Old Ford Trucks at a Glance ...

Henry Ford's first attempt at producing a truck began in 1905, it had a little box like area behind the driver seat, and was called a "delivery car". Sales were dismal, and a second attempt was made again in 1908 with about the same results. In 1917 Ford introduced the 1 Ton TT rolling chassis, which was offered with front fenders, and engine hood, and some basic lighting. It is generally accepted, that the first “complete” truck was produced by Ford in 1925. This was a Model T Runabout with a pickup body. Ford continued producing trucks in a variety of body configurations throughout the Thirties and Forties.

Old Ford Trucks, 1st Generation

It wasn't until the original F-Series trucks were introduced in 1948 that Ford truck sales really took off.  The first of these old Ford trucks rolled off the assembly line on November 27, 1947 to much fanfare.  Ford promoted the newly styled trucks as having a "Million Dollar" truck cab with "living room comfort".  The new cab featured a new 3-way air control (2 vent windows and a cowl vent, and an optional "Magic-Air" heater and defroster).  An additional $7.50 option was the "SpriralLounge Seat" for the driver. The seat was connected from the back of the seat to the cab with a shock absorber which helped to control movement while driving.  A driver side windshield wiper was standard, but a passenger side cost $3.00 more. Standard body colors were Black, Birch Gray, Vermilion, Arabian Green and Chrome Yellow.  The light duty trucks came standard with a inline 6 cylinder or V8 could be had for an extra $20. Minor changes were made in this first phase of the F-Series through 1952.

Old Ford Trucks, 2nd Generation

1953 represented Ford's 50th Anniversary, and they used the occasion to introduce a restyled Pickup, the F100. Some of the new features included were drip rails, push button door handles, and a larger, now curved windshield, a larger back window, and rear view mirror.  A Deluxe cab was available, which offered such amenities as a "thermocoustic" headliner, cigar lighter, twin horns, door locks, passenger wiper, and a variety chrome trim items. An automatic transmission was available for the first time on a Ford pickup.

The 1956 F100 Series Trucks sported a new full wrap around windshield, and the optional big back window.  Continuing with Ford's "LifeGuard" safety campaign, a "deep dish steering wheel" was added. Other interior improvements included 2 sun visors, and a lighted cigar lighter.  Tubeless tires became first time options for a Ford Pickup. A new 12 volt charging system was added.

Old Ford Trucks, 3rd Generation

Once again a total restyle took place in 1957.  "Styleside" (fenderless) and "Flareside" (fendered) body descriptions were added.   Interiors now offered optional seat belts, padded dash and padded sun visors.  Other options included a transistor radio, windshield washers, directional signals, and chromed front and rear bumpers.

Three new exterior colors announced the arrival of the 1958 F100, Azure Blue, Seaspray Green, and Gunmetal Gray. Power Steering, quad headlights became pickup staples.

1959 introduced the first Ford "factory built" 4 wheel drive system for the F100.  As the 3rd generation of the F100 trucks closed out with the 1960 models, several interior improvements were made, as well as significant changes to brakes and suspensions.

Old Ford Truck Quick Facts:

• A total of 209 Ford trucks were built in 1917
• The 1925 Model T Runabout sold for $281
• Almost half of the Fords produced in 1948 were trucks
• Ford Trucks were originally built in 16 different plants

Old Ford Truck History Timeline:

• 1925, First "complete" Ford Truck produced
• 1947, November 27th First F-Series Truck built
• 1953 First Automatic Transmission in a Ford Truck
• 1956 Tubeless Tires available on Ford Trucks
• 1959 First "Ford" 4 wheel drive offered

Advertising and Slogans for Old Ford Trucks:

• "Bonus Built to Last Longer"
• "Excitingly New, Strikingly Different"
• "Ford Trucks Cost Less!"
• "Go Ford-Word for Savings and Style"

Significant People in the Ford Trucks development:

• Lee Iacocca, Ford Truck Marketing Manager
• Henry C Dorsey, Atlanta Ga Plant Manager

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