<h1>The Impressive History of the Iconic Ford F-150</h1><br>


A red 1980 Ford F-150 Custom

While the Ford F-150's history officially began in 1975, earlier trucks laid the groundwork for America's favored car|Ford

You can debate practically anything concerning automobiles as well as trucks, but something is impossible to argue: Ford F-150 is the indisputable heavyweight champion of American roads. No vehicle has actually been even more important or sold even more designs considering that this pick-up's launching in 1975. Since 2017, the F-150 and also its durable equivalents topped the sales graphes for 35 straight years.



That's quite a run, and also these vehicles beat the competition in their segment for even longer (40 consecutive years). However the F-Series pickups really did not appeared of nowhere throughout the 1970s. Ford released its renowned pickup back in 1948, after The second world war. Prior to the F-1 debut that year, the automaker's trucks were simply modified cars and trucks.



The 1948 design changed that, and the F-Series proceeded its evolution into the 21st century. These days, the F-150 and also durable designs sporting activity the most sophisticated tech and indoor comfort that pickup have actually ever before seen. It absolutely didn't start this way. Here are 25 photos of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its precursors to the latest off-road conqueror.



1. Ford Version T vehicle

1925 Ford Version T truck

1925 Ford Design T vehicle|The Henry Ford

To locate the beginnings of Ford trucks, we need to go right back to the 1910s, when the automaker converted the Design T right into a pick-up. As the picture reveals, this vehicle was little greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nonetheless, even such a basic arrangement obtained items moving in the very early days of customer transport.



2.2015 dodge ram grille Greater utility in the 1930s

1932 Ford Roadster pick-up

By 1932, Ford trucks enhanced substantially in the utility division|Ford

While there was noticeable allure for a Design T truck, Ford improved upon the concept with the Model An and Model B. The bed was longer and the weight distribution better, so there was lots of appeal for truck purchasers throughout the Anxiety, particularly with the arrival of the truck'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 trucks entered into the battle effort after 1941|Ford

The hardtop, long-bed vehicle idea materialized by the late 1930s, and by the time 1941 designs showed up, there were several options for customers. Amongst the options were new V6 engines to accompany the V8 and four-cylinder options. Ford obtained both the grille styling and the underlying platform from cars and trucks below, as well as launched added vehicle plants by 1941 in case the USA entered the war. Consumer production ended for several years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.



4. Birth of the F-Series

Two guys putting on stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it sits parked in front of a residence

Ford F-1 vehicle from its launching year|Ford

Complying With World War II, Ford released its initial brand new truck system with 8 different versions. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had plenty of options. Engine choices varied from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series vehicles began with a humble, utilitarian appearance as well as better practicality than its precursors.



5. F-100 marks a brand-new generation

A pale green 1953 Ford F-100

1953 Ford F-100|Ford

In 1953, Ford commemorated its 50th wedding anniversary with the introduction of 2nd generation F-Series versions. The front grille altered substantially (brand-new engines also arrived), however this redesign was extra considerable. An enhanced V8 engine, longer dimensions, better visibility, as well as transmission were introduced. So were hood ornaments and also the language we recognize today: F-100 as well as F-250 replaced the 3 lightest pickups in the schedule.



6. More power for 1954

A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor as well as incorporate 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 visibility for motorists, upgraded power specs broadened their options on the work site. 6 cyndrical tube engines maxed out at 115 steeds by 1954, while the V8 engine forged ahead to 130 horsepower. Even more power dropped by the 1956 version year, with the F-Series V8 engine delivering up to 173 steeds, according to Edmunds.



7. F-Series third generation.

A front-facing Ford F-100 from 1960

1960 Ford F-100|Ford

You can't help looking change in the face when contrasting the 2nd and 3rd generations of F-Series trucks A square grille and also increase the variety of headlights greeted Ford truck consumers starting in 1960. Three years earlier, the 1957 designs debuted the pick-up's broader taxi as well as various other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford started providing 4x4 in factory designs.



8. 4th generation Ford trucks.

1963 Ford F-250 sits parked on a rough terrain

1963 Ford F-250|Ford

With 4x4 capability as well as over 200 horse power arriving by 1965, 4th generation Ford trucks proceeded the march to the contemporary age. Super Obligation trucks had made their debut in 1958, and also this shot from 1963 is a take a look at the design year's Ford F-250. 2 fronts lights returned for those who 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 can choose from 3 trims: base, customized, as well as Ranger. Opting for the Ranger indicated carpet floorings, a standard chrome grille, as well as much more comfortable seats. By 1970, before fifth generation models finished their run, a 4th trim (XLT) went into the picture.



10. Extra design and also functionality

1971 Ford F-250 sits parked in the lawn

1971 Ford F-250|Ford

Laws mandated side reflectors beginning in 1968, as well as this durable model from 1971 shows how Ford rolled that into a badging opportunity. An updated V8 engine currently delivered up to 220 horsepower. On the other hand, the ruthless restyling of the grille proceeded apace.



11. A giant sixth generation

1973 Ford F-Series pick-up

Sight of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky assembly line, circa 1973|Ford

Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series trucks were exceptional for a variety of factors, however we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had pioneered the pick-up with additional seats, and also Ford really felt obliged to respond. Yet another V8 engine got in the picture too. Yet America's favored truck was about to be birthed.



12. Birth of the Ford F-150

A red 1975 Ford F-150 sits parked before a building site

1975 Ford F-150|Ford

Why was the F-150 necessary? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves caught between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and also the mighty F-250. This version bridged the gap beginning in 1975, as well as concerning one third of F-Series sales were made up of F-150s that year. While America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series vehicles started their run atop the sales listing that continues to today.



13. The crucial seventh generation

1980 Ford F-150 Ranger rests parked atop a hill

F-150 Ranger from the 1980 version year|Ford

To put the seventh generation's impact in point of view, we count on chronicler James W. Wagner. "The 1980 design was an innovation generation," Wagner stated. "It was all brand-new-- possibly the greatest modification in 40 years-- and also had a solid sob story with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, points truly went Ford's way as far as trucks were concerned."



14. Custom-made plans and fatality to F-100

F-150 from 1985 sits parked in front of a lake

By 1985, a new focus on style and also-- a lot more importantly-- way of life had gotten in the picture|Ford

Starting in the early 1980s, Ford truck customers could style their associate customized paint packages. The new concentrate on lifestyle triggered advertising images similar to this one showcasing a family taking pleasure in a day by the lake. These trucks supplied at the office as well as were comfortable enough to enjoy after hours, Ford suggested by means of its advertising. Note the blue-oval emblem making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 production finished in 1983.



15. Go into 8th generation

Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150

1989 Ford F-150|Ford

Starting with the 1987 version year, Ford F-Series trucks had entered their eighth generation. Wraparound car parking lights and conventional fuel shot were 2 vital upgrades. F-350 and much heavier designs entered into a brand-new Super Duty line. The recently simplified grille delighted in a future through the following generations.



16. New styling cues 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 lovers obtained new efficiency as well as styling packages. Amongst them, the sturdy service package made the task for snow rakes simpler. For 1991, the "Nite" plan delivered a blacked-out F-150 for consumers looking to stand apart from the legions of Ford vehicle owners.



17. The high-performance F-150

A red 1993 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning

1993 SVT F-150 Lightning|Ford

Since 1992, when the 9th generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had actually appreciated more than a years at the top of America's sales graphes. Naturally, the car manufacturer saw an opportunity to experiment and also released a performance model via the Special Car Team in its inaugural year. Utilizing its outstanding handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning might amount to or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.



18. A lot more ninth generation modifications

1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a mountain

1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford

In addition to brand-new performance designs, the Ford F-Series likewise obtained major aesthetic upgrades in its ninth generation Designers were wanting to appeal to yet one more young generation of customers. 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

Significant changes gotten here with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that commenced in 1997. The nameplate celebrated its 50th wedding anniversary in 1998 and also (to mark its modernity) Ford dropped chrome from the grille and also included more curves than these trucks had shown off in years. Heavy-duty trucks got their own F-Series Super Task line beginning 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 initial redesign of the brand-new millennium brought an all-new platform for the F-150 (2004) and, finally, for the Super Responsibility vehicles (2008 ). Designers had actually emphasized also greater comfort and designing in the flagship pick-up for the 11th generation This design cycle had a really brief run, as well as ended at the beginning of the Great Recession.



21. A brawnier 12th generation.

A F-150 pick-up remains on the setting up flooring 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 bold grille and also hostile stance. Midway with the design cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted rising gas expenses with the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.



22. Super Duty expands in track record

2012 Ford F-Series Super Task

2012 Ford F-Series Super Task|Ford

Towards completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Obligation designs veered near excellence. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel motor came to be a choice in 2011. A few years later, with numerous decades in guides as well as millions of models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted much more F-250 Super Task vehicles over 200,000 miles than any other automobile.



23. The light weight aluminum F-150

A red upgraded Ford F-150

Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford

If you think about significant car manufacturer gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After a number of decades atop the sales charts, Ford left steel for an aluminum vehicle body-- and also it functioned. The new F-150 came to be the first pickup to obtain a first-class NHTSA security ranking as well as an Insurance Institute for Highway Security Top Security Select designation. Now that the outcomes are in, we can state Ford toenailed the redesign and just boosted the track record of its front runner vehicle.



24. The post-apocalyptic warrior

2017 Ford Raptor

2017 Ford Raptor|Micah Wright/Autos Cheat Sheet



If you find yourself stuck when driving after an armageddon, we suggest flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the idea of an efficiency pickup and kept up it below, gearing up Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also substantial indoor conveniences. Nonetheless, we'll just point out the very appealing visual hints. We can not consider a cooler-looking pickup on the road.



25. The 2018 edition

Ford F-150 for the 2018 version year

2018 Ford F-150|Ford

One century after Ford debuted its first Design T truck, the 2018 F-150 entered the scene. New progressed collision security modern technology and also the F-150's best towing capacities were vital upgrades. On the other hand, typical start-stop attributes made it a lot more affordable than any kind of previous design. While we're not exactly sure concerning the following century of truck production, Ford shut its very first 100 years on duty in style.
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