From humble beginnings in 1917 with the Ford Model TT to the adrenaline-fueled 2021 F-150 Tremor and Raptor, Ford trucks remain one of the nation’s most popular vehicles. Since the first Ford truck rolled off the production line to today, ruggedness, reliability, and innovation define the truck. Let’s take a look at the history of Ford trucks and the most memorable ones that have made an impact on the Ford truck culture.
Ford Model TT (1917 to 1926)
The first concept Ford Model TT truck, based on the Model T car, started selling in 1917. Initially, the truck came only with a cab and a chassis with the intent that the buyer could put whatever type of box they wanted on the chassis. By 1924, Ford added a factory-produced body which helped to catapult the Model TT into the future. By 1928, Ford has sold over one million Model TT trucks.
Ford Model AA and Model BB (1928 to 1934)
Consumers enjoyed the versatility of the workhorse Model TT truck, yet wanted more features. The Model AA trucks came with an updated cab, a longer chassis bed, and a new powertrain and axle for more flexibility. In 1933, Ford introduced the Model BB as the first in a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks. Ford enlarged the body length and offered two engine choices, a 3.3-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 3.6-liter V-8 engine. Once the United States became involved with World War II, production of the Model BB ceased so Ford could focus on making trucks for the military.
Ford Model 50 (1935 to 1941)
The Ford Model 50 series saw the beginning of distinct styling changes for the pickup truck. The Model 50 introduced Ford’s legendary flathead V-8 engine. This modern-looking truck with its massive front grille, handsome round headlights, and flared wheel fenders captivated the hearts of Americans. Many of the features you find on present day Ford trucks come from the Model 50 truck.
First-Generation F-Series (1948 to 1952)
With World War II behind America, Ford wanted to make a consumer truck that would appeal to a broad range of truck enthusiasts. In 1948, the first F-series truck rolled out, called the F-Series Bonus Built. The succession of F-series trucks, from the F-1 to the cab-over F-8, appealed to a range of consumers, from farm truck drivers to those needing a truck to deliver goods to the city.
Second Generation F-Series (1952 to 1956)
Major changes to the Ford trucks came during this time period. This era marked the naming of the current F-series with the F-1 changing to the F-100, F-2 and F-3 becoming the F-250, and the F-4 turned into the F-350. Modern features such as a dome light, armrests, and sun visors came with the second generation F-series. Most notably, the beloved flathead V-8 engine got replaced with an overhead-valve eight engine. This time frame also saw the development of Ford’s first heavy-duty commercial trucks.
Third Generation F-Series (1957 to 1960)
In 1957, Ford redesigned the F-series with a wider stance, integrated front fenders, and more interior amenities such as an improved heater system and upgraded radio. In 1959, Ford introduced a four-wheel-drive system allowing the truck to have more pulling power and improved off-road capability.
Fourth and Fifth Generation F-Series (1961 to 1972)
Ford redesigned the truck with more aerodynamic styling and added the twin I-beam suspension system with the slogan, “drives like a car and works like a truck.” More amenities appeared on the fourth and fifth-generation trucks with power brakes, power steering, and air conditioning.
Sixth Generation F-Series (1973 to 1979)
During these years, we see the introduction of the first F-150 which soon gained in popularity over the top-selling F-100. Style designs included rectangle headlights, parking lights above the headlights, and the Club Cab that came with a small bench seat in the rear of the cab.
Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Generations F-Series (1980 to 1996)
Radical changes to the Ford F-series shows up during these 16 years. The slogan, “Built Ford Tough,” appeared during this era driving sales of the F-series upward. 1987 marked the 50th anniversary of the Ford F-series with styling changes such as a flat grille with flush headlamps and rounded wheel arches. By 1992, the F-series took on a more aerodynamic look, and in 1995, the F-150 became the second largest selling vehicle in the world with the Volkswagen Beetle being number one.
Tenth and Eleventh Generation F-Series (1997 to 2008)
By 1997, Ford started introducing F-150 trucks with massive amounts of power. The SVT Lightning had a 380 horsepower engine with 450 pound-feet of torque and for its time, was the most powerful passenger truck ever sold. The eleventh generation F-series trucks brought in the heavy-duty F-250 and F-350 labeled as passenger work trucks featuring more cab and bed configurations.
Twelfth Generation F-Series (2009 to 2014)
Coming into the modern world, the twelfth generation introduced the rugged off-road-ready Raptor with its 6.2-liter V-8 engine producing 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. The front of the F-series trucks became bolder looking and technology features included an infotainment system, navigation, and advanced safety features.
Thirteenth Generation F-Series (2015 to 2020)
Ford completely redesigned the thirteenth generation F-150 trucks with the Blue Oval badging and an aluminum body built on a stainless steel frame. The thirteenth generation Ford F-150 also introduced an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel engine producing 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Fourteenth Generation (2021)
As Ford moves forward with the new generation starting in 2021, expect to see major technology changes with a larger and enhanced touch screen as wells as five engine options. The models and trims on the fourteenth generation Ford F-series will feature 11 different grille options to help distinguish each trim level.
Ford continues to improve and redesign this iconic truck and with each new generation, expect more design styles, along with mechanical and technology advancements.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the history of Ford trucks. Which one is your favorite? Drop us a line and we’ll add your recommendations to our list.
Featured Image via Flickr by Jack Snell
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