While the Ford F-150's history officially started in 1975, earlier vehicles prepared for America's favorite car|Ford
You can discuss just about anything concerning cars and also trucks, however one point is impossible to suggest: Ford F-150 is the undeniable heavyweight champ of American roads. No lorry has been more vital or sold more models considering that this pick-up's debut in 1975. Since 2017, the F-150 and its heavy-duty counterparts topped the sales graphes for 35 straight years.
That's rather a run, as well as these vehicles beat the competition in their segment for even longer (40 consecutive years). Yet the F-Series pickups really did not come out of nowhere during the 1970s. Ford released its legendary pickup way back in 1948, after The second world war. Prior to the F-1 debut that year, the car manufacturer's trucks were merely modified autos.
The 1948 version altered that, as well as the F-Series continued its evolution right into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and also heavy-duty models sport one of the most sophisticated technology and indoor comfort that pickup have ever before seen. It absolutely really did not begin in this way. Right here are 25 snapshots of Ford's F-Series pick-ups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the current off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Design T truck
1925 Ford Version T vehicle
1925 Ford Design T vehicle|The Henry Ford
To discover the beginnings of Ford trucks, we have to go completely back to the 1910s, when the car manufacturer converted the Design T right into a pickup. As the picture reveals, this car was bit greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. However, even such a standard setup obtained items moving in the very early days of customer transport.
2. Greater energy in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pickup
By 1932, Ford trucks improved substantially in the utility division|Ford
While there was evident allure for a Design T vehicle, Ford improved upon the idea with the Design An and also Model B. The bed was longer and the weight distribution better, so there was plenty of allure for truck buyers throughout the Clinical depression, specifically with the arrival of the truck's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster and had its share of restrictions.
3. Signing up with the 1940s battle initiative
1941 Ford Express
Ford vehicles entered into the war initiative after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck concept took form by the late 1930s, as well as by the time 1941 models showed up, there were a number of options for customers. Among the choices were brand-new V6 engines to support the V8 and four-cylinder choices. Ford obtained both the grille styling and also the underlying platform from vehicles below, as well as released additional vehicle plants by 1941 in case the United States went into the battle. Customer production ended for numerous 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 rests parked in front of a house
Ford F-1 truck from its debut year|Ford
Adhering To The Second World War, Ford introduced its initial brand new vehicle platform with 8 various models. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, customers had a lot of choices. Engine alternatives ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks started with a modest, practical look and greater functionality than its precursors.
5. F-100 marks a new generation
A pale eco-friendly 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford celebrated its 50th anniversary with the intro of 2nd generation F-Series models. The front grille altered significantly (brand-new engines also arrived), however this redesign was extra comprehensive. An enhanced V8 engine, longer measurements, better presence, and automatic transmission were presented. So were hood accessories as well as the nomenclature we recognize today: F-100 and F-250 changed the three lightest pickups in the lineup.
6. Even more power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also integrate drives via an area
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also combine|Ford
Updates for F-Series trucks proceeded throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windshield offered improved exposure for drivers, upgraded power specifications increased their options on the work site. 6 cylinder engines maxed out at 115 steeds by 1954, while the V8 engine pushed the envelope to 130 horsepower. Even more power came over the 1956 version 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 help staring modification in the face when comparing the 2nd and 3rd generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille and increase the number of headlights welcomed Ford truck consumers starting in 1960. 3 years earlier, the 1957 versions debuted the pick-up's larger taxi as well as other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford began using 4x4 in factory versions.
8. Fourth generation Ford trucks.
1963 Ford F-250 sits parked on a rocky terrain
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With four-wheel drive capacity and also over 200 horse power arriving by 1965, fourth generation Ford trucks proceeded the march to the modern era. Super Responsibility trucks had made their launching in 1958, as well as this shot from 1963 is a consider the model year's Ford F-250. Two headlights returned for those that ran by evening.
9. Launching of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Beginning with the F-Series's fifth generation, vehicle consumers could choose from three trims: base, custom-made, and also Ranger. Going with the Ranger indicated grassy floors, a conventional chrome grille, as well as much more comfy seats. By 1970, before 5th generation versions ended their run, a fourth trim (XLT) went into the picture.
10. A lot more design as well as capability
1971 Ford F-250 sits parked in the lawn
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Rules mandated side reflectors beginning in 1968, and also this sturdy model from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that right into a badging possibility. An updated V8 engine currently delivered up to 220 horsepower. Meanwhile, the relentless restyling of the grille proceeded apace.
11. A powerhouse sixth generation
1973 Ford F-Series pick-up
View of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky production line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series trucks were remarkable for a variety of reasons, however we'll start with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had spearheaded the pickup with additional seats, and Ford really felt required to react. Yet one more V8 engine entered the picture also. But America's favored vehicle will be born.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 sits parked before a building website
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 as well as the mighty F-250. This model bridged the gap starting in 1975, and also concerning one third of F-Series sales were made up of F-150s that year. While America commemorated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series vehicles began their run atop the sales listing that continues to today.
13. The crucial seventh generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger sits parked atop a hill
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 model year|Ford
To put the 7th generation's effect in point of view, we resort to chronicler James W. Wagner. "The 1980 design was an advancement generation," Wagner claimed. "It was all new-- most likely the greatest change in 40 years-- and also had a solid emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, points actually went Ford's way regarding trucks were worried."
14. Customized packages and also fatality to F-100
F-150 from 1985 sits parked before a lake
By 1985, a new concentrate on style as well as-- extra notably-- way of living had actually entered the picture|Ford
Beginning in the early 1980s, Ford vehicle consumers can style their trucks with custom paint bundles. The brand-new focus on lifestyle motivated marketing images such as this one showcasing a family members appreciating a day by the lake. These trucks delivered at the office as well as fit sufficient to appreciate after hours, Ford suggested by means of its advertising and marketing. Note the blue-oval symbol making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 production ended in 1983.
15. Enter eighth generation
Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Beginning with the 1987 model year, Ford F-Series trucks had actually entered their 8th generation. Wraparound vehicle parking lights as well as typical fuel shot were 2 essential upgrades. F-350 and also heavier versions became part of a new Super Obligation line. The freshly streamlined grille enjoyed 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 enthusiasts got new efficiency and designing plans. Amongst them, the durable service plan made the work for snow rakes much easier. For 1991, the "Nite" plan delivered a blacked-out F-150 for consumers wanting to stick out from the legions of Ford vehicle 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 debut, Ford had actually delighted in well over a decade on top of America's sales graphes. Normally, the automaker saw an opportunity to experiment and also launched a performance model via the Special Lorry Group in its inaugural year. Using its phenomenal handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning can equal or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in lengthy track runs.
18. More 9th generation modifications
1996 F-150 SuperCab sits parked atop a hill
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
On top of new efficiency models, the Ford F-Series likewise obtained major aesthetic upgrades in its ninth generation Developers were wanting to appeal to yet another young generation of customers. A special 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
Major modifications arrived with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that started in 1997. The nameplate commemorated its 50th anniversary in 1998 and (to mark its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille and included even more curves than these vehicles had actually shown off in decades. Durable vehicles obtained their very own F-Series Super Obligation 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 an all-new system for the F-150 (2004) and also, lastly, for the Super Obligation trucks (2008 ). Developers had emphasized even higher convenience and also designing in the flagship pick-up for the 11th generation This model cycle had a very brief run, and ended at the beginning of the Great Economic crisis.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pick-up remains 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
War time America appeared to apply its influence on the 12th generation of F-Series trucks. There was no doubt the intensity of the 2009 F-150 with its strong grille as well as aggressive position. Midway with the model cycle (2011 ), Ford confronted rising gas costs with the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150. 2005 ford f150 raptor grill
22. Super Duty expands in online reputation
2012 Ford F-Series Super Task
2012 Ford F-Series Super Task|Ford
Toward completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Task models drifted near to perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel motor ended up being a choice in 2011. A couple of years later, with numerous years in guides and millions of models on the road, iSeeCars.com counted much more F-250 Super Responsibility trucks over 200,000 miles than any other car.
23. The aluminum F-150
A red upgraded Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you think about serious car manufacturer gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the first. After a number of decades atop the sales graphes, Ford left behind steel for a light weight aluminum truck body-- as well as it functioned. The new F-150 ended up being the very first pickup to obtain a first-class NHTSA security rating as well as an Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security Top Safety and security Select classification. Since the results remain in, we can say Ford nailed the redesign and only enhanced 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 recommend flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the idea of a performance pickup as well as kept up it here, gearing up Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque as well as substantial interior conveniences. Nonetheless, we'll merely point out the extremely enticing visual hints. We can not think about a cooler-looking pick-up when driving.
25. The 2018 edition
Ford F-150 for the 2018 model year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its initial Model T truck, the 2018 F-150 entered the scene. New progressed crash security modern technology as well as the F-150's best towing capabilities were crucial upgrades. Meanwhile, conventional start-stop features made it a lot more cost-effective than any previous version. While we're unsure about the following century of vehicle production, Ford closed its initial 100 years on the job in style.
