do it over - how much do you use it, how well do you care for it, how long do you expect to be able to buy gas for it are more important - change oil frequently and don't abuse it and it'll take you to your funeral!
Bill
