While the Ford F-150's history formally started in 1975, earlier trucks laid the groundwork for America's favorite lorry|Ford
You can dispute practically anything worrying vehicles and also trucks, however something is difficult to argue: Ford F-150 is the undisputed heavyweight champ of American roadways. No vehicle has been more vital or sold even more designs given that this pickup's debut in 1975. Since 2017, the F-150 as well as its durable equivalents covered the sales graphes for 35 straight years.
That's quite a run, and these vehicles defeated the competition in their section for also longer (40 consecutive years). However the F-Series pick-ups didn't appeared of nowhere during the 1970s. Ford launched its legendary pickup way back in 1948, following The second world war. Prior to the F-1 debut that year, the automaker's vehicles were merely modified cars.
The 1948 model changed that, and the F-Series continued its evolution into the 21st century. These days, the F-150 and sturdy versions sport the most innovative technology and indoor convenience that pickup have ever before seen. It absolutely didn't start in this way. Here are 25 snapshots of Ford's F-Series pick-ups-- from the earliest days of its predecessors to the most recent off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Model T vehicle
1925 Ford Design T vehicle
1925 Ford Design T vehicle|The Henry Ford
To discover the beginnings of Ford vehicles, we have to go completely back to the 1910s, when the automaker converted the Model T into a pick-up. As the picture reveals, this car was bit greater than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nevertheless, even such a fundamental configuration got products relocating the early days of customer transportation.
2. Greater utility in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pickup
By 1932, Ford vehicles boosted considerably in the energy department|Ford
While there was apparent allure for a Version T truck, Ford surpassed the idea with the Model An as well as Version B. The bed was longer and the weight distribution better, so there was lots of appeal for truck buyers during the Depression, specifically 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 war initiative
1941 Ford Express
Ford trucks entered into the battle effort after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck concept materialized by the late 1930s, and by the time 1941 models showed up, there were numerous options for consumers. Amongst the selections were new V6 engines to accompany the V8 and also four-cylinder choices. Ford borrowed both the grille styling as well as the underlying platform from cars and trucks below, and launched additional truck plants by 1941 in case the USA entered the war. Consumer production finished for numerous years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
2 men wearing cowboy hats lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it rests parked before a house
Ford F-1 truck from its debut year|Ford
Following World War II, Ford released its initial brand new vehicle platform with 8 various designs. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, customers had plenty of selections. Engine choices ranged from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks started with a simple, utilitarian appearance as well as better usefulness than its predecessors.
5. F-100 marks a brand-new generation
A pale green 1953 Ford F-100
1953 Ford F-100|Ford
In 1953, Ford commemorated its 50th wedding anniversary with the introduction of second generation F-Series models. The front grille changed substantially (brand-new engines likewise showed up), yet this redesign was a lot more considerable. A boosted V8 engine, longer dimensions, better presence, as well as transmission were presented. So were hood accessories and the classification we identify today: F-100 and F-250 changed the three lightest pickups in the schedule.
6. More power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also combine drives with an area
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also incorporate|Ford
Updates for F-Series vehicles continued throughout the second generation While the wraparound windscreen supplied improved presence for drivers, upgraded power specs increased their choices on the job site. 6 cylinder engines maxed out at 115 horses by 1954, while the V8 engine pushed the envelope to 130 horse power. Much more power came over the 1956 version 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 not aid gazing change in the face when comparing the 2nd and third generations of F-Series trucks A square grille as well as double the number of headlights welcomed Ford truck consumers beginning in 1960. Three years earlier, the 1957 versions debuted the pick-up's broader cab and various other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford began using four-wheel drive in factory designs.
8. Fourth generation Ford vehicles.
1963 Ford F-250 sits parked on a rough terrain
1963 Ford F-250|Ford
With four-wheel drive capability as well as over 200 horse power arriving by 1965, 4th generation Ford trucks proceeded the march to the modern-day age. Super Obligation trucks had actually made their launching in 1958, and this shot from 1963 is a check out the design year's Ford F-250. Two fronts lights returned for those that operated by night.
9. Debut of the Ranger
1967 Ford F-100 Ranger
1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford
Beginning with the F-Series's fifth generation, truck customers can pick from three trims: base, custom-made, and also Ranger. Opting for the Ranger implied grassy floors, a standard chrome grille, as well as much more comfy seats. By 1970, before 5th generation versions finished their run, a fourth trim (XLT) went into the picture.
10. Much more style and also functionality
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 durable model from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that right into a badging chance. An updated V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horsepower. At the same time, the relentless restyling of the grille proceeded apace.
11. A powerhouse sixth 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 reasons, yet we'll start with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had originated the pickup with added seating, as well as Ford felt obliged to react. Yet an additional V8 engine went into the picture as well. However America's favored vehicle was about to be born.
12. Birth of the Ford F-150
A red 1975 Ford F-150 rests parked in front of a construction site
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 necessary? By the mid-1970s, consumers found themselves caught in between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 and the magnificent F-250. This model bridged the gap starting in 1975, as well as regarding one third of F-Series sales were comprised of F-150s that year. While America commemorated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series trucks started their run atop the sales checklist that continues to now.
13. The decisive seventh generation
1980 Ford F-150 Ranger rests parked atop a hill
F-150 Ranger from the 1980 design year|Ford
To place the 7th generation's effect in viewpoint, we turn to historian James W. Wagner. "The 1980 version was an advancement generation," Wagner stated. "It was all brand-new-- most likely the best change in 40 years-- as well as had a strong sob story with the twin I-beam front suspension. It appears from that factor on, things actually went Ford's means regarding trucks were worried."
14. Custom packages and fatality to F-100
F-150 from 1985 rests parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a brand-new focus on design as well as-- more importantly-- lifestyle had gone into the picture|Ford
Starting in the early 1980s, Ford truck customers might style their trucks with customized paint bundles. The brand-new concentrate on way of living prompted promotional pictures such as this one showcasing a family members taking pleasure in a day by the lake. These vehicles provided at work as well as fit sufficient to take pleasure in after hours, Ford suggested by means of its advertising and marketing. Note the blue-oval symbol making its opening night on the grille. F-100 manufacturing ended in 1983.
15. Get in 8th generation
Archival shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Starting with the 1987 design year, Ford F-Series vehicles had entered their 8th generation. Wraparound auto parking lights and also basic gas shot were 2 key upgrades. F-350 and heavier models became part of a brand-new Super Task line. The recently simplified grille appreciated a long term with 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 final years of the F-Series's eighth generation, vehicle enthusiasts obtained brand-new performance and also styling bundles. Among them, the heavy-duty service plan made the job for snow plows less complicated. For 1991, the "Nite" plan provided a blacked-out F-150 for customers seeking to stick out 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 ninth generation F-Series made its debut, Ford had actually taken pleasure in more than a decade at the top of America's sales charts. Normally, the car manufacturer saw an opportunity to experiment as well as released a performance version with the Unique Lorry Group in its inaugural year. Utilizing its outstanding handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning could amount to or beat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.
18. More 9th generation modifications
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 also obtained significant cosmetic upgrades in its 9th generation Developers were wanting to attract yet another young generation of customers. An unique Eddie Bauer trim got in the picture in 1995. 2018 ford edge grille
19. F-Series marks its 10th generation.
Ford F-150 from the 1998 version year
1998 Ford F-150|Ford
Major changes shown up 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 and also included more curves than these vehicles had sported in years. Durable vehicles got their very 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 first redesign of the new millennium brought an all-new platform for the F-150 (2004) and, ultimately, for the Super Task trucks (2008 ). Developers had highlighted even better convenience and designing in the flagship pick-up for the 11th generation This version cycle had an extremely brief run, as well as finished at the start of the Great Economic crisis.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pickup rests on the assembly flooring at the Kansas City Ford Assembly plant October 2, 2008 in Claycomo, Missouri.
2009 Ford F-150|Larry W. Smith/Getty Images
Wartime America seemed to exert 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 hostile stance. Midway via the version cycle (2011 ), Ford challenged skyrocketing gas costs with the initial 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Task expands in online reputation
2012 Ford F-Series Super Task
2012 Ford F-Series Super Responsibility|Ford
Towards completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Obligation designs veered near perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel motor ended up being an alternative in 2011. A few years later, with several decades in the books and also millions of models on the road, iSeeCars.com counted a lot more F-250 Super Task trucks above 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 think of severe automaker gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After numerous decades atop the sales charts, Ford left behind steel for a light weight aluminum truck body-- and it functioned. The new F-150 came to be the first pick-up to get a five-star NHTSA safety ranking and also an Insurance Institute for Freeway Safety And Security Top Safety Select designation. Now that the results are in, we can claim Ford toenailed the redesign as well as just improved 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 traveling after an armageddon, we suggest flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the concept of a performance pickup as well as ran with it here, equipping Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and significant indoor conveniences. Nonetheless, we'll just mention the really attractive aesthetic cues. We can not think of a cooler-looking pickup when driving.
25. The 2018 edition
Ford F-150 for the 2018 version year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its initial Design T vehicle, the 2018 F-150 got in the scene. New advanced accident defense modern technology and the F-150's best towing capabilities were key upgrades. Meanwhile, conventional start-stop functions made it much more economical than any type of previous design. While we're not sure concerning the following century of vehicle production, Ford shut its initial 100 years at work stylishly.
