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


A red 1980 Ford F-150 Personalized

While the Ford F-150's background officially started in 1975, earlier vehicles prepared for America's preferred automobile|Ford

You can dispute just about anything worrying cars and trucks and also vehicles, however one thing is difficult to suggest: Ford F-150 is the undeniable heavyweight champ of American roadways. No car has been even more vital or marketed more designs given that this pickup's debut in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 as well as its heavy-duty counterparts topped the sales charts for 35 straight years.



That's rather a run, and these vehicles beat the competition in their section for also longer (40 consecutive years). However the F-Series pickups didn't come out of nowhere throughout the 1970s. Ford released its renowned pick-up back in 1948, following World War II. Prior to the F-1 debut that year, the car manufacturer's vehicles were just modified vehicles.



The 1948 model altered that, and the F-Series continued its development right into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and sturdy models sporting activity one of the most advanced technology and also indoor comfort that pickup trucks have actually ever before seen. It definitely didn't begin in this way. Below are 25 pictures of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the latest off-road conqueror.



1. Ford Version T vehicle

1925 Ford Version T vehicle

1925 Ford Model 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 car manufacturer transformed the Design T right into a pickup. As the picture reveals, this automobile was little bit greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nevertheless, also such a fundamental configuration got items relocating the early days of customer transport.



2. Greater energy in the 1930s

1932 Ford Roadster pick-up

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

While there was obvious appeal for a Design T truck, Ford surpassed the concept with the Design An and also Version B. The bed was longer as well as the weight circulation much better, so there was a lot of appeal for vehicle customers throughout the Anxiety, specifically with the arrival of the truck's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster as well as had its share of constraints.



3. Joining the 1940s war effort

1941 Ford Express

Ford vehicles became part of the battle initiative after 1941|Ford

The hardtop, long-bed vehicle principle materialized by the late 1930s, and also by the time 1941 models appeared, there were several choices for customers. Among the options were brand-new V6 engines to go along with the V8 and four-cylinder options. Ford borrowed both the grille styling as well as the underlying platform from cars and trucks below, as well as released extra vehicle plants by 1941 in case the USA went into the war. Consumer production finished for a number of years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.



4. Birth of the F-Series

2 guys using cowboy hats lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it rests parked in front of a home

Ford F-1 vehicle from its launching year|Ford

Following World War II, Ford introduced its very first all-new truck platform with eight various models. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had plenty of selections. Engine options ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks started with a simple, utilitarian appearance as well as higher functionality than its predecessors.



5. F-100 marks a new generation

A light eco-friendly 1953 Ford F-100

1953 Ford F-100|Ford

In 1953, Ford commemorated its 50th anniversary with the introduction of second generation F-Series versions. The front grille altered considerably (new engines additionally arrived), however this redesign was more substantial. An improved V8 engine, longer measurements, far better visibility, as well as automatic transmission were presented. So were hood accessories as well as the language we acknowledge today: F-100 and F-250 replaced the three lightest pickups in the lineup.



6. Even more power for 1954

A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also combine drives through an area

1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also incorporate|Ford

Updates for F-Series vehicles continued throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windscreen used boosted exposure for vehicle drivers, updated power specs increased their choices on the work site. Six cylinder engines maxed out at 115 equines by 1954, while the V8 engine forged ahead to 130 horse power. Much more power visited the 1956 design year, with the F-Series V8 engine delivering up to 173 equines, according to Edmunds.



7. F-Series 3rd generation.

A front-facing Ford F-100 from 1960

1960 Ford F-100|Ford

You can't aid staring modification in the face when comparing the second and also 3rd generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille as well as double the number of fronts lights greeted Ford vehicle consumers beginning in 1960. 3 years earlier, the 1957 versions debuted the pick-up's wider taxicab and also other updates. Beginning in 1959, Ford started offering 4x4 in manufacturing facility versions.



8. 4th generation Ford vehicles.

1963 Ford F-250 sits parked on a rocky terrain

1963 Ford F-250|Ford

With four-wheel drive ability and over 200 horsepower showing up by 1965, 4th generation Ford vehicles continued the march to the contemporary era. Super Obligation trucks had made their debut in 1958, and also this shot from 1963 is a check out the model year's Ford F-250. 2 fronts lights returned for those that operated 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 customers could choose from 3 trims: base, custom-made, and Ranger. Going with the Ranger meant grassy floors, a standard chrome grille, as well as extra comfy seats. By 1970, before fifth generation versions ended their run, a fourth trim (XLT) entered the picture.



10. More style and performance

1971 Ford F-250 sits parked in the turf

1971 Ford F-250|Ford

Laws mandated side reflectors starting in 1968, as well as this sturdy version from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that into a badging opportunity. An updated V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horse power. Meanwhile, the ruthless restyling of the grille proceeded apace.



11. A powerhouse 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, yet we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had actually pioneered the pickup with additional seating, as well as Ford really felt required to respond. Yet another V8 engine entered the picture also. However America's preferred vehicle was about to be birthed.



12. Birth of the Ford F-150

A red 1975 Ford F-150 rests parked before a construction website

1975 Ford F-150|Ford

Why was the F-150 required? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves captured between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and the magnificent F-250. This design bridged the gap starting in 1975, and also concerning one third of F-Series sales were composed of F-150s that year. While America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series vehicles began their run atop the sales checklist that continues to this particular day.



13. The crucial 7th generation

1980 Ford F-150 Ranger rests parked atop a mountain

F-150 Ranger from the 1980 design year|Ford

To place the 7th generation's effect in point of view, we turn to historian James W. Wagner. "The 1980 version was an advancement generation," Wagner said. "It was all brand-new-- possibly the greatest change in 40 years-- and had a solid emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that factor on, points truly went Ford's means as far as trucks were concerned."



14. Custom-made packages as well as death to F-100

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

By 1985, a new concentrate on design as well as-- more significantly-- lifestyle had entered the picture|Ford

Starting in the very early 1980s, Ford truck customers might style their trucks with custom-made paint bundles. The brand-new concentrate on way of living triggered advertising images like this one showcasing a household appreciating a day by the lake. These trucks delivered at the workplace as well as fit adequate to enjoy after hrs, Ford suggested via its advertising. Note the blue-oval emblem making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 manufacturing finished in 1983.



15. Get in 8th generation

Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150

1989 Ford F-150|Ford

Starting with the 1987 model year, Ford F-Series vehicles had entered their eighth generation. Wraparound parking lights and also basic gas shot were 2 vital upgrades. F-350 and also much heavier designs became part of a new Super Duty line. The newly simplified grille appreciated a long run via the following generations.



16. New styling cues after 1991

A black 1991 Ford F-150

1991 Ford F-150 with 'Nite' plan|Ford

In the final years of the F-Series's eighth generation, vehicle fans obtained new performance and also styling plans. Among them, the durable service bundle made the work for snow plows less complicated. For 1991, the "Nite" plan provided a blacked-out F-150 for customers looking 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 ninth generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had delighted in more than a years on top of America's sales charts. Normally, the automaker saw an opportunity to experiment as well as released an efficiency version through the Special Lorry Team in its inaugural year. Using its extraordinary handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning can amount to or beat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.



18. A lot more ninth generation adjustments

1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a hill

1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford

In addition to brand-new efficiency designs, the Ford F-Series additionally got significant cosmetic upgrades in its nine generation Developers were aiming to appeal to yet another young generation of customers. A special Eddie Bauer trim entered the picture in 1995.



19. F-Series marks its 10th generation. 2018 f150 grille options

Ford F-150 from the 1998 model year

1998 Ford F-150|Ford

Major modifications arrived with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that started in 1997. The nameplate commemorated its 50th anniversary in 1998 as well as (to note its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille and added more curves than these trucks had actually shown off in years. Heavy-duty 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 launching|Mike Heffner/Getty Images

The very first redesign of the new millennium brought an all-new platform for the F-150 (2004) and, lastly, for the Super Responsibility vehicles (2008 ). Designers had emphasized also better comfort as well as styling in the front runner pickup for the 11th generation This design cycle had an extremely short run, and also finished at the beginning of the Great Recession.



21. A brawnier 12th generation.


A F-150 pick-up rests 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 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 strong grille and also hostile position. Midway through the version cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted soaring gas expenses with the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.



22. Super Obligation grows in credibility

2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty

2012 Ford F-Series Super Responsibility|Ford

Toward completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Responsibility designs diverted near excellence. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine became a choice in 2011. A couple of years later on, with numerous decades in guides as well as millions of models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted more F-250 Super Obligation trucks over 200,000 miles than any other automobile.



23. The aluminum F-150

A red redesigned Ford F-150

Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford

If you think of severe automaker gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After several decades atop the sales charts, Ford left behind steel for an aluminum vehicle body-- and also it worked. The new F-150 became the very first pickup to receive a luxury NHTSA security score and an Insurance policy Institute for Freeway Security Top Safety Pick designation. Now that the results remain in, we can say Ford nailed the redesign as well as only improved the credibility 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 armageddon, we suggest flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the principle of an efficiency pick-up and also kept up it right here, equipping Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also considerable interior conveniences. Nonetheless, we'll just point out the extremely attractive visual signs. We can not consider 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 vehicle, the 2018 F-150 entered the scene. New progressed crash protection innovation and also the F-150's ideal towing abilities were key upgrades. Meanwhile, typical start-stop functions made it a lot more economical than any kind of previous version. While we're unsure regarding the next century of truck production, Ford shut its initial 100 years at work stylishly.
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