While the Ford F-150's history officially started in 1975, earlier trucks prepared for America's preferred vehicle|Ford
You can debate nearly anything concerning vehicles and vehicles, yet one thing is impossible to say: Ford F-150 is the indisputable heavyweight champ of American roadways. No lorry has been even more crucial or marketed even more models given that this pickup's debut in 1975. Since 2017, the F-150 and its heavy-duty counterparts topped the sales charts for 35 straight years.
That's quite a run, as well as these vehicles beat the competition in their section for even longer (40 successive years). However the F-Series pickups really did not appeared of nowhere during the 1970s. Ford introduced its renowned pickup back in 1948, following The second world war. Prior to the F-1 launching that year, the automaker's vehicles were just customized vehicles.
The 1948 version changed that, as well as the F-Series continued its advancement right into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and also heavy-duty models sport one of the most innovative technology and also indoor comfort that pickup trucks have ever before seen. It certainly didn't start in this way. Here are 25 snapshots of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its precursors to the latest off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Model T truck
1925 Ford Model T vehicle
1925 Ford Version T truck|The Henry Ford
To locate the beginnings of Ford vehicles, we need to go right back to the 1910s, when the car manufacturer transformed the Version T into a pickup. As the picture reveals, this vehicle was little bit more than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. However, also such a basic setup obtained items moving in the early days of customer transport.
2. Greater utility in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pick-up
By 1932, Ford vehicles enhanced significantly in the energy department|Ford
While there was obvious allure for a Model T vehicle, Ford improved upon the idea with the Version An and also Design B. The bed was longer as well as the weight circulation much better, so there was lots of appeal for vehicle purchasers throughout the Anxiety, especially with the arrival of the vehicle's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster as well as had its share of constraints.
3. Joining the 1940s battle effort
1941 Ford Express
Ford vehicles became part of the battle effort after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck concept materialized by the late 1930s, and by the time 1941 designs showed up, there were a number of options 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 cars and trucks below, and introduced extra truck plants by 1941 in case the USA entered the battle. Customer production finished for a number of years after the Pearl Harbor invasion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
Two guys using stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it sits parked before a house
Ford F-1 vehicle from its launching year|Ford
Following The Second World War, Ford introduced its very first brand new vehicle platform with 8 different designs. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, customers had a lot of options. Engine alternatives ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series vehicles began with a simple, practical look and better practicality than its predecessors.
5. F-100 marks a new generation
A pale 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 versions. The front grille changed significantly (brand-new engines also arrived), yet this redesign was much more considerable. An enhanced V8 engine, longer measurements, far better visibility, as well as automatic transmission were introduced. So were hood accessories and the classification we identify today: F-100 and also F-250 replaced the 3 lightest pick-ups in the schedule.
6. Even more power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and combine drives through an area
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also integrate|Ford
Updates for F-Series trucks continued throughout the second generation While the wraparound windscreen offered improved visibility for drivers, updated power specs increased their choices on the work site. Six cyndrical tube engines maxed out at 115 steeds by 1954, while the V8 engine pushed the envelope to 130 horsepower. Much 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 adjustment in the face when contrasting the 2nd and also 3rd generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille and also double the number of headlights greeted Ford vehicle customers starting in 1960. Three years earlier, the 1957 models debuted the pickup's broader taxi and also other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford started using 4x4 in manufacturing facility designs.
8. 4th generation Ford trucks.
1963 Ford F-250 rests parked on a rough surface
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With four-wheel drive capacity and over 200 horsepower getting here by 1965, fourth generation Ford trucks proceeded the march to the contemporary era. Super Responsibility vehicles had actually made their launching in 1958, and this shot from 1963 is a check out the model year's Ford F-250. Two headlights returned for those that ran by evening.
9. Debut of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Starting with the F-Series's 5th generation, truck customers might pick from three trims: base, customized, as well as Ranger. Opting for the Ranger indicated carpeted floors, a conventional chrome grille, as well as much more comfortable seats. By 1970, before 5th generation models ended their run, a fourth trim (XLT) got in the picture.
10. Much more design and functionality
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 durable version from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that into a badging opportunity. An upgraded V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horse power. Meanwhile, the ruthless 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 production line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series trucks were exceptional for a variety of reasons, however we'll start with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had pioneered the pickup with added seating, as well as Ford felt required to respond. Yet one more V8 engine went into the picture too. However America's preferred vehicle will be born.
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 needed? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves caught between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and also the mighty F-250. This design bridged the gap starting in 1975, as well as about one third of F-Series sales were composed of F-150s that year. While America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series vehicles started their run atop the sales checklist that continues to this day.
13. The decisive seventh generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger rests parked atop a mountain
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 design year|Ford
To put the 7th generation's effect in viewpoint, we count on chronicler James W. Wagner. "The 1980 model was a breakthrough generation," Wagner stated. "It was all new-- possibly the best change in 40 years-- and also had a solid sob story with the twin I-beam front suspension. It appears from that point on, things actually went Ford's means regarding vehicles were concerned."
14. Custom bundles and fatality to F-100
F-150 from 1985 rests parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new concentrate on style and also-- more notably-- way of living had gone into the picture|Ford
Beginning in the early 1980s, Ford vehicle consumers can style their associate customized paint plans. The new concentrate on lifestyle triggered advertising photos like this one showcasing a family members taking pleasure in a day by the lake. These vehicles supplied at the workplace and fit adequate to appreciate after hrs, Ford suggested by means of its marketing. Note the blue-oval emblem making its opening night on the grille. F-100 manufacturing finished in 1983.
15. Go into 8th generation
Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Beginning with the 1987 model year, Ford F-Series trucks had entered their eighth generation. Wraparound car parking lights and also basic gas shot were two key upgrades. F-350 and also heavier versions became part of a new Super Responsibility line. The freshly streamlined grille enjoyed a future through the complying with generations. 2021 ford explorer black grill
16. New styling cues after 1991
A black 1991 Ford F-150
1991 Ford F-150 with 'Nite' bundle|Ford
In the last years of the F-Series's eighth generation, vehicle lovers got new efficiency and designing packages. Among them, the durable service plan made the task for snow plows much easier. For 1991, the "Nite" bundle supplied a blacked-out F-150 for consumers wanting to stick out from the legions of Ford vehicle proprietors.
17. The high-performance F-150
A red 1993 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
1993 SVT F-150 Lightning|Ford
Since 1992, when the ninth generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had actually enjoyed well over a decade on top of America's sales charts. Normally, the car manufacturer saw a chance to experiment as well as released an efficiency design via the Special Vehicle Team in its inaugural year. Using its remarkable handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning could amount to or beat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in lengthy track runs.
18. More nine generation adjustments
1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a hill
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
On top of brand-new efficiency models, the Ford F-Series likewise obtained significant cosmetic upgrades in its ninth generation Developers were looking to interest yet another young generation of customers. An unique Eddie Bauer trim went into the picture in 1995.
19. F-Series marks its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 model year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Major modifications shown up with the 10th generation of F-Series vehicles that started in 1997. The nameplate celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1998 and (to note its modernity) Ford dropped chrome from the grille and also included more curves than these vehicles had sported in decades. Heavy-duty vehicles obtained their very 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 initial redesign of the new millennium brought a brand new system for the F-150 (2004) and, ultimately, for the Super Task trucks (2008 ). Designers had actually emphasized even higher convenience and also designing in the front runner pick-up for the 11th generation This version cycle had a really short run, as well as ended at the beginning of the Great Economic downturn.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pick-up remains on the assembly 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 influence on the 12th generation of F-Series trucks. There was no doubt the strength of the 2009 F-150 with its strong grille and also hostile stance. Midway through the model cycle (2011 ), Ford challenged skyrocketing fuel costs with the initial 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Duty expands in track record
2012 Ford F-Series Super Task
2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty|Ford
Towards the end of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Obligation models drifted near perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel motor ended up being an option in 2011. A few years later, with several decades in guides and also numerous models on the roadway, iSeeCars.com counted more F-250 Super Task trucks over 200,000 miles than any other lorry.
23. The light weight aluminum F-150
A red redesigned Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you think about serious automaker gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After a number of years atop the sales charts, Ford left steel for a light weight aluminum truck body-- and it worked. The new F-150 became the first pickup to get a first-class NHTSA security score as well as an Insurance policy Institute for Highway Security Top Security Choose classification. Now that the outcomes are in, we can claim Ford nailed the redesign as well as just boosted the track record of its front runner 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 concept of an efficiency pick-up and ran with it below, equipping Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also substantial indoor conveniences. Nevertheless, we'll merely mention the extremely attractive aesthetic cues. We can't think of a cooler-looking pickup 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 initial Design T truck, the 2018 F-150 entered the scene. New advanced accident security modern technology as well as the F-150's ideal towing capabilities were vital upgrades. Meanwhile, basic start-stop functions made it more cost-effective than any kind of previous version. While we're not sure concerning the following century of truck manufacturing, Ford closed its initial 100 years on the job in vogue.
