While the Ford F-150's background officially began in 1975, earlier trucks prepared for America's favored vehicle|Ford
You can debate nearly anything worrying cars and trucks as well as trucks, yet something is impossible to say: Ford F-150 is the undisputed heavyweight champ of American roads. No automobile has been even more necessary or marketed even more versions because this pickup's launching in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 and also its sturdy equivalents covered the sales charts for 35 straight years.
That's rather a run, and also these trucks defeated the competition in their section for also longer (40 successive years). But the F-Series pick-ups really did not come out of no place throughout the 1970s. Ford released its iconic pick-up back in 1948, after The second world war. Prior to the F-1 launching that year, the car manufacturer's trucks were just customized cars.
The 1948 model changed that, and the F-Series proceeded its development into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and also sturdy designs sport one of the most advanced technology and interior convenience that pickup trucks have ever before seen. It definitely really did not begin that way. Right here are 25 snapshots of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the most recent off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Design T truck
1925 Ford Version T truck
1925 Ford Model T truck|The Henry Ford
To find the beginnings of Ford trucks, we have to go all the way back to the 1910s, when the automaker transformed the Design T into a pickup. As the picture reveals, this vehicle was little greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. However, even such a fundamental arrangement obtained items moving in the early days of consumer transport.
2. Greater utility in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pick-up
By 1932, Ford vehicles enhanced significantly in the energy division|Ford
While there was obvious appeal for a Version T truck, Ford surpassed the principle with the Design An and Model B. The bed was longer and the weight circulation much better, so there was plenty of charm for vehicle purchasers throughout the Anxiety, particularly with the arrival of the truck's V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster and also had its share of limitations.
3. Signing up with the 1940s battle initiative
1941 Ford Express
Ford trucks became part of the war initiative after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed vehicle idea took form by the late 1930s, as well as by the time 1941 designs appeared, there were numerous choices for customers. Amongst the options were brand-new V6 engines to support the V8 and also four-cylinder alternatives. Ford obtained both the grille designing as well as the underlying platform from autos here, as well as launched added truck plants by 1941 in case the United States got in the battle. Customer production finished for numerous years after the Pearl Harbor invasion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
2 men using stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 truck as it sits parked in front of a home
Ford F-1 truck from its launching year|Ford
Complying With World War II, Ford introduced its very first brand new vehicle system with eight different versions. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, customers had lots of options. Engine options ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks began with a humble, utilitarian appearance as well as higher practicality than its precursors.
5. F-100 marks a new generation
A light environment-friendly 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford celebrated its 50th wedding anniversary with the introduction of 2nd generation F-Series designs. The front grille transformed substantially (brand-new engines likewise got here), however this redesign was a lot more substantial. An enhanced V8 engine, longer dimensions, far better visibility, and also transmission were presented. So were hood accessories as well as the language we recognize today: F-100 and also F-250 changed the three lightest pick-ups in the lineup.
6. More power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor as well as incorporate drives with an area
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor as well as integrate|Ford
Updates for F-Series trucks continued throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windscreen offered boosted visibility for chauffeurs, updated power specifications broadened their options on the job website. Six cylinder engines maxed out at 115 horses by 1954, while the V8 engine pushed the envelope to 130 horsepower. Much more power visited the 1956 design year, with the F-Series V8 engine delivering up to 173 steeds, according to Edmunds.
7. F-Series 3rd generation.
A front-facing Ford F-100 from 1960
1960 Ford F-100|Ford
You can not help gazing adjustment in the face when comparing the second and also 3rd generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille as well as increase the number of headlights welcomed Ford truck consumers starting in 1960. 3 years earlier, the 1957 models debuted the pick-up's wider taxi and other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford began providing 4x4 in manufacturing facility designs.
8. 4th generation Ford trucks.
1963 Ford F-250 rests parked on a rough terrain
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With four-wheel drive capacity and over 200 horse power showing up by 1965, fourth generation Ford vehicles proceeded the march to the contemporary age. Super Responsibility trucks had made their launching in 1958, and this shot from 1963 is a check out the model year's Ford F-250. Two fronts lights returned for those that operated by night.
9. Launching of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Beginning with the F-Series's fifth generation, truck customers might pick from three trims: base, customized, as well as Ranger. Choosing the Ranger implied carpeted floorings, a common chrome grille, as well as more comfortable seats. By 1970, prior to 5th generation models ended their run, a 4th trim (XLT) entered the picture.
10. A lot more design and also capability
1971 Ford F-250 rests parked in the yard
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Laws mandated side reflectors starting in 1968, as well as this heavy-duty version from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that right into a badging chance. An updated V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horsepower. Meanwhile, the unrelenting restyling of the grille continued apace.
11. A powerhouse 6th generation
1973 Ford F-Series pickup
View of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky production line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series vehicles were amazing for a number of reasons, but we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had spearheaded the pick-up with extra seating, and also Ford felt required to respond. Yet one more V8 engine entered the picture too. However America's preferred truck was about to be birthed.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 rests parked in front of a building and construction website
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 necessary? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves captured in between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and the mighty F-250. This design bridged the gap starting in 1975, and also regarding one third of F-Series sales were made up of F-150s that year. While America commemorated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series vehicles started their run atop the sales listing that continues to today.
13. The crucial 7th generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger rests parked atop a mountain
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 version year|Ford
To place the seventh generation's effect in point of view, we rely on chronicler James W. Wagner. "The 1980 design was an innovation generation," Wagner said. "It was all brand-new-- most likely the best change in 40 years-- and also had a strong emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It appears from that factor on, points really went Ford's way as far as trucks were worried."
14. Custom-made bundles and also death to F-100
F-150 from 1985 sits parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new concentrate on style and-- a lot more notably-- way of life had actually entered the picture|Ford
Beginning in the early 1980s, Ford truck consumers might style their trucks with customized paint packages. The brand-new concentrate on lifestyle triggered advertising images like this one showcasing a household appreciating a day by the lake. These trucks supplied at the workplace as well as fit adequate to enjoy after hours, Ford suggested using its advertising and marketing. Note the blue-oval emblem making its opening night on the grille. F-100 manufacturing ended in 1983.
15. Enter eighth generation
Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Beginning with the 1987 design year, Ford F-Series vehicles had entered their 8th generation. Wraparound parking lights and also basic gas shot were two vital upgrades. F-350 and heavier models became part of a brand-new Super Task line. The newly streamlined grille appreciated a future via the following generations.
16. New styling signs after 1991
A black 1991 Ford F-150
1991 Ford F-150 with 'Nite' package|Ford
In the last years of the F-Series's 8th generation, truck lovers got brand-new performance and also designing packages. Among them, the heavy-duty solution bundle made the work for snow rakes simpler. For 1991, the "Nite" bundle supplied a blacked-out F-150 for customers looking to stand apart 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
As of 1992, when the 9th generation F-Series made its debut, Ford had enjoyed well over a decade at the top of America's sales charts. Normally, the car manufacturer saw a chance to experiment and also launched a performance model via the Special Lorry Team in its inaugural year. Using its remarkable handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning could equate to or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in lengthy track runs.
18. More ninth generation adjustments
1996 F-150 SuperCab sits parked atop a hill
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
In addition to brand-new performance models, the Ford F-Series additionally obtained major cosmetic upgrades in its nine generation Designers were seeking to interest yet an additional young generation of customers. A special Eddie Bauer trim got in the picture in 1995.
19. F-Series marks its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 version year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Significant adjustments arrived with the 10th generation of F-Series trucks that commenced in 1997. The nameplate celebrated its 50th wedding anniversary in 1998 as well as (to mark its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille as well as included more curves than these trucks had actually shown off in decades. Durable trucks obtained their very own F-Series Super Duty 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 very first redesign of the brand-new millennium brought an all-new platform for the F-150 (2004) and also, ultimately, for the Super Responsibility trucks (2008 ). Designers had actually stressed even better convenience as well as styling in the flagship pickup for the 11th generation This version cycle had a very short run, and finished at the beginning of the Great Economic crisis.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pickup 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 seemed to apply its impact on the 12th generation of F-Series trucks. There was no doubt the intensity of the 2009 F-150 with its bold grille as well as aggressive position. Midway through the version cycle (2011 ), Ford challenged soaring fuel prices with the very first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Duty grows in track record
2012 Ford F-Series Super Responsibility
2012 Ford F-Series Super Obligation|Ford
Toward completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Obligation versions veered near to perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine became a choice in 2011. A few years later, with several decades in the books and also countless models on the road, iSeeCars.com counted much more F-250 Super Obligation vehicles over 200,000 miles than any other car.
23. The light weight aluminum F-150
A red revamped Ford F-150
Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford
If you think about significant car manufacturer wagers, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After numerous decades atop the sales charts, Ford left behind steel for an aluminum truck body-- as well as it worked.2012 ford escape black grill The brand-new F-150 became the first pickup to get a luxury NHTSA safety rating and an Insurance policy Institute for Freeway Security Top Safety Select designation. Since the results remain in, we can say Ford toenailed the redesign and also only boosted the reputation 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 on the road after an armageddon, we recommend flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the concept of a performance pickup and kept up it here, furnishing Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also considerable interior conveniences. However, we'll simply mention the really appealing visual hints. We can not think about a cooler-looking pick-up when traveling.
25. The 2018 version
Ford F-150 for the 2018 model year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its very first Design T truck, the 2018 F-150 entered the scene. New advanced collision security technology and the F-150's ideal towing abilities were crucial upgrades. Meanwhile, typical start-stop attributes made it more affordable than any kind of previous model. While we're uncertain regarding the following century of vehicle manufacturing, Ford closed its very first 100 years on the job in vogue.
