The Ford Classic Truck, Fun Facts and Figures....
Ford's first attempt to build a truck was somewhat of a feeble effort in 1905. It had a box like area behind the driver seat, and was called a "delivery car". The public wasn't quite sure what to do with this new configuration, and it was pulled out of production.
Several outside companies offered Ford Truck conversion bodies as an after market item for the the Model T Fords. It is generally agreed that the first real Ford Truck produced by Ford was the 1917 TT Ford Truck. This truck was actually just a beefed up chasis frame,rated as a 1 Ton. A "complete" Ford Truck was not put into production until 1924, called the "Express Body", which was something like today's pick up truck. A ton and half model Ford Truck was introduced in 1928, with heavier rated trucks following in the Forties.
After WWII, the truck that would go on to become a Ford classic truck was born with the "F" Series going on sale in 1948. The ever popular F series trucks have transitioned from the original F1 series, to the F100 series, to the F150 series. These Ford Trucks have gone on to set such records as being the best selling vehicle for 23 years in a row, and the best selling truck it the USA. Over the years the Ford Truck has taken on many different body configurations, such as the Panel Delivery, the Sedan Delivery, Pick up, Ranchero, Cargo Vans, mini-vans and SUV's.
Our Feature Truck, the F100 Ford Classic Truck
The Ford F100 Truck series gave birth to one the most collectible series of Ford trucks, the 1953, 1954, and 1955, and 1956 models. It was on Ford's Golden Anniversary Year, that the two zero's were added to the F1 series, and the newly re-styled Ford 100 truck was introduced.
The new styling was dramatic, a big one piece curved windshield was added along with newly designed fenders and hood. It is interesting to note some of the items that were still "optional" on this 1953 Ford Truck included a rear bumper, heater/defroster, and a right side tail light. Standard items included an inside rear view mirror, and electric horn, hub caps, and a chrome front bumper.
The 1954 F100 offered up a V8 motor for the first time in a Ford pick up truck. With the 1955 Ford F100 you could order the optional "Custom Cab" Package, which included a front seat with 5" of padding, two tone exterior paint themes, chrome plated vent windows and other "luxury" items.
The 1956 F100 truck was a totally redesigned affair, and had an optional "big back" wrap around window (a $16 option), which is a highly sought after by Ford F100 Truck collectors today. An optional 272 cubic inch V8 motor made the 1956 Ford F100 the most powerful pickup truck in Ford's history.
