While the Ford F-150's history formally began in 1975, earlier vehicles laid the groundwork for America's preferred car|Ford
You can question nearly anything concerning vehicles and also vehicles, however one thing is impossible to suggest: Ford F-150 is the undisputed heavyweight champion of American roads. No vehicle has actually been even more necessary or sold even more designs since this pickup's debut in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 and its heavy-duty counterparts covered the sales graphes for 35 straight years.
That's rather a run, and these vehicles defeated the competition in their segment for even longer (40 successive years). However the F-Series pickups didn't appeared of nowhere throughout the 1970s. Ford introduced its famous pickup back in 1948, following World War II. Before the F-1 launching that year, the car manufacturer's vehicles were merely changed vehicles.
The 1948 model altered that, as well as the F-Series proceeded its development into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and durable designs sport the most advanced tech and also interior convenience that pickup trucks have actually ever seen. It absolutely didn't begin in this way. Here are 25 photos of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the latest off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Model T vehicle
1925 Ford Design T truck
1925 Ford Version T vehicle|The Henry Ford
To discover the beginnings of Ford trucks, we need to go all the way back to the 1910s, when the automaker converted the Version T into a pick-up. As the picture shows, this lorry was bit more than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. However, also such a basic configuration got items moving in the very early days of consumer transport.
2. Greater energy in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pickup
By 1932, Ford trucks boosted considerably in the energy division|Ford
While there was evident allure for a Design T vehicle, Ford surpassed the concept with the Design An and Version B. The bed was longer and the weight circulation much better, so there was plenty of allure for vehicle purchasers throughout the Depression, especially with the arrival of the truck's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster as well as had its share of restrictions.
3. Signing up with the 1940s war effort
1941 Ford Express
Ford trucks became part of the war initiative after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck concept materialized by the late 1930s, and also by the time 1941 designs appeared, there were numerous alternatives for customers. Among the choices were brand-new V6 engines to go along with the V8 and four-cylinder options. Ford borrowed both the grille designing as well as the underlying platform from vehicles right here, as well as introduced additional vehicle plants by 1941 in case the United States got in the battle. Customer manufacturing finished for several years after the Pearl Harbor invasion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
Two men using stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it sits parked in front of a house
Ford F-1 vehicle from its debut year|Ford
Adhering To The Second World War, Ford released its initial all-new vehicle system with eight different versions. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had lots of selections. Engine choices varied from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks began with a humble, practical look as well as higher usefulness than its predecessors.
5. F-100 marks a brand-new generation
A light green 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford celebrated its 50th anniversary with the introduction of 2nd generation F-Series models. The front grille altered significantly (new engines additionally showed up), but this redesign was a lot more substantial. An improved V8 engine, longer dimensions, better visibility, and also automatic transmission were introduced. So were hood accessories as well as the language we acknowledge today: F-100 and also F-250 replaced the 3 lightest pick-ups in the lineup.
6. Even more power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also integrate drives with a field
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and combine|Ford
Updates for F-Series vehicles proceeded throughout the second generation While the wraparound windscreen supplied boosted presence for chauffeurs, upgraded power specifications increased their alternatives on the work website. Six cylinder engines maxed out at 115 equines by 1954, while the V8 engine pushed the envelope to 130 horsepower. Much more power stopped by 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 not assist staring adjustment in the face when comparing the 2nd and third generations of F-Series trucks A square grille as well as double the variety of fronts lights greeted Ford vehicle customers starting in 1960. 3 years previously, the 1957 models debuted the pickup's wider taxicab as well as other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford started providing 4x4 in factory models.
8. Fourth generation Ford vehicles.
1963 Ford F-250 sits parked on a rocky terrain
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With 4x4 capability and also over 200 horse power showing up by 1965, 4th generation Ford trucks proceeded the march to the modern age. Super Task trucks had made their debut in 1958, and this shot from 1963 is a take a look at the version year's Ford F-250. Two headlights 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 might choose from three trims: base, personalized, and Ranger. Choosing the Ranger indicated carpeted floorings, a standard chrome grille, and also extra comfortable seats. By 1970, prior to 5th generation models ended their run, a fourth trim (XLT) went into the picture.
10. A lot more style and also capability
1971 Ford F-250 rests parked in the turf
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Rules mandated side reflectors starting in 1968, and this heavy-duty version from 1971 shows how Ford rolled that into a badging chance. An upgraded V8 engine currently delivered up to 220 horse power. At the same time, the ruthless restyling of the grille proceeded apace.
11. A giant 6th generation
1973 Ford F-Series pickup
Sight of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky production line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series vehicles were remarkable for a number of factors, but we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had originated the pickup with additional seats, as well as Ford really felt required to respond. Yet one more V8 engine went into the picture also. Yet America's favorite truck was about to be born.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 sits parked in front of a construction website
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 needed? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves caught between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and also the mighty F-250. This model bridged the gap beginning in 1975, and regarding one third of F-Series sales were made up of F-150s that year. While America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series vehicles started their run atop the sales list that continues to this particular day.
13. The crucial 7th generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger rests parked atop a hill
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 version year|Ford
To put the 7th generation's influence in point of view, we resort to chronicler James W. Wagner. "The 1980 version was an advancement generation," Wagner said. "It was all new-- most likely the best modification in 40 years-- as well as had a strong emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that factor on, things really went Ford's means as for vehicles were worried."
14. Custom-made plans and fatality to F-100
F-150 from 1985 rests parked before a lake
By 1985, a brand-new concentrate on style and also-- more notably-- way of living had gone into the picture|Ford
Starting in the early 1980s, Ford vehicle customers could style their associate customized paint packages. The brand-new focus on way of living prompted marketing photos like this one showcasing a family taking pleasure in a day by the lake. These vehicles delivered at work and fit adequate to enjoy after hrs, Ford recommended by means of its advertising. Note the blue-oval emblem making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 manufacturing finished in 1983.
15. Get in eighth generation
Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Beginning with the 1987 version year, Ford F-Series trucks had actually entered their 8th generation. Wraparound car park lights and conventional gas shot were two crucial upgrades. F-350 as well as larger versions entered into a brand-new Super Duty line. The newly streamlined grille enjoyed a long run via 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 lovers got brand-new efficiency and also designing packages. Among them, the heavy-duty service package made the task for snow plows simpler. For 1991, the "Nite" plan delivered a blacked-out F-150 for customers seeking to stand apart from the myriads of Ford vehicle 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 nine generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had delighted in well over a decade on top of America's sales graphes. Naturally, the automaker saw a possibility to experiment and released a performance model via the Special Vehicle Group in its inaugural year. Utilizing its extraordinary handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning could equal or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in lengthy track runs.
18. More 9th generation adjustments
1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a mountain
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
In addition to brand-new performance versions, the Ford F-Series also got major cosmetic upgrades in its 9th generation Designers were looking to appeal to yet one more young generation of consumers. An unique 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
Significant modifications gotten here with the 10th generation of F-Series trucks that began in 1997. The nameplate celebrated its 50th wedding anniversary in 1998 and (to mark its modernity) Ford dropped chrome from the grille and also included even more curves than these vehicles had sported in decades. Durable vehicles obtained 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 an all-new platform for the F-150 (2004) and also, ultimately, for the Super Task vehicles (2008 ). Designers had actually emphasized also better comfort as well as styling in the front runner pick-up for the 11th generation This design cycle had a very short run, and also finished at the start of the Great Economic crisis.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pick-up rests on the setting up flooring at the Kansas City Ford Setting up 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 vehicles. There was no doubt the intensity of the 2009 F-150 with its bold grille and aggressive position. Midway with the model cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted rising fuel expenses with the very first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Responsibility expands in credibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Responsibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty|Ford
Toward completion of the 12th generation of F-Series vehicles, Ford Super Responsibility versions diverted near to perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel motor became an alternative in 2011. A couple of years later on, with a number of decades in the books and millions of models on the road, iSeeCars.com counted much more F-250 Super Obligation trucks over 200,000 miles than any other lorry.
23. The aluminum F-150
A red upgraded Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you consider severe car manufacturer gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After a number of years atop the sales graphes, Ford left behind steel for an aluminum vehicle body-- as well as it functioned. The brand-new F-150 ended up being the first pickup to get a five-star NHTSA security rating as well as an Insurance coverage Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety and security Select designation. Now that the outcomes remain in, we can say Ford nailed the redesign and also only enhanced the track record 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 traveling after an armageddon, we suggest flagging down a 2017 Raptor.2008 ford f150 front grill Ford took the principle of an efficiency pick-up as well as ran with it below, equipping Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and considerable interior conveniences. Nonetheless, we'll just explain the really appealing visual cues. We can't think about 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 Design T vehicle, the 2018 F-150 went into the scene. New advanced collision protection modern technology as well as the F-150's best towing capabilities were crucial upgrades. At the same time, basic start-stop functions made it more cost-effective than any previous version. While we're not exactly sure regarding the following century of truck production, Ford shut its initial 100 years at work in style.
