While the Ford F-150's history formally started in 1975, earlier vehicles prepared for America's preferred automobile|Ford
You can dispute just about anything worrying autos and vehicles, however something is impossible to say: Ford F-150 is the undeniable heavyweight champ of American roads. No lorry has been more essential or sold even more versions because this pickup's launching in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 and also its sturdy counterparts covered the sales charts for 35 straight years.
That's fairly a run, and also these trucks beat the competition in their sector for also longer (40 consecutive years). However the F-Series pick-ups really did not appeared of no place during the 1970s. Ford released its famous pickup way back in 1948, after The second world war. Prior to the F-1 launching that year, the car manufacturer's trucks were just customized vehicles.
The 1948 model altered that, and also the F-Series continued its development into the 21st century. These days, the F-150 and also durable designs sporting activity the most advanced tech and also indoor convenience that pickup trucks have actually ever seen. It certainly didn't start that way. Below are 25 photos of Ford's F-Series pick-ups-- from the earliest days of its precursors to the latest off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Version T truck
1925 Ford Version T vehicle
1925 Ford Version T truck|The Henry Ford
To locate the origins of Ford trucks, we need to go all the way back to the 1910s, when the automaker transformed the Design T right into a pick-up. As the picture reveals, this car was bit greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nonetheless, even such a basic setup obtained products relocating the very early days of customer transport.
2. Greater energy in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pick-up
By 1932, Ford vehicles enhanced considerably in the utility department|Ford
While there was noticeable allure for a Version T truck, Ford improved upon the idea with the Design An and Model B. The bed was longer and the weight distribution better, so there was a lot of allure for truck buyers during the Anxiety, particularly with the arrival of the vehicle's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster as well as had its share of constraints.
3. Signing up with the 1940s war effort
1941 Ford Express
Ford trucks became part of the battle initiative after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck concept materialized by the late 1930s, as well as by the time 1941 versions appeared, there were numerous alternatives for customers. Amongst the options were new V6 engines to support the V8 and also four-cylinder options. Ford borrowed both the grille designing and also the underlying system from vehicles below, and introduced additional vehicle plants by 1941 in case the USA entered the war. Customer production finished for a number of years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
Two men using cowboy hats lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it sits parked before a home
Ford F-1 truck from its launching year|Ford
Following The Second World War, Ford released its initial all-new vehicle platform with eight different versions. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had lots of choices. Engine choices varied from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series vehicles started with a modest, practical appearance and better practicality than its predecessors.
5. F-100 marks a brand-new generation
A light eco-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.2017 ram 1500 black grill The front grille altered significantly (brand-new engines also arrived), however this redesign was a lot more substantial. An enhanced V8 engine, longer dimensions, better presence, as well as transmission were introduced. So were hood accessories and the language we acknowledge today: F-100 and F-250 replaced the three lightest pick-ups in the lineup.
6. Even more power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor as well as integrate drives through a field
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also integrate|Ford
Updates for F-Series vehicles proceeded throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windshield provided enhanced visibility for drivers, updated power specs expanded their options on the work site. 6 cylinder engines maxed out at 115 equines by 1954, while the V8 engine forged ahead to 130 horse power. Much more power came 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 not help gazing change in the face when comparing the second as well as 3rd generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille as well as increase the variety of fronts lights greeted Ford truck consumers starting in 1960. 3 years earlier, the 1957 models debuted the pickup's wider taxicab as well as various other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford started supplying four-wheel drive in factory models.
8. 4th generation Ford trucks.
1963 Ford F-250 rests parked on a rocky surface
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With four-wheel drive capacity and also over 200 horse power showing up by 1965, fourth generation Ford vehicles proceeded the march to the modern-day period. Super Duty vehicles had actually made their debut in 1958, as well as this shot from 1963 is a look at the model year's Ford F-250. 2 fronts lights returned for those that operated by night.
9. Debut of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Beginning with the F-Series's fifth generation, truck consumers might choose from 3 trims: base, custom, and Ranger. Selecting the Ranger indicated grassy floorings, a typical chrome grille, as well as a lot more comfy seats. By 1970, prior to 5th generation designs ended their run, a 4th trim (XLT) went into the picture.
10. Much more style as well as functionality
1971 Ford F-250 sits parked in the yard
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Regulations mandated side reflectors beginning in 1968, as well as this heavy-duty model from 1971 shows how Ford rolled that right into a badging opportunity. An updated V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horsepower. At the same time, the relentless restyling of the grille proceeded apace.
11. A powerhouse sixth generation
1973 Ford F-Series pickup
Sight of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky assembly line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series vehicles were amazing for a variety of factors, yet we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had spearheaded the pickup with added seats, and Ford felt required to react. Yet an additional V8 engine got in the picture also. 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 construction website
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 needed? By the mid-1970s, consumers found themselves captured between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 as well as the magnificent F-250. This design bridged the gap starting in 1975, and concerning one third of F-Series sales were made up of F-150s that year. While America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series trucks started 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 hill
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 version year|Ford
To place the 7th generation's effect in viewpoint, we resort to historian James W. Wagner. "The 1980 design was a breakthrough generation," Wagner claimed. "It was all new-- most likely the best adjustment in 40 years-- as well as had a solid sob story with the twin I-beam front suspension. It appears from that point on, things actually went Ford's method regarding vehicles were concerned."
14. Custom-made packages and death to F-100
F-150 from 1985 rests parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new concentrate on design and-- more notably-- lifestyle had actually gone into the picture|Ford
Starting in the very early 1980s, Ford vehicle customers might design their trucks with custom paint packages. The new focus on way of life prompted advertising photos like this one showcasing a household appreciating a day by the lake. These trucks supplied at the office and were comfortable adequate to take pleasure in after hrs, Ford suggested using its marketing. Note the blue-oval symbol making its opening night on the grille. F-100 manufacturing finished in 1983.
15. Go into eighth generation
Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Starting with the 1987 model year, Ford F-Series vehicles had actually entered their 8th generation. Wraparound auto parking lights as well as common gas shot were 2 key upgrades. F-350 as well as larger designs became part of a new Super Task line. The freshly simplified grille appreciated a long term via the following generations.
16. New styling hints after 1991
A black 1991 Ford F-150
1991 Ford F-150 with 'Nite' package|Ford
In the final years of the F-Series's eighth generation, truck fans obtained new efficiency and also designing bundles. Amongst them, the durable solution plan made the task for snow rakes much easier. For 1991, the "Nite" bundle provided a blacked-out F-150 for consumers looking to stick out from the myriads of Ford vehicle 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 nine generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had enjoyed well over a decade on top of America's sales graphes. Naturally, the car manufacturer saw an opportunity to experiment and released a performance model through the Special Car Group in its inaugural year. Utilizing its extraordinary handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning can equate to or beat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in lengthy track runs.
18. Much more nine generation modifications
1996 F-150 SuperCab sits parked atop a mountain
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
On top of new performance designs, the Ford F-Series additionally obtained significant cosmetic upgrades in its nine generation Developers were wanting to attract yet another young generation of customers. An unique Eddie Bauer trim entered the picture in 1995.
19. F-Series notes its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 design year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Significant changes gotten here with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that began in 1997. The nameplate celebrated its 50th wedding anniversary in 1998 and (to note its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille as well as included more contours than these vehicles had actually shown off in decades. Sturdy trucks obtained their own F-Series Super Duty 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 new millennium brought an all-new system for the F-150 (2004) as well as, lastly, for the Super Responsibility vehicles (2008 ). Designers had actually stressed also higher comfort as well as designing in the flagship pickup for the 11th generation This model cycle had a very brief run, and finished at the start of the Great Economic downturn.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pickup remains on the assembly floor at the Kansas City Ford Assembly plant October 2, 2008 in Claycomo, Missouri.
2009 Ford F-150|Larry W. Smith/Getty Images
War time America appeared to exert its impact 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 aggressive stance. Midway with the version cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted soaring gas costs with the initial 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Task grows in reputation
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 Responsibility models drifted close to perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel motor came to be an option in 2011. A few years later, with several years in guides and also numerous models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted extra F-250 Super Responsibility trucks over 200,000 miles than any other automobile.
23. The aluminum F-150
A red revamped 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 a number of years atop the sales graphes, Ford left behind steel for an aluminum truck body-- and it functioned. The brand-new F-150 came to be the first pickup to receive a first-class NHTSA security rating as well as an Insurance policy Institute for Highway Safety Top Security Choose classification. Now that the outcomes are in, we can claim Ford nailed the redesign as well as just enhanced the credibility of its flagship truck.
24. The post-apocalyptic warrior
2017 Ford Raptor
2017 Ford Raptor|Micah Wright/Autos Cheat Sheet
If you find yourself stuck on the road after an apocalypse, we suggest flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the concept of a performance pickup and kept up it here, outfitting Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also significant indoor conveniences. Nevertheless, we'll merely point out the extremely enticing aesthetic cues. We can not think of a cooler-looking pickup 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 Design T truck, the 2018 F-150 went into the scene. New progressed collision security modern technology as well as the F-150's ideal towing capabilities were crucial upgrades. Meanwhile, conventional start-stop attributes made it more economical than any type of previous model. While we're not sure regarding the next century of truck production, Ford closed its initial 100 years at work in vogue.
