While the Ford F-150's history formally began in 1975, earlier trucks laid the groundwork for America's favored car|Ford
You can discuss almost anything concerning autos and also trucks, however one thing is difficult to argue: Ford F-150 is the undisputed heavyweight champ of American roadways. No car has actually been even more essential or offered more models considering that this pick-up's launching in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 as well as its sturdy equivalents covered the sales graphes for 35 straight years.
That's fairly a run, and these trucks defeated the competition in their sector for also longer (40 consecutive years). However the F-Series pickups didn't appeared of nowhere during the 1970s. Ford launched its famous pick-up back in 1948, following The second world war. Before the F-1 debut that year, the automaker's vehicles were merely changed cars.
The 1948 design transformed that, and also the F-Series continued its advancement into the 21st century. These days, the F-150 and also durable versions sport the most advanced technology and interior comfort that pickup trucks have actually ever before seen. It absolutely didn't begin by doing this. Right here are 25 photos of Ford's F-Series pick-ups-- from the earliest days of its precursors to the most recent off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Model T vehicle
1925 Ford Version T truck
1925 Ford Design T truck|The Henry Ford
To locate the beginnings of Ford vehicles, we have to go completely back to the 1910s, when the automaker transformed the Version T right into a pickup. As the picture reveals, this vehicle was bit more than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nonetheless, also such a fundamental arrangement obtained products moving in the very early days of consumer transportation.
2. Greater utility in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pick-up
By 1932, Ford vehicles enhanced considerably in the utility department|Ford
While there was obvious allure for a Design T vehicle, Ford surpassed the idea with the Version An and Model B. The bed was longer and the weight circulation much better, so there was a lot of charm for vehicle buyers during the Clinical depression, especially with the arrival of the vehicle's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster and also had its share of constraints.
3. Signing up with the 1940s battle initiative
1941 Ford Express
Ford trucks entered into the battle effort after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed vehicle principle materialized by the late 1930s, as well as by the time 1941 designs showed up, there were numerous choices for consumers. Among the choices were brand-new V6 engines to accompany the V8 as well as four-cylinder alternatives. Ford borrowed both the grille designing and also the underlying platform from cars right here, as well as released extra vehicle plants by 1941 in case the United States went into the battle. Consumer manufacturing finished for a number of years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
2 guys wearing stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it sits parked before a home
Ford F-1 vehicle from its debut year|Ford
Following World War II, Ford launched its very first brand new truck system with 8 different designs. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had lots of options. Engine options ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks began with a humble, practical appearance and greater usefulness than its precursors.
5. F-100 marks a new generation
A light environment-friendly 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford celebrated its 50th wedding anniversary with the intro of 2nd generation F-Series models. The front grille altered significantly (brand-new engines additionally got here), but this redesign was more considerable. An enhanced V8 engine, longer dimensions, far better presence, as well as automatic transmission were presented. So were hood accessories and the classification we identify today: F-100 and also F-250 changed the three lightest pickups in the lineup.
6. Even more power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor as well as combine drives with an area
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor as well as combine|Ford
Updates for F-Series vehicles proceeded throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windscreen used boosted visibility for drivers, upgraded power specs broadened their options on the job site. Six cylinder engines maxed out at 115 horses by 1954, while the V8 engine forged ahead to 130 horsepower. Much more power visited the 1956 design 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 assist staring adjustment in the face when comparing the second and also third generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille as well as double the number of headlights welcomed Ford truck consumers starting in 1960. Three years earlier, the 1957 designs debuted the pick-up's wider taxi and various other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford began offering 4x4 in factory versions.
8. 4th generation Ford vehicles.
1963 Ford F-250 sits parked on a rocky surface
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With 4x4 ability and over 200 horsepower arriving by 1965, fourth generation Ford vehicles proceeded the march to the contemporary period. Super Obligation trucks had actually made their debut in 1958, and this shot from 1963 is a check out the model year's Ford F-250. Two fronts lights returned for those who ran by evening. 2021 ford explorer black grill
9. Launching of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Starting with the F-Series's fifth generation, truck consumers might choose from 3 trims: base, custom, and Ranger. Choosing the Ranger implied carpeted floors, a conventional chrome grille, and a lot more comfortable seats. By 1970, prior to fifth generation versions finished their run, a fourth trim (XLT) went into the picture.
10. More style and also functionality
1971 Ford F-250 rests parked in the grass
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Rules mandated side reflectors beginning in 1968, and this sturdy model from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that right into a badging chance. An upgraded V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horse power. Meanwhile, the unrelenting restyling of the grille continued apace.
11. A giant 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 trucks were impressive for a number of reasons, however we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had originated the pick-up with added seating, and Ford felt required to react. Yet an additional V8 engine got in the picture as well. However America's preferred truck was about to be birthed.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 rests parked in front of a building and construction website
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 required? By the mid-1970s, consumers found themselves caught between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and the mighty F-250. This design bridged the gap starting in 1975, as well as 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 began their run atop the sales list that remains to this particular day.
13. The definitive seventh 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 rely on chronicler James W. Wagner. "The 1980 model was an advancement generation," Wagner claimed. "It was all new-- possibly the best adjustment in 40 years-- as well as had a solid emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It appears from that factor on, things truly went Ford's way regarding trucks were worried."
14. Custom-made bundles as well as death to F-100
F-150 from 1985 sits parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new concentrate on style as well as-- much more notably-- way of life had gone into the picture|Ford
Starting in the early 1980s, Ford truck consumers can design their trucks with custom paint plans. The brand-new concentrate on way of living prompted marketing photos like this one showcasing a household enjoying a day by the lake. These trucks supplied at work and were comfortable sufficient to delight in after hours, Ford recommended via its marketing. Keep in mind the blue-oval symbol making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 manufacturing finished in 1983.
15. Go into 8th generation
Archival shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Beginning with the 1987 model year, Ford F-Series trucks had entered their eighth generation. Wraparound auto parking lights and also basic gas shot were 2 crucial upgrades. F-350 and larger designs became part of a brand-new Super Duty line. The newly simplified grille delighted in a future with the adhering to 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 eighth generation, truck enthusiasts got new efficiency and designing packages. Amongst them, the sturdy service plan made the task for snow rakes easier. For 1991, the "Nite" plan supplied a blacked-out F-150 for consumers aiming to stand apart 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
Since 1992, when the ninth generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had enjoyed well over a years on top of America's sales graphes. Normally, the car manufacturer saw a chance to experiment as well as launched an efficiency design through the Unique Automobile Team in its inaugural year. Using its phenomenal handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning can amount to or beat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.
18. Much more nine generation adjustments
1996 F-150 SuperCab sits parked atop a hill
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
In addition to brand-new performance designs, the Ford F-Series additionally got major cosmetic upgrades in its ninth generation Developers were seeking to appeal to yet an additional young generation of customers. A special Eddie Bauer trim entered the picture in 1995.
19. F-Series marks its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 version year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Major adjustments shown up with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that commenced in 1997. The nameplate commemorated its 50th anniversary in 1998 and (to note its modernity) Ford dropped chrome from the grille and added more curves than these vehicles had actually sported in decades. Durable trucks got 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 debut|Mike Heffner/Getty Images
The initial redesign of the brand-new millennium brought a brand new platform for the F-150 (2004) and, ultimately, for the Super Obligation vehicles (2008 ). Developers had actually emphasized also higher comfort and also designing in the front runner pick-up for the 11th generation This version cycle had an extremely brief run, and ended at the start of the Great Economic crisis.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pickup remains on the assembly 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 impact on the 12th generation of F-Series trucks. There was no questioning the intensity of the 2009 F-150 with its vibrant grille as well as hostile position. Midway through the design cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted soaring gas costs with the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Obligation grows in credibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Task
2012 Ford F-Series Super Obligation|Ford
Toward completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Duty versions diverted near perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine came to be an alternative in 2011. A couple of years later on, with several decades in guides as well as countless models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted much more F-250 Super Obligation trucks over 200,000 miles than any other lorry.
23. The light weight aluminum F-150
A red upgraded Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you think of significant automaker wagers, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After several years atop the sales graphes, Ford left steel for an aluminum vehicle body-- as well as it functioned. The new F-150 became the very first pickup to get a first-class NHTSA safety ranking as well as an Insurance Institute for Freeway Security Top Safety Pick classification. Now that the outcomes are in, we can claim Ford nailed the redesign as well as only improved the online reputation 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 armageddon, we suggest flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the principle of an efficiency pickup as well as kept up it here, furnishing Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque as well as substantial indoor comforts. However, we'll merely point out the very attractive visual signs. We can not consider a cooler-looking pickup on the road.
25. The 2018 version
Ford F-150 for the 2018 version year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its first Version T truck, the 2018 F-150 went into the scene. New advanced accident defense innovation as well as the F-150's best towing capacities were crucial upgrades. On the other hand, common start-stop functions made it extra affordable than any previous design. While we're unsure regarding the following century of vehicle production, Ford closed its very first 100 years on the job stylishly.
