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A red 1980 Ford F-150 Custom

While the Ford F-150’s history officially began in 1975, earlier trucks laid the groundwork for America’s favored lorry|Ford

You can discuss practically anything concerning cars and trucks as well as vehicles, but something is impossible to argue: Ford F-150 is the undisputed heavyweight champion of American roads. No lorry has actually been more necessary or sold even more models considering that this pickup’s debut in 1975. As of 2017, the F-150 as well as its heavy-duty equivalents covered the sales charts for 35 straight years.

That’s quite a run, as well as these vehicles defeated the competition in their segment for even longer (40 successive years). However the F-Series pick-ups really did not come out of no place throughout the 1970s. Ford launched its renowned pickup way back in 1948, after World War II. Before the F-1 launching that year, the automaker’s vehicles were just modified cars and trucks.

The 1948 design transformed that, and also the F-Series continued its development into the 21st century. Nowadays, the F-150 and also durable designs sporting activity the most sophisticated technology as well as indoor convenience that pickup trucks have ever before seen. It certainly didn’t begin by doing this. Here are 25 photos of Ford’s F-Series pickups– from the earliest days of its predecessors to the current off-road conqueror.

1. Ford Version T truck

1925 Ford Version T vehicle

1925 Ford Design T truck|The Henry Ford

To locate the origins of Ford vehicles, we have to go all the way back to the 1910s, when the car manufacturer transformed the Model T right into a pickup. As the picture shows, this lorry was bit more than a roadster with a flatbed fitted over the back wheels. Nevertheless, also such a basic setup obtained items moving in the early days of customer transportation.

2. Greater energy in the 1930s

1932 Ford Roadster pickup

By 1932, Ford vehicles enhanced considerably in the energy division|Ford

While there was obvious allure for a Version T truck, Ford surpassed the concept with the Model An as well as Version B. The bed was longer as well as the weight distribution better, so there was a lot of appeal for vehicle buyers during the Depression, specifically with the arrival of the truck’s V8 engine. Yet it was still a roadster and had its share of limitations.

3. Joining the 1940s war effort

1941 Ford Express

Ford vehicles became part of the war effort after 1941|Ford

The hardtop, long-bed vehicle idea took form by the late 1930s, as well as by the time 1941 models appeared, there were several alternatives for customers. Among the choices were new V6 engines to support the V8 as well as four-cylinder choices. Ford borrowed both the grille styling as well as the underlying system from vehicles here, and also released added truck plants by 1941 in case the USA entered the war. 2013 ford f150 aftermarket grill Consumer manufacturing finished for a number of years after the Pearl Harbor intrusion.

4. Birth of the F-Series

Two males wearing stetson lean on a red Ford F-1 vehicle as it rests parked in front of a residence

Ford F-1 vehicle from its launching year|Ford

Complying With The Second World War, Ford released its very first brand new truck system with 8 different designs. From the half-ton F-1 to the three-ton F-8, customers had a lot of choices. Engine choices varied from a 95-horsepower V6 to a 100-horsepower V8. F-Series trucks started with a simple, practical appearance and also greater 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 anniversary with the intro of second generation F-Series models. The front grille altered considerably (brand-new engines additionally got here), however this redesign was a lot more extensive. A boosted V8 engine, longer measurements, better exposure, and also transmission were presented. So were hood ornaments as well as the nomenclature we identify today: F-100 as well as F-250 replaced the three lightest pick-ups in the schedule.

6. More power for 1954

A red 1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and integrate drives through an area

1956 Ford F-100 with tractor and also integrate|Ford

Updates for F-Series vehicles continued throughout the 2nd generation While the wraparound windscreen used boosted visibility for chauffeurs, updated power specifications expanded their choices on the work site. 6 cyndrical tube engines maxed out at 115 steeds by 1954, while the V8 engine forged ahead to 130 horsepower. Much more power visited the 1956 design year, with the F-Series V8 engine delivering up to 173 horses, according to Edmunds.

7. F-Series 3rd 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 second and also third generations of F-Series vehicles A square grille as well as increase the number of headlights greeted Ford vehicle consumers starting in 1960. Three years previously, the 1957 versions debuted the pickup’s bigger taxi as well as other updates. Starting in 1959, Ford began using four-wheel drive in manufacturing facility designs.

8. Fourth generation Ford trucks.

1963 Ford F-250 rests parked on a rocky terrain

1963 Ford F-250|Ford

With 4×4 capability as well as over 200 horsepower getting here by 1965, 4th generation Ford vehicles proceeded the march to the modern period. Super Duty vehicles had actually made their launching in 1958, and this shot from 1963 is a take a look at the design year’s Ford F-250. Two fronts lights returned for those who ran by evening.

9. Launching of the Ranger

1967 Ford F-100 Ranger

1967 F-100 Ranger|Ford

Beginning with the F-Series’s 5th generation, vehicle customers could select from 3 trims: base, customized, as well as Ranger. Selecting the Ranger implied carpet floorings, a basic chrome grille, and extra comfy seats. By 1970, before fifth generation designs ended their run, a 4th trim (XLT) went into the picture.

10. Extra style and also functionality

1971 Ford F-250 rests parked in the grass

1971 Ford F-250|Ford

Rules mandated side reflectors starting in 1968, as well as this durable version from 1971 demonstrate how Ford rolled that right into a badging possibility. An updated V8 engine currently delivered up to 220 horsepower. Meanwhile, the ruthless restyling of the grille proceeded apace.

11. A giant sixth generation

1973 Ford F-Series pickup

View of a Ford F-Series on the Louisville, Kentucky assembly line, circa 1973|Ford

Sixth-generation (1973 to 1979) F-Series trucks were exceptional for a variety of factors, but we’ll begin with the arrival of SuperCab for 1974. Dodge had originated the pickup with additional seating, as well as Ford felt required to respond. Yet an additional V8 engine went into the picture as well. 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 required? By the mid-1970s, customers found themselves captured 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 composed of F-150s that year. While America commemorated its bicentennial in 1976, F-Series vehicles started their run atop the sales list that continues to this particular day.

13. The definitive 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 perspective, we count on historian James W. Wagner. “The 1980 design was an innovation generation,” Wagner stated. “It was all new– possibly the greatest adjustment in 40 years– and had a strong sob story with the twin I-beam front suspension. It seems from that point on, points really went Ford’s way as for vehicles were worried.”

14. Custom-made bundles as well as fatality to F-100

F-150 from 1985 sits parked in front of a lake

By 1985, a new concentrate on style as well as– extra importantly– way of living had actually entered the picture|Ford

Beginning in the early 1980s, Ford truck customers can design their trucks with customized paint packages. The new concentrate on lifestyle triggered advertising pictures like this one showcasing a family enjoying a day by the lake. These vehicles supplied at the office as well as fit adequate to delight in after hours, Ford recommended via its marketing. Note the blue-oval symbol making its opening night on the grille. F-100 production 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 eighth generation. Wraparound car parking lights and conventional fuel injection were 2 essential upgrades. F-350 and also larger versions became part of a new Super Obligation line. The freshly simplified grille took pleasure in 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 fans obtained new efficiency as well as styling bundles. Among them, the heavy-duty service package made the task for snow plows less complicated. For 1991, the “Nite” plan supplied a blacked-out F-150 for customers looking to stand 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 launching, Ford had appreciated well over a decade at the top of America’s sales charts. Normally, the car manufacturer saw a chance to experiment and launched an efficiency version via the Special Lorry Team in its inaugural year. Utilizing its phenomenal handling, this 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning can equate to or defeat a 1993 Ford Mustang GT in lengthy track runs.

18. A lot more nine generation modifications

1996 F-150 SuperCab rests parked atop a hill

1996 F-150 SuperCab|Ford

On top of new efficiency designs, the Ford F-Series likewise obtained significant cosmetic upgrades in its 9th generation Developers were looking to interest yet another young generation of customers. An unique Eddie Bauer trim entered the picture in 1995.

19. F-Series notes its 10th generation.

Ford F-150 from the 1998 model year

1998 Ford F-150|Ford

Major adjustments arrived with the 10th generation of F-Series trucks that began in 1997. The nameplate commemorated its 50th anniversary in 1998 and also (to note its modernity) Ford went down chrome from the grille and included more curves than these trucks had sported in years. Durable trucks obtained their 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 very first redesign of the new millennium brought an all-new system for the F-150 (2004) and, lastly, for the Super Responsibility trucks (2008 ). Designers had stressed even greater comfort and styling in the front runner pick-up for the 11th generation This design cycle had an extremely brief run, as well as finished at the start of the Great Recession.

21. A brawnier 12th generation.

A F-150 pick-up remains on the setting up 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 questioning the strength of the 2009 F-150 with its bold grille and also aggressive stance. Midway with the model cycle (2011 ), Ford faced soaring fuel prices with the very first 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the F-150.

22. Super Duty expands in online reputation

2012 Ford F-Series Super Task

2012 Ford F-Series Super Duty|Ford

Towards completion of the 12th generation of F-Series trucks, Ford Super Responsibility designs diverted close to excellence. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel motor became an option in 2011. A couple of years later on, with several decades in guides and millions of models on the road, iSeeCars.com counted much more F-250 Super Task vehicles above 200,000 miles than any other lorry.

23. The light weight aluminum F-150

A red revamped Ford F-150

Platinum-trim 2015 Ford F-150|Ford

If you consider serious car manufacturer gambles, the 13th generation F-150 is near the top of the list. After numerous decades atop the sales graphes, Ford left steel for an aluminum vehicle body– and it functioned. The brand-new F-150 ended up being the first pickup to obtain a five-star NHTSA safety and security rating and an Insurance policy Institute for Highway Safety Top Security Pick designation. Since the outcomes are in, we can claim Ford toenailed the redesign and only boosted the online reputation of its front runner truck.

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 armageddon, we recommend flagging down a 2017 Raptor. Ford took the principle of a performance pick-up and also kept up it right here, outfitting Raptor with 510 pound-feet of torque and also substantial interior comforts. However, we’ll just explain the really enticing visual cues. We can’t think of a cooler-looking pickup on the road.

25. The 2018 version

Ford F-150 for the 2018 design 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 progressed collision defense technology and also the F-150’s best towing capabilities were key upgrades. Meanwhile, common start-stop functions made it a lot more economical than any previous version. While we’re uncertain regarding the following century of truck manufacturing, Ford shut its very first 100 years on duty in vogue.