For more than a century, Ford trucks have been the ideal vehicles for both hard work and serious play. Learn how Ford trucks have evolved over the years, and discover why they’re still at the head of their class.
The First Ford Trucks Change the Automotive World Forever
The first Ford truck on the market dates back to 1905, when Henry Ford developed his third vehicle. This truck, which predates even the legendary Model T, was little more than a modified car.
Just over a decade later, the automaker released its first specially-designed truck, the Model TT. With a cargo capacity of one ton, this powerful truck made a splash in the early 20th century.
In 1925 Ford developed a stylish new addition to its lineup, the Model T Runabout. The automaker’s first factory-assembled pickup truck, it featured a covered cabin, a large bed, an adjustable tailgate, and rear springs for a smooth ride. This pickup truck was a popular vehicle, selling nearly 35,000 in total. This year the automaker also broke records, producing over 270,000 trucks.
New models and modifications to existing vehicles soon started to flow freely. In 1926, Ford released trucks available in colors other than black, such as maroon, gray, and dark green.
In 1928, Ford replaced its famous Model T line with a new Model A pickup and Model AA chassis. The new Model AA boasted an improved cargo capacity of one and a half tons, and many included rare enclosed cabs.
A few short years later, Ford released its Model B pickup and Model BB chassis in 1932. The automaker made several design changes to the lineup throughout the 1930s and 1940s, producing a series of Ford panel trucks in 1938 and sleek new light-duty trucks in 1941.
The Original Ford F-Series Trucks Set the Stage
Shortly after World War II ended, Ford made waves again by launching its F-Series line of trucks in 1948. A full-service lineup, the F-Series included a wide range of vehicles with cargo capacities ranging from a half ton to three tons.
Arguably the most well-known of the original F-Series trucks, the F-1 was the smallest truck in the lineup, with a cargo capacity of just a half ton. Along with other F-Series trucks, the F-1 featured a newly designed and enclosed cab, with a prominent grille that would continue to define the lineup for decades. The series also featured single-sheet windshields, a significant development at the time.
Though the F-Series vehicles underwent minor restyles virtually every year, it wasn’t until 1953 that Ford launched the second generation of the lineup. To celebrate its 50th year, Ford re-released the F-Series and gave the vehicles triple-digit names. The F-1 became known as the redesigned F-100 and continued to be a popular light-duty truck.
Along with more powerful engines, better suspension, and improved performance, Ford continued to introduce new design features for its F-Series trucks. In 1965 Ford debuted the Ranger styling package, which proved to be a popular choice for decades. Ranger features included exterior elements like wood grain trim, specially designed upholstery and carpeting, and roof coverings.
The Ford F-150 Becomes an Instant Classic
Though Ford didn’t make many changes to its F-Series lineup in 1975, it did make one significant debut. The automaker launched the Ford F-150 as a lower-emission and more fuel-efficient pickup truck. In less than a year, the Ford F-150 eclipsed the sales of the F-100 and became the nation’s best-selling truck. Though more than 40 years have passed since this initial milestone, the F-150 continues to be the top-selling truck in the U.S.
In order to remain popular year after year, the F-150 has undergone numerous minor and substantial redesigns. Ford launched its seventh generation of vehicles in 1980, when the F-150 and other F-Series trucks featured independent front suspension and new exterior looks. In 1984 the F-100 no longer appeared in the F-Series lineup, and the F-150 took its place as the standard full-size pickup truck. By 1986, the Ford F-150 became not only the best-selling truck but also the top-selling vehicle in the U.S.
Ford Trucks Get Contemporary
F-Series have continually changed with the times, boasting the newest technology, the sharpest designs, and the most impressive performance. In fact, you’ll see all of that and more in the most popular Ford trucks today.
The 2016 Ford F-150 features a lighter aluminum body, optional fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, top-of-the-line towing capacity, and a smooth ride. Along with 2016 Super Duty, the F-150 also features cutting-edge technology like SYNC infotainment and driver-assist technology.
Whether you’re shopping for a classic pre-owned vehicle or a new Ford truck, you’ll find dozens of options at Lance Cunningham Ford. Stop by the convenient Knoxville location for a test drive today.
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