Ford Trucks celebrate six decades of standard-setting capability, innovation and reliability!
Tough Truck Heritage
In 1948, Ford introduced the F-1 pickup to a booming post-war America and marked Ford's first all-new line of post-war civilian vehicles. Advertised as "Built Stronger to Last Longer," the F-Series became a symbol of America's economic prosperity, going to work on the job site, at the factory and on the farm.
Moving forward, the F-Series' "Excitedly Modern" and "Totally Different" design infused car-like elements into the light truck market. With its smooth body contours, integrated headlamps and innovations like the one-piece windshield, the F-Series launched a phenomenon that would see the scope of light trucks expand from the farm and factory to the American driveway.
While capability is still paramount, evidenced by F-150's class-leading trailer tow and payload capabilities, light duty pickup trucks have evolved significantly during the past decade. The F-150 has been leading the pack, offering creature comforts and innovations that were once found exclusively on passenger vehicles.
"Ford trucks continue to lead with smart solutions to make any job easier," said Crowley. "And we're not letting up. We are hard at work on the next generation of Built Ford Tough trucks with breakthrough innovations that will lead the way for the next 60 years."
The F-Series continues today as America's favorite vehicle, approaching 33 million sales since its introduction in 1948. F-Series has topped the truck sales charts for the past 30 consecutive years and boasts the recognition of being America's best-selling vehicle for 26 of those 30 years.
1948
F-Series "Bonus Built" trucks are introduced Jan. 16 (F-1 through F-8), the first of Ford Motor Company's all-new postwar line of vehicles.
1953
F-100 pickup is introduced, replacing F-1.
1959
Ford's 4x4s are introduced, primarily for commercial use, but just in time for the growth in recreational off-road driving and personal use of pickup trucks in the 1960s.
1965
Twin I-Beam front suspension is introduced. Suspension allows F-Series to "drive like a car - work like a truck."
Nearly two-thirds of pickup owners use trucks for recreational and personal use. In response, Ford introduces its Camper Special package for F-100 and F-250, an industry first.
1974
Ford introduces F-Series SuperCab, signaling further growth in personal use of pickup trucks.
1975
F-150 pickup debuts.
1978
Ford sells 864,000 F-Series trucks, a record.
1980
Most extensive redesign of F-Series to date.
Ford's diesel pickups debut with 6.9-liter V-8.
1987
F-Series becomes first truck with rear-wheel, anti-lock brakes.
1994
Driver's-side air bags introduced.
1995
F-Series surpasses Volkswagen Beetle as world's best-selling vehicle nameplate.
F-Series introduces the Eddie Bauer edition truck.
1997
Completely redesigned F-150 and F-250 models introduced.
SuperCab features industry's first standard third door in a full-size pickup.
1999
Ford and Harley-Davidson form an alliance and introduce the first Harley-Davidson edition of the F-150 as a 2000MY vehicle.
The SVT F-150 Lightning is introduced and featured a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 with 360 horsepower.
Ford launches a new F-Series Super Duty built on its own unique frame and ushers in the first true medium duty pickup truck.
2001
A second passenger row is added, giving F-150 SuperCrew trucks more passenger space then the previous SuperCab trucks.
Ford debuts the new super-premium King Ranch edition truck.
Ford unveils the second Harley-Davidson edition based on an F-150 SuperCrew.
2003
Ford's third Harley-Davidson edition F-150 debuts.
The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel joins the Super Duty line-up
2004
All-new F-150 reflects shifts in market with more consumers using pickup as a daily vehicle.
Ford debuts new super-premium King Ranch edition truck.
2005
Ford launches an all-new, redesigned and more capable Super Duty
2006
Ford's fourth Harley-Davidson edition F-150 and the first Harley-Davidson edition built on the new 2004 F-150 platform.
2007
Ford introduces a supercharged F-150 Harley-Davidson edition truck.
All-new Super Duty is launched for the 2008 model year. For the first time the Super Duty includes the F-450 pickup and 6.4-liter PowerStroke - clean Turbo Diesel.
The 2008 F-Series 60th Anniversary Editions are introduced
Source: Ford Motor Co.