H1The Incredible History of the Iconic Ford F150h1br
A red 1980 Ford F-150 Customized
While the Ford F-150's background formally began in 1975, earlier trucks laid the groundwork for America's favored car|Ford
You can discuss nearly anything worrying vehicles and trucks, but one point is difficult to argue: Ford F-150 is the indisputable heavyweight champion of American roadways. No car has actually been even more important or marketed even more versions considering that this pickup's debut in 1975. Since 2017, the F-150 as well as its durable counterparts covered the sales graphes for 35 straight years.
That's quite a run, and these vehicles beat the competitors in their segment for even longer (40 successive years). Yet the F-Series pick-ups didn't come out of nowhere throughout the 1970s. Ford introduced its legendary pickup way back in 1948, after World War II. Prior to the F-1 launching that year, the car manufacturer's vehicles were simply modified vehicles.
The 1948 design transformed that, as well as the F-Series proceeded its evolution into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and also sturdy designs sport one of the most advanced tech and indoor comfort that pickup trucks have ever before seen. It certainly really did not start this way. Right here are 25 snapshots of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the latest off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Model T truck
1925 Ford Version T vehicle
1925 Ford Design T truck|The Henry Ford
To find the beginnings of Ford trucks, we have to go completely back to the 1910s, when the car manufacturer converted the Model T right into a pick-up. As the picture reveals, this automobile was little bit more than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. However, also such a basic setup got products moving in the very early days of consumer transportation.
2. Greater energy in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pickup
By 1932, Ford trucks enhanced considerably in the energy department|Ford
While there was obvious allure for a Version T truck, Ford improved upon the principle with the Version An as well as Model B. The bed was longer and the weight distribution much better, so there was plenty of appeal for vehicle customers during the Anxiety, especially with the arrival of the truck's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster as well as had its share of limitations.
3. Signing up with the 1940s battle initiative
1941 Ford Express
Ford trucks became part of the battle effort after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck idea materialized by the late 1930s, and also by the time 1941 models showed up, there were several options for customers. Amongst the selections were brand-new V6 engines to accompany the V8 as well as four-cylinder options. Ford obtained both the grille designing and also the underlying platform from autos here, and introduced added vehicle plants by 1941 in case the United States got in the war. Customer manufacturing ended for several years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
Two males wearing cowboy hats lean on a red Ford F-1 truck as it rests parked in front of a house
Ford F-1 truck from its debut year|Ford
Adhering To World War II, Ford introduced its first all-new truck platform with eight various designs. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had plenty of choices. Engine options ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series vehicles began with a humble, practical look and greater practicality than its predecessors.
5. F-100 marks a new generation
A pale environment-friendly 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford commemorated its 50th wedding anniversary with the intro of 2nd generation F-Series models. The front grille transformed considerably (new engines also got here), but this redesign was extra considerable. A boosted V8 engine, longer measurements, far better visibility, as well as transmission were presented. So were hood ornaments and the language we acknowledge today: F-100 and also F-250 changed the 3 lightest pickups in the schedule.
6. Even more power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and combine drives with a field
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and incorporate|Ford
Updates for F-Series trucks continued throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windshield used boosted presence for chauffeurs, upgraded power specifications expanded their alternatives on the job site. Six cylinder engines maxed out at 115 steeds 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 horses, according to Edmunds.
7. F-Series 3rd generation.
A front-facing Ford F-100 from 1960
1960 Ford F-100|Ford
You can not aid gazing adjustment in the face when comparing the second and third generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille and also increase the variety of fronts lights greeted Ford vehicle customers beginning in 1960. 3 years earlier, the 1957 designs debuted the pickup's broader taxicab and also various other updates. Beginning in 1959, Ford started supplying 4x4 in factory versions.
8. 4th generation Ford vehicles.
1963 Ford F-250 rests parked on a rough terrain
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With 4x4 ability and also over 200 horsepower arriving by 1965, fourth generation Ford vehicles continued the march to the contemporary age. Super Duty trucks had actually made their debut in 1958, as well as this shot from 1963 is a check out the design year's Ford F-250. 2 headlights returned for those who operated by evening.
9. Launching of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Beginning with the F-Series's fifth generation, vehicle customers can pick from 3 trims: base, custom-made, and Ranger. Choosing the Ranger indicated carpeted floors, a typical chrome grille, and more comfy seats. By 1970, before fifth generation designs finished their run, a 4th trim (XLT) got in the picture.
10. Much more style and also functionality
1971 Ford F-250 sits parked in the grass
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Rules mandated side reflectors starting in 1968, and this sturdy design from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that into a badging chance. An upgraded V8 engine currently delivered up to 220 horsepower. Meanwhile, the unrelenting restyling of the grille continued apace.
11. A giant 6th 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 remarkable for a number of reasons, yet we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had spearheaded the pick-up with added seating, and Ford felt obliged to respond. Yet one more V8 engine entered the picture too. But America's favored truck will be birthed.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 rests parked before a building and construction site
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 essential? By the mid-1970s, consumers found themselves captured between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and the magnificent F-250. This version bridged the gap beginning in 1975, and about one third of F-Series sales were made up of F-150s that year. While America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series trucks began their run atop the sales listing that remains to this particular day.
13. The decisive 7th generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger rests parked atop a mountain
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 version year|Ford
To put the seventh generation's effect in viewpoint, we turn to historian James W. Wagner. "The 1980 model was a breakthrough generation," Wagner said. "It was all new-- most likely the greatest change in 40 years-- and also had a strong emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, points actually went Ford's method regarding trucks were concerned."
14. Customized plans and fatality to F-100
F-150 from 1985 sits parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new concentrate on design as well as-- a lot more notably-- way of living had actually gotten in the picture|Ford
Starting in the very early 1980s, Ford truck customers might design their trucks with customized paint plans. The brand-new concentrate on way of life motivated promotional photos such as this one showcasing a family members taking pleasure in a day by the lake. These vehicles provided at the office and fit enough to take pleasure in after hours, Ford recommended using its advertising. Note the blue-oval symbol making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 production finished in 1983.
15. Go into 8th generation
Archival shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Starting with the 1987 model year, Ford F-Series vehicles had entered their 8th generation. Wraparound car parking lights and typical fuel shot were two vital upgrades. F-350 and heavier models entered into a new Super Task line. The recently simplified grille appreciated a long run through the following generations.
16. New styling hints after 1991
A black 1991 Ford F-150
1991 Ford F-150 with 'Nite' bundle|Ford
In the final years of the F-Series's 8th generation, vehicle enthusiasts got brand-new efficiency and also designing plans. Among them, the heavy-duty solution package made the work for snow rakes easier. For 1991, the "Nite" plan delivered a blacked-out F-150 for customers wanting to stand out from the myriads of Ford truck owners.
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 9th generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had actually delighted in well over a decade on top of America's sales graphes. Normally, the automaker saw a possibility to experiment and also released an efficiency model via the Special Lorry Team in its inaugural year. Using its remarkable handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning can amount to or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.
18. More 9th generation adjustments
1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a hill
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
In addition to brand-new performance models, the Ford F-Series additionally obtained significant cosmetic upgrades in its 9th generation Designers were wanting to appeal to yet an additional young generation of consumers. ford f 150 grilles A special Eddie Bauer trim went into the picture in 1995.
19. F-Series marks its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 model year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Major changes gotten here with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that commenced in 1997. The nameplate commemorated its 50th anniversary in 1998 as well as (to note its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille as well as added even more curves than these vehicles had actually shown off in decades. Sturdy trucks got their own F-Series Super Obligation line beginning in 1999.
20. F-Series for the 21st century
2004 Ford F-Series
2004 Ford F-Series makes its debut|Mike Heffner/Getty Images
The very first redesign of the new millennium brought an all-new platform for the F-150 (2004) and also, finally, for the Super Task trucks (2008 ). Developers had actually emphasized even higher convenience as well as styling in the flagship pick-up for the 11th generation This version cycle had a very brief run, and also finished at the beginning of the Great Recession.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pick-up remains on the setting up floor at the Kansas City Ford Assembly plant October 2, 2008 in Claycomo, Missouri.
2009 Ford F-150|Larry W. Smith/Getty Images
Wartime America seemed to apply its influence on the 12th generation of F-Series vehicles. There was no doubt the intensity of the 2009 F-150 with its strong grille as well as aggressive stance. Midway via the model cycle (2011 ), Ford faced soaring fuel expenses with the initial 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Duty expands in credibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Responsibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty|Ford
Towards the end of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Duty models veered near to excellence. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel motor came to be an option in 2011. A few years later on, with numerous decades in guides as well as countless models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted extra F-250 Super Obligation trucks above 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 car manufacturer wagers, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After several years atop the sales charts, Ford left steel for a light weight aluminum vehicle body-- as well as it functioned. The brand-new F-150 became the first pick-up to get a five-star NHTSA safety ranking and an Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Safety And Security Top Security Select classification. Since the outcomes are in, we can say Ford toenailed the redesign and just enhanced the reputation of its flagship vehicle.
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 armageddon, we recommend flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the concept of a performance pick-up as well as ran with it below, gearing up Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque as well as considerable indoor comforts. Nonetheless, we'll simply explain the extremely appealing aesthetic hints. We can't consider a cooler-looking pick-up on the road.
25. The 2018 edition
Ford F-150 for the 2018 model year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its very first Version T truck, the 2018 F-150 went into the scene. New advanced collision security modern technology as well as the F-150's ideal towing capabilities were vital upgrades. On the other hand, conventional start-stop functions made it extra cost-effective than any previous model. While we're not sure concerning the following century of vehicle production, Ford closed its first 100 years on the job in style.
