<h1>The Incredible Background of the Iconic Ford F-150</h1><br>

A red 1980 Ford F-150 Custom-made

While the Ford F-150's history formally started in 1975, earlier vehicles laid the groundwork for America's favored car|Ford

You can discuss nearly anything worrying cars and vehicles, however one thing is impossible to argue: Ford F-150 is the undisputed heavyweight champ of American roads. No automobile has actually been more important or marketed more versions given that this pick-up's debut in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 and also its durable equivalents covered the sales graphes for 35 straight years.



That's fairly a run, as well as these vehicles defeated the competition in their segment for also longer (40 successive years). However the F-Series pickups didn't come out of no place during the 1970s. Ford introduced its famous pickup back in 1948, just after The second world war. Prior to the F-1 launching that year, the car manufacturer's trucks were simply customized automobiles.



The 1948 model transformed that, and also the F-Series proceeded its development into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and sturdy versions sport the most innovative tech and interior comfort that pickup trucks have actually ever seen. It certainly really did not begin in this way. Right here are 25 pictures of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its precursors to the current off-road conqueror.



1. Ford Version T vehicle

1925 Ford Design T truck

1925 Ford Model T truck|The Henry Ford

To discover the origins of Ford trucks, we need to go all the way back to the 1910s, when the automaker transformed the Version T right into a pickup. As the picture shows, this vehicle was little bit more than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nevertheless, even such a basic setup obtained items relocating the very early days of customer transportation.



2. Greater energy in the 1930s

1932 Ford Roadster pick-up

By 1932, Ford vehicles boosted considerably in the utility department|Ford

While there was evident allure for a Design T vehicle, Ford improved upon the idea with the Design An and also Version B. The bed was longer and also the weight distribution better, so there was a lot of charm for truck purchasers during the Depression, particularly with the arrival of the truck's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster as well as had its share of restrictions.



3. Joining the 1940s battle initiative

1941 Ford Express

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

The hardtop, long-bed truck concept took form by the late 1930s, as well as by the time 1941 versions showed up, there were several alternatives for customers.2014 mustang lower grille Amongst the choices were brand-new V6 engines to go along with the V8 as well as four-cylinder options. Ford obtained both the grille styling as well as the underlying system from automobiles here, and also introduced extra truck plants by 1941 in case the United States got in the battle. Customer production finished for numerous years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.



4. Birth of the F-Series

2 guys using stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 truck as it sits parked in front of a home

Ford F-1 vehicle from its launching year|Ford

Adhering To World War II, Ford introduced its very first all-new truck platform with 8 various models. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, customers had plenty of options. Engine alternatives varied from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks started with a simple, practical appearance as well as better practicality than its precursors.



5. F-100 marks a new generation

A light green 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 transformed considerably (brand-new engines also showed up), but this redesign was more substantial. A boosted V8 engine, longer measurements, better visibility, and automatic transmission were presented. So were hood accessories and also the nomenclature we recognize today: F-100 and also F-250 replaced the 3 lightest pickups in the lineup.



6. More power for 1954

A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also integrate drives through a field

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

Updates for F-Series trucks proceeded throughout the second generation While the wraparound windshield used improved visibility for chauffeurs, updated power specs expanded their alternatives on the work website. Six cyndrical tube engines maxed out at 115 equines by 1954, while the V8 engine pushed the envelope to 130 horse power. A lot more power came by the 1956 design year, with the F-Series V8 engine delivering up to 173 horses, according to Edmunds.



7. F-Series third generation.

A front-facing Ford F-100 from 1960

1960 Ford F-100|Ford

You can't assist looking change in the face when comparing the second as well as third generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille as well as increase the variety of headlights welcomed Ford vehicle customers starting in 1960. 3 years earlier, the 1957 versions debuted the pickup's broader cab and also various other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford began using 4x4 in factory models.



8. 4th generation Ford vehicles.

1963 Ford F-250 rests parked on a rocky terrain

1963 Ford F-250|Ford

With 4x4 capability and over 200 horse power arriving by 1965, 4th generation Ford trucks continued the march to the modern age. Super Responsibility vehicles had made their debut in 1958, and also this shot from 1963 is a look at the design year's Ford F-250. 2 fronts lights returned for those who ran by evening.



9. Launching of the Ranger

1967 Ford F-100 Ranger

1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford

Starting with the F-Series's fifth generation, truck customers can select from 3 trims: base, custom-made, and Ranger. Going with the Ranger implied carpeted floors, a conventional chrome grille, as well as extra comfortable seats. By 1970, before fifth generation models ended their run, a fourth trim (XLT) got in the picture.



10. A lot more design and also functionality

1971 Ford F-250 rests parked in the lawn

1971 Ford F-250|Ford

Laws mandated side reflectors starting in 1968, and this sturdy version from 1971 shows how Ford rolled that right into a badging possibility. An updated V8 engine currently delivered up to 220 horsepower. On the other hand, the unrelenting restyling of the grille proceeded apace.



11. A giant 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 impressive for a variety of factors, however we'll start with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had actually originated the pick-up with extra seats, as well as Ford felt required to respond. Yet another V8 engine got in the picture too. However America's favored vehicle will be born.



12. Birth of the Ford F-150

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

1975 Ford F-150|Ford

Why was the F-150 necessary? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves caught in between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 as well as the magnificent F-250. This design bridged the gap starting in 1975, and also about 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 checklist that remains to now.



13. The definitive 7th generation

1980 Ford F-150 Ranger sits parked atop a mountain

F-150 Ranger from the 1980 model year|Ford

To put the seventh generation's effect in viewpoint, we rely on historian James W. Wagner. "The 1980 model was a breakthrough generation," Wagner said. "It was all new-- probably the greatest modification in 40 years-- and had a solid emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It appears from that point on, points truly went Ford's means as for trucks were concerned."



14. Custom plans and also death to F-100

F-150 from 1985 sits parked before a lake

By 1985, a brand-new concentrate on design and also-- a lot more significantly-- lifestyle had actually entered the picture|Ford

Starting in the early 1980s, Ford truck consumers might design their trucks with custom paint bundles. The brand-new concentrate on way of living triggered promotional images like this one showcasing a family enjoying a day by the lake. These vehicles supplied at the workplace and fit enough to delight in after hrs, Ford suggested using its advertising and marketing. Note the blue-oval symbol making its opening night on the grille. F-100 manufacturing ended in 1983.



15. Enter 8th 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 standard gas shot were 2 crucial upgrades. F-350 as well as larger designs entered into a new Super Duty line. The recently simplified grille enjoyed a future via the complying with generations.



16. New styling signs 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 8th generation, vehicle enthusiasts obtained new performance and also designing bundles. Among them, the durable solution package made the work for snow rakes easier. For 1991, the "Nite" package provided a blacked-out F-150 for consumers aiming to stick out 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

As of 1992, when the 9th generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had enjoyed well over a decade at the top of America's sales charts. Normally, the automaker saw an opportunity to experiment and also released an efficiency design via the Special Car Team in its inaugural year. Utilizing its extraordinary handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning might equate to or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.



18. A lot more 9th generation adjustments

1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a mountain

1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford

In addition to new performance designs, the Ford F-Series additionally obtained major aesthetic upgrades in its nine generation Designers were looking to attract yet another young generation of consumers. An unique Eddie Bauer trim got in 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 adjustments gotten here with the 10th generation of F-Series trucks that began in 1997. The nameplate commemorated its 50th wedding anniversary in 1998 and (to note its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille as well as included more curves than these vehicles had actually shown off in decades. Sturdy trucks obtained their very own F-Series Super Task line beginning 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 new millennium brought a brand new system for the F-150 (2004) and, lastly, for the Super Responsibility trucks (2008 ). Developers had emphasized also greater convenience as well as styling in the front runner pick-up for the 11th generation This design cycle had an extremely short run, and also ended at the beginning of the Great Economic downturn.



21. A brawnier 12th generation.

A F-150 pick-up 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

Wartime America appeared to apply its impact on the 12th generation of F-Series vehicles. There was no questioning the strength of the 2009 F-150 with its vibrant grille as well as aggressive stance. Midway with the design cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted rising gas prices with the very first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.



22. Super Obligation grows in reputation

2012 Ford F-Series Super Obligation

2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty|Ford

Toward the end of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Obligation versions veered near to excellence. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine became an alternative in 2011. A couple of years later on, with several years in the books as well as millions of models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted extra F-250 Super Duty trucks above 200,000 miles than any other lorry.



23. The aluminum F-150

A red revamped Ford F-150

Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford

If you consider severe automaker wagers, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After a number of decades atop the sales charts, Ford left behind steel for an aluminum vehicle body-- and also it functioned. The brand-new F-150 ended up being the initial pick-up to obtain a luxury NHTSA safety rating and an Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Safety Top Safety Select designation. Now that the results remain in, we can claim Ford nailed the redesign and only 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 armageddon, we recommend flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the idea of an efficiency pick-up and also kept up it here, gearing up Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque as well as considerable indoor conveniences. Nevertheless, we'll merely explain the really enticing visual hints. We can't consider a cooler-looking pick-up when driving.



25. The 2018 edition

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 entered the scene. New advanced crash protection innovation as well as the F-150's best towing capacities were crucial upgrades. On the other hand, basic start-stop functions made it extra economical than any previous design. While we're unsure regarding the following century of vehicle production, Ford closed its initial 100 years on duty in vogue.