While the Ford F-150's history formally started in 1975, earlier vehicles laid the groundwork for America's preferred vehicle|Ford
You can discuss practically anything worrying automobiles and also trucks, yet one point is difficult to suggest: Ford F-150 is the indisputable heavyweight champ of American roadways. No lorry has actually been even more vital or sold more designs since this pick-up's debut in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 as well as its sturdy counterparts covered the sales graphes for 35 straight years.
That's fairly a run, and also these trucks beat the competitors in their segment for even longer (40 successive years). But the F-Series pickups really did not appeared of nowhere throughout the 1970s. Ford introduced its famous pick-up way back in 1948, following World War II. Prior to the F-1 launching that year, the automaker's vehicles were merely customized cars.
The 1948 model transformed that, and also the F-Series continued its advancement into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and durable versions sport the most innovative tech and indoor comfort that pickup trucks have actually ever seen. It definitely didn't start this way. Right here are 25 snapshots of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the most up to date off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Version T truck
1925 Ford Design T truck
1925 Ford Model T vehicle|The Henry Ford
To locate the origins of Ford trucks, we have to go all the way back to the 1910s, when the car manufacturer transformed the Version T into a pick-up. As the picture reveals, this vehicle was bit greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nevertheless, also such a basic arrangement got items moving in the very early days of consumer transport.
2. Greater utility in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pick-up
By 1932, Ford trucks boosted considerably in the energy division|Ford
While there was evident charm for a Version T vehicle, Ford surpassed the principle with the Design An and also Model B. The bed was longer and the weight distribution better, so there was a lot of charm for truck buyers during the Clinical depression, particularly with the arrival of the vehicle's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster as well as had its share of limitations.
3. Joining the 1940s war initiative
1941 Ford Express
Ford trucks became part of the war initiative after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck principle took form by the late 1930s, as well as by the time 1941 models appeared, there were numerous options for customers. Amongst the selections were brand-new V6 engines to accompany the V8 and four-cylinder alternatives. Ford borrowed both the grille designing as well as the underlying system from cars and trucks below, and introduced additional truck plants by 1941 in case the United States got in the war. Customer production finished for a number of years after the Pearl Harbor invasion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
Two guys wearing cowboy hats lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it sits 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 vehicle platform with eight various versions. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had a lot of choices. Engine choices ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series vehicles began with a modest, utilitarian appearance as well as better practicality than its predecessors.
5. F-100 marks a brand-new generation
A light environment-friendly 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford commemorated its 50th anniversary with the intro of second generation F-Series versions. The front grille altered substantially (new engines likewise got here), but this redesign was much more substantial. An improved V8 engine, longer dimensions, much better visibility, and transmission were presented. So were hood ornaments and the classification we recognize today: F-100 and also F-250 changed the 3 lightest pickups in the lineup.
6. More power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also combine drives via a field
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and incorporate|Ford
Updates for F-Series trucks proceeded throughout the second generation While the wraparound windscreen supplied enhanced exposure for drivers, upgraded power specifications expanded their alternatives 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 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 not aid staring adjustment in the face when contrasting the 2nd and also 3rd generations of F-Series trucks A square grille and also increase the number of fronts lights greeted Ford truck customers beginning in 1960. 3 years earlier, the 1957 designs debuted the pickup's bigger cab and various other updates. Beginning in 1959, Ford started using four-wheel drive in manufacturing facility models.
8. Fourth generation Ford trucks.
1963 Ford F-250 sits parked on a rocky surface
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With four-wheel drive capability and also over 200 horse power showing up by 1965, fourth generation Ford trucks continued the march to the modern-day age. Super Duty trucks had actually made their launching in 1958, as well as this shot from 1963 is a consider the model year's Ford F-250. Two fronts lights returned for those that operated by evening.
9. Launching of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Starting with the F-Series's 5th generation, truck customers can pick from three trims: base, customized, and Ranger. Choosing the Ranger indicated carpeted floorings, a standard chrome grille, and much more comfy seats. By 1970, before fifth generation designs ended their run, a fourth trim (XLT) went into the picture.
10. Much more design as well as capability
1971 Ford F-250 rests parked in the turf
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Laws mandated side reflectors starting in 1968, and also this heavy-duty model from 1971 shows how Ford rolled that right into a badging possibility. An upgraded V8 engine currently delivered up to 220 horsepower. At the same time, the relentless restyling of the grille continued apace.
11. A giant sixth generation
1973 Ford F-Series pick-up
View of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky assembly line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series vehicles were remarkable for a variety of reasons, yet we'll start with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had originated the pick-up with additional seating, as well as Ford felt required to react. Yet one more V8 engine went into the picture also. Yet America's favorite vehicle was about to be born.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 rests parked before a building site
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 necessary? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves captured between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and also the magnificent F-250. This version bridged the gap starting in 1975, and also about one third of F-Series sales were composed of F-150s that year. While America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series trucks started their run atop the sales listing that continues to this day.
13. The decisive seventh generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger sits parked atop a hill
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 design year|Ford
To place the 7th generation's impact in perspective, we count on chronicler James W. Wagner. "The 1980 version was an advancement generation," Wagner stated. "It was all brand-new-- probably the greatest adjustment in 40 years-- and also had a strong sob story with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, things really went Ford's method as far as trucks were concerned."
14. Personalized plans as well as fatality to F-100
F-150 from 1985 rests parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new focus on design as well as-- much more notably-- way of life had entered the picture|Ford
Starting in the early 1980s, Ford vehicle consumers could design their associate personalized paint plans. The new concentrate on way of life prompted marketing images similar to this one showcasing a family members appreciating a day by the lake. These trucks delivered at work and also fit adequate to enjoy after hrs, Ford recommended using its marketing. Note the blue-oval symbol making its opening night on the grille. F-100 manufacturing finished in 1983.
15. Get in 8th generation
Archival shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Starting with the 1987 version year, Ford F-Series vehicles had actually entered their 8th generation. Wraparound vehicle parking lights and also standard fuel shot were two vital upgrades. F-350 and also larger models entered into a new Super Duty line. The newly simplified grille delighted in a future with the adhering to generations.
16. New styling signs after 1991
A black 1991 Ford F-150
1991 Ford F-150 with 'Nite' plan|Ford
In the last years of the F-Series's eighth generation, vehicle fans got new efficiency as well as styling packages. Amongst them, the durable service bundle made the job for snow plows less complicated. For 1991, the "Nite" bundle provided a blacked-out F-150 for consumers seeking to stick out from the myriads of Ford truck proprietors.
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 taken pleasure in more than a years on top of America's sales charts. Normally, the automaker saw an opportunity to experiment and also launched an efficiency version with the Special Car Group in its inaugural year. Using its remarkable handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning can equate to or beat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in lengthy track runs.
18. Much more ninth generation changes
1996 F-150 SuperCab sits parked atop a hill
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
On top of brand-new efficiency models, the Ford F-Series additionally obtained significant aesthetic upgrades in its 9th generation Developers were seeking to appeal to yet an additional young generation of consumers. A special Eddie Bauer trim entered 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 adjustments gotten here with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that commenced in 1997. The nameplate commemorated its 50th anniversary in 1998 and also (to note its modernity) Ford dropped chrome from the grille and also added even more curves than these trucks had actually shown off in decades. Sturdy 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 first redesign of the new millennium brought an all-new platform for the F-150 (2004) and also, ultimately, for the Super Duty vehicles (2008 ). Designers had actually highlighted even higher convenience as well as designing in the front runner pick-up for the 11th generation This model cycle had an extremely short run, and also finished at the start of the Great Recession.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pickup rests 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
War time America appeared to apply its impact on the 12th generation of F-Series vehicles. There was no doubt the strength of the 2009 F-150 with its bold grille as well as hostile position. Midway through the version cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted rising gas expenses with the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Duty grows 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 vehicles, Ford Super Obligation designs veered close to perfection.2008 f150 front grill The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine ended up being an option in 2011. A few years later, with several decades in guides as well as countless models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted a lot more F-250 Super Task trucks over 200,000 miles than any other car.
23. The light weight aluminum F-150
A red redesigned Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you think of major automaker gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the first. After numerous decades atop the sales graphes, Ford left behind steel for a light weight aluminum vehicle body-- as well as it worked. The new F-150 became the initial pick-up to receive a first-class NHTSA safety and security score as well as an Insurance policy Institute for Highway Safety And Security Top Safety and security Pick classification. Since the results remain in, we can state Ford toenailed the redesign as well as just enhanced the credibility 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 driving after an apocalypse, we recommend flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the idea of a performance pick-up and kept up it below, gearing up Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also considerable indoor comforts. Nevertheless, we'll simply point out the really attractive visual cues. We can't think about a cooler-looking pick-up when traveling.
25. The 2018 version
Ford F-150 for the 2018 design year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its very first Version T vehicle, the 2018 F-150 got in the scene. New advanced collision security modern technology as well as the F-150's best towing capacities were essential upgrades. At the same time, conventional start-stop features made it more cost-effective than any type of previous model. While we're not exactly sure regarding the next century of truck manufacturing, Ford closed its first 100 years on duty in vogue.
