History Of The Classic Ford F-Series

There’s no denying Americans’ love affair with pickup trucks, both brand new and vintage. In the classic and collector vehicle world, just about anything with a cargo bed has seen skyrocketing prices in recent years on anything from early pre-war trucks to contemporary pickups, although trucks from the muscle car era (‘60s and ‘70s) are, by far, the most desirable.

Considering the fact that the Ford F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck since the Jimmy Carter administration, it’s no surprise that old Ford trucks are so popular among enthusiasts. Keep reading to learn more about the history of the Ford F-Series pickup truck, specifically the vintage years from 1948 through 1979.

F-Series Origins

Ford’s first pickup truck was the 1917 Ford Model TT with a one-ton payload capacity. This truck added a stronger frame that was able to carry a payload of one ton, and it cost $600, which was almost double what a Ford Model T car was selling for in 1917. This truck was replaced by the Model AA in 1927 with a 1.5-ton payload, but it would be another 20 years until the “F-Series” branding was first used.

First Generation 1948-1952

In 1948, Ford gave its truck a ground-up redesign, and at the same time, renamed the lineup as the F-Series Bonus Built trucks. This range of trucks was given various designations based on gross vehicle weight ratings from the half-ton F-1 up to the F-7 and F-8 “Big Job” commercial trucks.

The light-duty F-1 and F-2 were offered in pickup and panel van body configurations, but the F-Series also included stripped bus chassis and cab-over offerings on the heavy-duty models. All of these trucks had a look that was defined by the tall cab and wide, flat front fenders, and a design update in 1951 brought the instantly-recognizable vertical grille slats giving the F-Series a toothy grin.

Second Generation 1953-1956

The styling of the second-generation Ford F-Series closely resembled its predecessor except this truck did a better job of blending the hood into the fenders. The key difference on this generation was the introduction of the three-digit naming system that Ford still uses today, which coincided with the increased engine power and capability of each model. The F-1 became the F-100, the F-2 and F-3 became the F-250, and the F-4 became the F-350. Ford broadened the appeal of this F-Series with features such as two-tone paint and automatic transmission options as well as standard armrests, dome lights, and sun visors. The final year for this body style was unique with a wraparound windshield and vertical A-pillars.

Third Generation 1957-1960

Introduced for 1957, the third-generation Ford F-Series marked a major departure from the truck’s predecessors with its smoother body design. Key milestones for this short-lived generation include the introduction of the Styleside cargo bed (the previous bed design was now referred to as Flareside) and this was the last F-Series generation to offer a panel van body configuration. Like many other classics, the 1958 model year introduced quad headlights, so the 1957 F-Series is easily distinguishable.

Fourth Generation 1961-1966

Although the overall styling didn’t change all that much, this generation introduced numerous innovations in the truck market. The two-wheel drive Styleside trucks featured a unibody chassis with a single-piece cab and body, but this design was only offered from 1961 to 1963. Big changes did arrive in 1965 when the F-Series received a brand new frame replacing the solid front axle with a independent twin I-beam front suspension setup; additionally, the F-Series launched the Ranger package and a four-door SuperCrew model.

Fifth Generation 1967-1972

Old Ford trucks started getting some real personality in the fifth-generation with the all-new “bumpside” body design named for the raised portion of the body along the beltline. This added style is why this F-Series generation is the basis for both the Velocity Ford F-100 street truck and the more rugged Velocity Ford F-250. The F-250 4x4s of this generation are referred to as Highboys since the divorced transfer cases gave these trucks a higher stance.

Sixth Generation 1973-1979

In contrast to the “bumpside” generation, 1973 saw the introduction of the “dentside” F-Series body style as well as numerous upgrades that would later help this truck become a market leader. The extended SuperCab cab showed up in 1974, and the F-150 arrived in 1975 offering a higher payload than F-100. In mid-1977, the F-Series 4x4 models stopped using a divorced transfer case, thus ending the Highboy nickname.

Ford later dropped the F-100 from the F-Series lineup in 1983 and essentially replaced this truck with the compact Ford Ranger. The luxurious Lariat model debuted for 1978 with air conditioning, leather trim, and power windows.

The Ford F-Series became America’s best-selling truck in 1977, and it’s held that title every year since!

1980-Present

The “modern era” for the F-Series started with a seventh generation in 1980. Since then, the F-Series has been redesigned seven more times, and the Super Duty launched as a separate body style in 1999. Additionally, Ford has offered performance versions of the F-Series including the Lightning and Raptor, and the Lightning name resurfaced in 2022 on an all-electric version of the truck.

Velocity and the Ford F-Series

Velocity cemented its name in the classic car restoration industry with the Velocity Ford Bronco, and in 2023, we introduced the F-100 and F-250 models featuring Roadster Shop chassis and a powerful Ford Gen III 5.0L Coyote V8. At Velocity, we combine meticulous craftsmanship with modern enhancements to bring you the ultimate driving experience. Explore our collection and find your perfect F-100 or F-250 today.

Own a legend. Drive a Velocity Ford F-Series truck.