While the Ford F-150's history formally started in 1975, earlier trucks laid the groundwork for America's favored vehicle|Ford
You can question just about anything concerning cars and vehicles, yet one thing is impossible to suggest: Ford F-150 is the indisputable heavyweight champion of American roadways. No automobile has been even more vital or sold more models given that this pick-up's launching in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 and also its heavy-duty equivalents covered the sales graphes for 35 straight years.
That's quite a run, as well as these trucks defeated the competitors in their sector for also longer (40 successive years). However the F-Series pickups didn't appeared of nowhere during the 1970s. Ford released its renowned pick-up way back in 1948, after The second world war. Before the F-1 debut that year, the automaker's trucks were merely customized cars and trucks.
The 1948 design transformed that, and also the F-Series proceeded its advancement into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and sturdy designs sport the most sophisticated tech as well as interior comfort that pickup have actually ever before seen. It absolutely didn't begin in this way. Right here are 25 pictures of Ford's F-Series pick-ups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the latest off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Design T vehicle
1925 Ford Version T truck
1925 Ford Version T truck|The Henry Ford
To find the beginnings of Ford trucks, we have to go right back to the 1910s, when the car manufacturer transformed the Model T into a pickup. As the picture shows, this vehicle was little greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nevertheless, even such a fundamental arrangement obtained items relocating the very early days of customer transport.
2. Greater energy in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pickup
By 1932, Ford trucks enhanced substantially in the energy division|Ford
While there was obvious allure for a Version T vehicle, Ford surpassed the idea with the Design An and also Design B. The bed was longer as well as the weight circulation much better, so there was plenty of appeal for vehicle customers during the Depression, especially with the arrival of the truck's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster and had its share of constraints.
3. Joining the 1940s war initiative
1941 Ford Express
Ford vehicles entered into the war effort after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed vehicle principle materialized by the late 1930s, and also by the time 1941 designs showed up, there were numerous choices for customers. Among the selections were new V6 engines to go along with the V8 and also four-cylinder options. Ford borrowed both the grille styling and the underlying platform from autos below, and also introduced added truck plants by 1941 in case the United States entered the war. Customer production ended for numerous years after the Pearl Harbor invasion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
2 males putting on stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it sits parked before a residence
Ford F-1 truck from its launching year|Ford
Complying With World War II, Ford released its first brand new vehicle platform with 8 different models. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, customers had a lot of choices. Engine options ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks started with a simple, utilitarian look as well as greater functionality than its predecessors.
5. F-100 marks a brand-new generation
A pale eco-friendly 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford celebrated its 50th anniversary with the introduction of 2nd generation F-Series designs. The front grille transformed significantly (brand-new engines likewise got here), yet this redesign was extra comprehensive. An enhanced V8 engine, longer measurements, far better presence, and also automatic transmission were presented. So were hood ornaments as well as the classification we recognize today: F-100 and also F-250 changed the 3 lightest pick-ups in the lineup.
6. Even more power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor as well as combine drives through an area
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and combine|Ford
Updates for F-Series trucks proceeded throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windshield provided boosted presence for motorists, updated power specs broadened 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. Even more power came over the 1956 design 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 help gazing adjustment in the face when contrasting the 2nd and also third generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille as well as double the number of fronts lights greeted Ford truck consumers beginning in 1960. 3 years previously, the 1957 versions debuted the pick-up's bigger cab and other updates. Beginning in 1959, Ford started using four-wheel drive in manufacturing facility designs.
8. 4th generation Ford trucks.
1963 Ford F-250 rests parked on a rocky surface
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With 4x4 capability and over 200 horsepower showing up by 1965, 4th generation Ford trucks continued the march to the modern age. Super Task trucks had actually made their debut in 1958, and also this shot from 1963 is a look at the version year's Ford F-250. Two fronts lights returned for those who ran by evening.
9. Debut of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Beginning with the F-Series's 5th generation, vehicle consumers might select from 3 trims: base, personalized, and Ranger. Opting for the Ranger suggested carpet floors, a typical chrome grille, as well as a lot more comfortable seats. By 1970, before 5th generation designs finished their run, a fourth trim (XLT) got in the picture.
10. Much more design and functionality
1971 Ford F-250 rests parked in the grass
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Rules mandated side reflectors beginning in 1968, and also this sturdy version from 1971 shows how Ford rolled that right into a badging chance. An updated V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horsepower. Meanwhile, the unrelenting restyling of the grille continued apace.
11. A powerhouse 6th generation
1973 Ford F-Series pick-up
Sight of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky production line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series vehicles were impressive for a number of reasons, however we'll start with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had pioneered the pickup with additional seats, as well as Ford really felt obliged to respond. Yet another V8 engine entered the picture too. But America's favored vehicle was about to be born.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 sits parked in front of a building site
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 essential? By the mid-1970s, consumers found themselves caught between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and the magnificent F-250. This model bridged the gap starting in 1975, and concerning one third of F-Series sales were made up of F-150s that year. While America commemorated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series trucks started their run atop the sales list that remains to this particular day. 2018 ram 1500 sport grill for sale
13. The decisive 7th generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger sits parked atop a hill
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 version year|Ford
To place the 7th generation's influence in viewpoint, we resort to historian James W. Wagner. "The 1980 version was a breakthrough generation," Wagner said. "It was all brand-new-- most likely the greatest modification in 40 years-- and also had a strong sob story with the twin I-beam front suspension. It appears from that point on, points really went Ford's means as for vehicles were concerned."
14. Personalized plans as well as death to F-100
F-150 from 1985 sits parked before a lake
By 1985, a new focus on design and also-- extra importantly-- way of living had actually gotten in the picture|Ford
Beginning in the early 1980s, Ford truck consumers can style their associate customized paint packages. The new concentrate on way of living triggered marketing images such as this one showcasing a family members enjoying a day by the lake. These trucks delivered at the workplace and also were comfortable enough to delight in after hours, Ford suggested by means of its marketing. Keep in mind the blue-oval emblem making its opening night on the grille. F-100 manufacturing ended in 1983.
15. Go into eighth generation
Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Starting with the 1987 version year, Ford F-Series trucks had actually entered their 8th generation. Wraparound auto parking lights and also common gas injection were two key upgrades. F-350 and also much heavier versions entered into a brand-new Super Obligation line. The freshly simplified grille delighted in a long term through 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 last years of the F-Series's eighth generation, vehicle enthusiasts obtained brand-new performance and also styling plans. Among them, the sturdy service plan made the work for snow plows simpler. For 1991, the "Nite" bundle provided a blacked-out F-150 for consumers wanting to attract attention 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
As of 1992, when the nine generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had delighted in well over a decade at the top of America's sales graphes. Normally, the car manufacturer saw an opportunity to experiment as well as released a performance design with the Special Vehicle Team in its inaugural year. Using its exceptional handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning can equal or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.
18. Much more ninth generation changes
1996 F-150 SuperCab sits parked atop a hill
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
In addition to brand-new efficiency versions, the Ford F-Series additionally obtained significant aesthetic upgrades in its nine generation Designers were wanting to attract yet one more young generation of customers. A special Eddie Bauer trim got in the picture in 1995.
19. F-Series marks its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 design year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Major modifications shown up with the 10th generation of F-Series trucks that commenced in 1997. The nameplate celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1998 as well as (to note its modernity) Ford dropped chrome from the grille as well as added more contours than these vehicles had shown off in years. Durable trucks obtained their own F-Series Super Responsibility 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 a brand new system for the F-150 (2004) and, ultimately, for the Super Obligation trucks (2008 ). Developers had actually stressed even better convenience as well as designing in the flagship pickup for the 11th generation This version cycle had a really short run, as well as finished at the beginning of the Great Economic downturn.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pick-up sits on the setting up floor at the Kansas City Ford Setting up 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 trucks. There was no doubt the intensity of the 2009 F-150 with its vibrant grille and also aggressive stance. Midway via the version cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted soaring fuel costs with the very first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Task grows in online reputation
2012 Ford F-Series Super Task
2012 Ford F-Series Super Obligation|Ford
Towards completion of the 12th generation of F-Series vehicles, Ford Super Obligation models diverted near perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine ended up being an option in 2011. A couple of years later, with a number of decades in the books and also countless models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted much more F-250 Super Obligation trucks over 200,000 miles than any other car.
23. The aluminum F-150
A red redesigned Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you consider serious automaker gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the first. After a number of years atop the sales charts, Ford left behind steel for an aluminum truck body-- and also it worked. The brand-new F-150 came to be the first pick-up to obtain a first-class NHTSA safety score and also an Insurance policy Institute for Highway Security Top Safety Select designation. Since the outcomes are in, we can claim Ford toenailed the redesign and also only enhanced the 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 a performance pick-up and ran with it here, equipping Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also substantial indoor conveniences. However, we'll just point out the very appealing aesthetic cues. We can't think about a cooler-looking pick-up when traveling.
25. The 2018 version
Ford F-150 for the 2018 model 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 collision security modern technology and the F-150's ideal towing capabilities were key upgrades. At the same time, conventional start-stop features made it more cost-effective than any kind of previous version. While we're uncertain concerning the next century of vehicle production, Ford shut its initial 100 years on the job in vogue.
