The Ford Motor Company was founded back in 1903, but it didn't begin producing its famed line of trucks until 1917. They changed history with their invention and have continued to pave the way for bigger and better trucks as the years have passed. The trucks started out as little more than a baggage carrier, and have transformed into towing machines.
The evolution of these incredible vehicles is a story that's begging to be told. The innovation and creativity behind their design and infrastructure is something the world will never forget. Keep reading to learn about the evolution of Ford's truck design through the ages!
10 10. 1917 Model TT Pickup
There was a trend of people turning their Model T's into trucks, so Ford decided to start a line of these sought-after vehicles. It was rated for one-ton of weight and he created two different models for customers to choose from. It was listed for $600, which is a number unheard of for any vehicle in today's day and age.
They helped people at home and on the war front achieve their goals, and it sparked a new era. This was the start of the truck, and we have none other than Henry Ford himself to thank for this advancement in the industry.
9 9. 1935 Ford Model 50 Pickup
Chevrolet began to become a contender in the truck industry, but Ford found a way to beat them with the creation of the V8 engine. The new engine was what brought people in the door, but the updates to its style are what had people signing the papers.
It was a new concept and an affordable one at that which is what brought the company back to its former glory following the recession. The all-steel cabs were an instant hit, and it is surprising Ford took this path considering everyone else preferred the overhead valve engine design.
8 8. 1948 First Generation F-Series
This was the first generation of F-Series trucks to hit the market. There were three types, and it was the first new line Ford had released since the end of World War Two. This was a huge change for the company as it was no longer based on the build of their cars.
These were of a completely new design and revolutionized the way they made their vehicles. They were made to be work vehicles and buyers had their choice of a six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engine. They put a lot of cash and effort into redesigning the cab, and it paid off as this series is still around today.
7 7. 1953 Second Generation F-Series
The second series did bring about some design changes and upgrades to flow with the times, but it is what went unseen that made this truck so impressive. The wheelbase was expanded and the front suspension was redesigned to create better quality ride without sacrificing it's towing capabilities.
The cargo bed was lengthened to be 6.5 feet long, which was the standard for a bed until the 1980s. Customers still had the same choice of engines, but the comfy seats are what made all the difference.
6 6. 1961 Fourth Generation F-Series
This truck brought about the integration of its bed with the cab, instead of having it be two separate pieces. It gave them an almost classic look that made it more appealing to drivers of all types. There was also an optional 8-foot bed, which made it more appealing to some who felt the 6.5-feet just wasn't enough for them.
It gave the factory the ability to save money because it was easier to put together, which means less skilled labor was needed to put these trucks together. It was still mounted on the traditional frame, but it was definitely not the same truck as it had been before.
5 5. 1973 Sixth Generation F-Series
Ford had not had a great decade prior to the 1970s, but they looked to change that with their sixth generation truck. Their sales began to climb as they looked down new avenues of innovation. They reduced the rusting capabilities of their trucks with a rust-resistant primer, and made adjustments to the hoods to prevent vibrations.
The company also made them safer by moving the fuel tank from under the seat to under the bed which many families appreciated. They also adjusted the AC and created more room in the glovebox while reducing noise in the cab as a whole.
4 4. 1987 Eighth Generation F-Series
The eighth-generation brought about even more changes as the designers began to consider the aerodynamics of a truck. They updated everything from the design to the seating, and it gave the truck a more modern look that people desired.
The mechanics underwent a complete overhaul as electronic fuel injection systems became more popular, and they figured out how to greatly reduce engine noise. The electronic antilock brake system was the new standard and 4WD was upgraded with a single hub and rotor, as well as upgrades to the transfer case.
3 3. 1992 Ninth Generation F-Series
The designs of the competition at this time resembled blocks, but Ford went a different direction by giving their truck a sleeker look and people loved it. There were different trim levels, and it was even available in diesel.
The manual transmission had begun to fade away with the times as automatics grew in popularity during this era of change. The flareside model, which we saw back in 1987, also made a comeback, which they marketed to customers who wanted their trucks to stand out from the crowds.
2 2. 2004 Eleventh Generation F-Series
The world wanted angles, and that's what Ford hoped to bring to the table with this new truck generation. It was offered in two and four-door designs, with basic models having a V6 engine. They began to look more like Ford's Super Duty trucks in terms of their design, and they also came out with an all-new Harley Davidson trim.
This truck was geared to sell to a wealthier client, while still offering options to those on the lower end of the spectrum. They hoped to make their money in the specialty trims of the Lariat and XLT Chrome packages, and all of their trucks were a hit in the open market.
1 1. 2020 Ford F-Series
This is still a part of the thirteenth generation of this series of trucks, but it is prepared to change the game of trucks forever yet again. They have everything from an F-150 to an F-450 so you can be sure one of their trucks will get the jobs done. They start at $28,495 and there are six different engines to choose from.
This year the new addition is the Power Stroke turbodiesel V-6, as well as all of their advanced onboard technologies. These can tow like no other truck before as well as take down any off-roading trail in its path, which is why this truck continues to be a beast among its competition.