H1The Fantastic History of the Iconic Ford F150h1br
A red 1980 Ford F-150 Personalized
While the Ford F-150's background officially started in 1975, earlier trucks laid the groundwork for America's favored vehicle|Ford
You can discuss practically anything worrying vehicles as well as trucks, but something is difficult to say: Ford F-150 is the undeniable heavyweight champion of American roadways. No automobile has been even more vital or sold even more models because this pickup's debut in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 and its sturdy counterparts topped the sales charts for 35 straight years.
That's fairly a run, as well as these trucks defeated the competition in their section for also longer (40 successive years). Yet the F-Series pickups really did not come out of no place throughout the 1970s. Ford released its iconic pickup back in 1948, after The second world war. Prior to the F-1 debut that year, the automaker's trucks were just customized automobiles.
The 1948 model changed that, and also the F-Series proceeded its development into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 as well as heavy-duty versions sport the most innovative tech as well as interior comfort that pickup have actually ever seen. It absolutely really did not begin that way. Here are 25 photos of Ford's F-Series pick-ups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the current off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Design T vehicle
1925 Ford Version T vehicle
1925 Ford Model T truck|The Henry Ford
To find the origins of Ford vehicles, we have to go right back to the 1910s, when the automaker transformed the Version T right into a pick-up. As the picture reveals, this automobile was little more than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nonetheless, also such a standard arrangement got items relocating the very early days of consumer transport.
2. Greater utility in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pickup
By 1932, Ford vehicles enhanced substantially in the energy department|Ford
While there was obvious appeal for a Model T vehicle, Ford improved upon the principle with the Model An and Design B. The bed was longer and the weight distribution much better, so there was plenty of allure for vehicle customers throughout the Anxiety, especially with the arrival of the vehicle's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster and also had its share of restrictions.
3. Joining the 1940s war effort
1941 Ford Express
Ford vehicles became part of the war effort after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck idea materialized by the late 1930s, and by the time 1941 versions appeared, there were several choices for customers. Among the selections were new V6 engines to go along with the V8 and four-cylinder choices. Ford borrowed both the grille designing as well as the underlying system from automobiles here, and released additional truck plants by 1941 in case the USA got in the battle. Consumer manufacturing finished for numerous years after the Pearl Harbor invasion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
Two males wearing stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it rests parked before a house
Ford F-1 vehicle from its debut year|Ford
Adhering To The Second World War, Ford released its very first brand new vehicle platform with 8 various models. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had lots of choices. Engine choices ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series vehicles began with a simple, practical look as well as higher functionality than its precursors.
5. F-100 marks a brand-new generation
A pale environment-friendly 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford celebrated its 50th wedding anniversary with the introduction of 2nd generation F-Series designs. The front grille transformed considerably (new engines additionally got here), but this redesign was much more considerable. A boosted V8 engine, longer dimensions, better presence, and also transmission were introduced. So were hood accessories and also the nomenclature we acknowledge today: F-100 as well as F-250 changed the 3 lightest pick-ups in the schedule.
6. Even more power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor as well as combine drives through a field
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and integrate|Ford
Updates for F-Series vehicles proceeded throughout the second generation While the wraparound windscreen supplied enhanced exposure for motorists, upgraded power specs broadened their options on the job website. 6 cylinder engines maxed out at 115 horses by 1954, while the V8 engine pushed the envelope to 130 horse power. Much more power dropped by the 1956 model year, with the F-Series V8 engine delivering up to 173 steeds, according to Edmunds.
7. F-Series 3rd generation.
A front-facing Ford F-100 from 1960
1960 Ford F-100|Ford
You can not assist gazing adjustment in the face when comparing the 2nd and also third generations of F-Series trucks A square grille and also increase the variety of fronts lights welcomed Ford vehicle consumers beginning in 1960. Three years earlier, the 1957 designs debuted the pickup's wider taxicab and also other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford started providing 4x4 in manufacturing facility versions.
8. 4th generation Ford vehicles.
1963 Ford F-250 sits parked on a rough terrain
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With four-wheel drive capacity as well as over 200 horsepower arriving by 1965, fourth generation Ford vehicles continued the march to the modern period. Super Task vehicles had actually made their debut in 1958, as well as this shot from 1963 is a check out the model year's Ford F-250. Two fronts lights returned for those that ran by evening.
9. Launching of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Beginning with the F-Series's 5th generation, truck customers might pick from 3 trims: base, personalized, as well as Ranger. Choosing the Ranger meant carpet floors, a standard chrome grille, and also a lot more comfortable seats. By 1970, prior to fifth generation versions finished their run, a 4th trim (XLT) got in the picture.
10. More design and performance
1971 Ford F-250 sits parked in the turf
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Regulations mandated side reflectors beginning in 1968, as well as this sturdy model from 1971 shows how Ford rolled that into a badging chance. An updated V8 engine currently delivered up to 220 horsepower. On the other hand, the unrelenting restyling of the grille continued apace.
11. A giant sixth generation
1973 Ford F-Series pick-up
View of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky production line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series trucks were impressive for a number of reasons, but we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had originated the pick-up with additional seats, and Ford felt obliged to react. Yet one more V8 engine entered the picture as well. However America's favorite truck will be born.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 sits parked in front of a building and construction site
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 necessary? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves caught in between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and also the magnificent F-250. This version bridged the gap starting in 1975, and about one third of F-Series sales were comprised of F-150s that year. While America commemorated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series trucks started their run atop the sales checklist that continues to now.
13. The decisive 7th generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger sits parked atop a hill
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 design year|Ford
To place the seventh generation's impact in point of view, we resort to historian James W. Wagner. "The 1980 design was a development generation," Wagner claimed. "It was all new-- most likely the best change in 40 years-- and had a strong emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It appears from that factor on, points actually went Ford's means as far as vehicles were worried."
14. Personalized packages and fatality to F-100
F-150 from 1985 sits parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new concentrate on style and also-- much more notably-- way of living had gone into the picture|Ford
Starting in the very early 1980s, Ford vehicle customers might style their associate personalized paint packages. The brand-new focus on way of living triggered marketing images such as this one showcasing a household delighting in a day by the lake. These vehicles provided at the office and also were comfortable adequate to delight in after hours, Ford suggested using its marketing. Note the blue-oval emblem making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 manufacturing ended in 1983.
15. Enter eighth generation
Archival shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Beginning with the 1987 version year, Ford F-Series vehicles had entered their 8th generation. Wraparound vehicle parking lights and conventional gas injection were 2 vital upgrades. F-350 as well as larger versions became part of a brand-new Super Responsibility line. The recently streamlined grille took pleasure in a long run through the following generations.
16. New styling cues after 1991
A black 1991 Ford F-150
1991 Ford F-150 with 'Nite' plan|Ford
In the last years of the F-Series's 8th generation, truck enthusiasts obtained new efficiency and styling plans. Among ford f150 with raptor grill , the durable service bundle made the task for snow plows much easier. For 1991, the "Nite" plan delivered a blacked-out F-150 for consumers looking to stand out from the myriads of Ford vehicle proprietors.
17. The high-performance F-150
A red 1993 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
1993 SVT F-150 Lightning|Ford
As of 1992, when the ninth generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had actually enjoyed more than a years on top of America's sales graphes. Naturally, the automaker saw a chance to experiment as well as launched an efficiency version through the Special Automobile Group in its inaugural year. Using its phenomenal handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning could equate to or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.
18. Much more 9th generation adjustments
1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a mountain
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
On top of brand-new efficiency designs, the Ford F-Series additionally obtained significant aesthetic upgrades in its 9th generation Developers were wanting to interest yet another young generation of consumers. A special Eddie Bauer trim entered the picture in 1995.
19. F-Series marks its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 design year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Significant adjustments arrived with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that commenced in 1997. The nameplate celebrated its 50th wedding anniversary in 1998 and (to mark its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille and also added even more contours than these trucks had actually sported in decades. Heavy-duty vehicles obtained their own F-Series Super Obligation line starting in 1999.
20. F-Series for the 21st century
2004 Ford F-Series
2004 Ford F-Series makes its launching|Mike Heffner/Getty Images
The very first redesign of the brand-new millennium brought an all-new system for the F-150 (2004) as well as, lastly, for the Super Task trucks (2008 ). Designers had emphasized even better convenience and designing in the flagship pick-up for the 11th generation This version cycle had an extremely brief run, and ended at the start of the Great Recession.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pickup rests on the setting up flooring at the Kansas City Ford Setting up plant October 2, 2008 in Claycomo, Missouri.
2009 Ford F-150|Larry W. Smith/Getty Images
Wartime America seemed to exert its impact on the 12th generation of F-Series trucks. There was no doubt the intensity of the 2009 F-150 with its bold grille as well as hostile stance. Midway via the design cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted rising gas prices with the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Task expands in credibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Responsibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Responsibility|Ford
Toward completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Duty models veered near perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine became an option in 2011. A few years later, with numerous decades in guides and also millions of models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted more F-250 Super Obligation trucks over 200,000 miles than any other vehicle.
23. The light weight aluminum F-150
A red redesigned Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you think about severe automaker wagers, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After ford f 150 grille atop the sales graphes, Ford left behind steel for a light weight aluminum truck body-- and also it functioned. The new F-150 came to be the initial pick-up to get a luxury NHTSA safety score and an Insurance coverage Institute for Highway Security Top Security Choose classification. Now that the results remain in, we can say Ford nailed the redesign and only boosted the online reputation of its front runner truck.
24. The post-apocalyptic warrior
2017 Ford Raptor
2017 Ford Raptor|Micah Wright/Autos Cheat Sheet
If you find yourself stuck when traveling after an apocalypse, we suggest flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the idea of an efficiency pickup as well as kept up it right here, furnishing Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also significant indoor conveniences. Nonetheless, we'll merely mention the extremely enticing aesthetic hints. We can not think of a cooler-looking pickup when driving.
25. The 2018 edition
Ford F-150 for the 2018 version year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its very first Model T vehicle, the 2018 F-150 got in the scene. New progressed crash protection innovation as well as the F-150's ideal towing capacities were essential upgrades. Meanwhile, typical start-stop functions made it a lot more economical than any previous design. While we're not sure about the next century of truck manufacturing, Ford closed its very first 100 years on duty in style.
