While the Ford F-150's background formally began in 1975, earlier vehicles laid the groundwork for America's favorite lorry|Ford
You can dispute nearly anything worrying cars and also vehicles, but something is difficult to suggest: Ford F-150 is the undisputed heavyweight champ of American roads. No lorry has actually been even more vital or marketed more models since this pickup's debut in 1975. Since 2017, the F-150 and its heavy-duty equivalents topped the sales graphes for 35 straight years.
That's rather a run, and these vehicles beat the competition in their segment for also longer (40 consecutive years). Yet the F-Series pick-ups didn't appeared of nowhere during the 1970s. Ford introduced its famous pickup way back in 1948, just after The second world war. Prior to the F-1 launching that year, the automaker's vehicles were merely customized cars.
The 1948 design altered that, as well as the F-Series continued its evolution into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and heavy-duty versions sport one of the most sophisticated technology and indoor convenience that pickup trucks have ever before seen. It absolutely really did not begin by doing this. Below are 25 pictures of Ford's F-Series pickups-- from the earliest days of its precursors to the latest off-road conqueror.
1. Ford Version T vehicle
1925 Ford Design T truck
1925 Ford Design T truck|The Henry Ford
To find the origins of Ford trucks, we have to go all the way back to the 1910s, when the automaker transformed the Design T right into a pickup. As the picture reveals, this lorry was little bit more than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nonetheless, also such a basic configuration got products relocating the early days of customer transport.
2. Greater utility in the 1930s
1932 Ford Roadster pickup
By 1932, Ford trucks enhanced significantly in the energy division|Ford
While there was apparent charm for a Design T vehicle, Ford improved upon the principle with the Version An and Model B. The bed was longer and the weight circulation much better, so there was lots of charm for truck purchasers throughout the Clinical 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 battle effort
1941 Ford Express
Ford vehicles entered into the battle effort after 1941|Ford
The hardtop, long-bed truck concept took form by the late 1930s, and by the time 1941 versions appeared, there were a number of alternatives for customers. Among the options were new V6 engines to accompany the V8 and also four-cylinder choices. Ford obtained both the grille designing as well as the underlying platform from vehicles below, and also launched additional truck plants by 1941 in case the USA entered the war. Consumer manufacturing ended for several years after the Pearl Harbor invasion.
4. Birth of the F-Series
2 men 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 launching year|Ford
Following World War II, Ford introduced its initial all-new vehicle system with eight various models. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, consumers had plenty of choices. Engine options varied from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks began with a simple, utilitarian look and also better usefulness 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 wedding anniversary with the intro of 2nd generation F-Series designs. The front grille altered substantially (brand-new engines likewise arrived), but this redesign was a lot more considerable. An improved V8 engine, longer dimensions, better presence, and transmission were presented. So were hood accessories and also the language we acknowledge today: F-100 as well as F-250 replaced the 3 lightest pickups in the lineup.
6. More power for 1954
A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and integrate drives with a field
1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also integrate|Ford
Updates for F-Series trucks proceeded throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windshield supplied enhanced exposure for vehicle drivers, updated power specs expanded their alternatives on the job website. Six cyndrical tube engines maxed out at 115 equines by 1954, while the V8 engine forged ahead to 130 horse power. A lot more power came by the 1956 model year, with the F-Series V8 engine delivering up to 173 equines, according to Edmunds.
7. F-Series third generation.
A front-facing Ford F-100 from 1960
1960 Ford F-100|Ford
You can not assist gazing modification in the face when comparing the 2nd and third generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille and increase the number of fronts lights welcomed Ford truck customers starting in 1960. Three years earlier, the 1957 models debuted the pickup's bigger taxicab as well as other updates. Beginning in 1959, Ford began offering 4x4 in manufacturing facility versions.
8. 4th generation Ford trucks.
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 getting here by 1965, fourth generation Ford vehicles continued the march to the modern age. Super Responsibility vehicles had made their launching in 1958, as well as this shot from 1963 is a consider the design 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, vehicle customers can select from 3 trims: base, personalized, and also Ranger. Going with the Ranger implied carpet floorings, a conventional chrome grille, and also a lot more comfortable seats. By 1970, before fifth generation designs finished their run, a fourth trim (XLT) went into the picture.
10. Extra style as well as functionality
1971 Ford F-250 rests parked in the turf
1971 Ford F-250|Ford
Regulations mandated side reflectors starting in 1968, as well as this sturdy version from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that into a badging opportunity. An upgraded V8 engine now delivered up to 220 horse power. At the same time, the ruthless restyling of the grille continued apace.
11. A giant 6th generation
1973 Ford F-Series pick-up
View of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky assembly line, circa 1973|Ford
Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series trucks were impressive for a variety of reasons, but we'll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had actually originated the pickup with additional seating, and also Ford felt required to react. Yet another V8 engine entered the picture as well. But America's preferred 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 building and construction website
1975 Ford F-150|Ford
Why was the F-150 necessary? By the mid-1970s, consumers found themselves captured in between the not-quite-capable-enough F-100 as well as the mighty F-250. This design bridged the gap beginning in 1975, and about one third of F-Series sales were made up of F-150s that year. While America commemorated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series trucks started their run atop the sales list that remains to this particular day.
13. The decisive 7th 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 version was an advancement generation," Wagner said. "It was all new-- probably the best change in 40 years-- and also had a solid emotional appeal with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, things really went Ford's method as far as vehicles were worried."
14. Custom-made plans as well as death to F-100
F-150 from 1985 sits parked in front of a lake
By 1985, a new focus on style as well as-- a lot more notably-- lifestyle had actually gone into the picture|Ford
Beginning in the early 1980s, Ford truck consumers can design their associate personalized paint packages. The brand-new focus on way of life triggered advertising pictures similar to this one showcasing a family delighting in a day by the lake. These vehicles supplied at the workplace and also fit enough to appreciate after hours, Ford recommended by means of its marketing. Keep in mind the blue-oval emblem making its first appearance on the grille. F-100 manufacturing finished in 1983.
15. Enter eighth generation
Historical shot of 1989 Ford F-150
1989 Ford F-150|Ford
Beginning with the 1987 version year, Ford F-Series vehicles had actually entered their 8th generation. Wraparound vehicle parking lights and basic fuel injection were 2 key upgrades. F-350 as well as heavier designs entered into a new Super Obligation line. The recently streamlined grille appreciated a future through the complying with generations.
16. New styling signs after 1991
fender trim f150
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, vehicle lovers got brand-new efficiency and also designing packages. Amongst them, the sturdy service bundle made the job for snow plows much easier. For 1991, the "Nite" bundle delivered a blacked-out F-150 for customers aiming to stand out from the legions of Ford truck 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 nine generation F-Series made its launching, Ford had actually appreciated more than a years at the top of America's sales charts. Normally, the automaker saw a chance to experiment as well as released an efficiency version via the Special Lorry Group in its inaugural year. Utilizing its exceptional handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning could equal or beat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in long track runs.
18. Extra nine generation changes
1996 F-150 SuperCab sits parked atop a mountain
1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford
In addition to new efficiency models, the Ford F-Series likewise obtained major cosmetic upgrades in its ninth generation Designers were seeking to interest yet another 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
fender guards for ford f150
Major adjustments arrived with the 10th generation of F-Series trucks that started in 1997. The nameplate celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1998 as well as (to mark its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille and also added more contours than these trucks had sported in years. Heavy-duty trucks got their own F-Series Super Task 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 first redesign of the brand-new millennium brought a brand new system for the F-150 (2004) and, lastly, for the Super Task trucks (2008 ). Designers had emphasized also higher comfort and styling in the flagship pickup for the 11th generation This version cycle had a very brief run, and also finished at the beginning of the Great Economic crisis.
21. A brawnier 12th generation.
A F-150 pickup sits 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 seemed to apply its impact on the 12th generation of F-Series vehicles. There was no questioning the strength of the 2009 F-150 with its bold grille as well as aggressive stance. Midway via the version cycle (2011 ), Ford challenged rising gas prices with the first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.
22. Super Duty expands in reputation
2012 Ford F-Series Super Obligation
2012 Ford F-Series Super Obligation|Ford
Towards completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Responsibility models diverted close to perfection. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine ended up being an option in 2011. A few years later on, with a number of years in guides and also millions of models on the road, iSeeCars.com counted extra F-250 Super Obligation vehicles above 200,000 miles than any other vehicle.
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 numerous decades atop the sales graphes, Ford left behind steel for a light weight aluminum truck body-- and it functioned. The brand-new F-150 became the very first pick-up to receive a first-class NHTSA security ranking as well as an Insurance policy Institute for Freeway Safety And Security Top Safety and security Pick classification. Since the results are in, we can claim Ford toenailed the redesign and also just enhanced the reputation of its flagship 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 apocalypse, we suggest flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the concept of a performance pick-up and also kept up it here, outfitting Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and significant indoor comforts. Nonetheless, we'll simply mention the extremely appealing visual hints. We can not consider a cooler-looking pickup on the road.
25. The 2018 edition
Ford F-150 for the 2018 version year
2018 Ford F-150|Ford
One century after Ford debuted its first Model T truck, the 2018 F-150 got in the scene. New progressed collision security innovation and also the F-150's finest towing capacities were key upgrades. Meanwhile, typical start-stop features made it much more economical than any previous model. While we're uncertain regarding the next century of truck production, Ford closed its initial 100 years on duty in style.
