Ford Pickup Trucks Through The Years
Built Ford Tough. Since 1977, this slogan has resonated with hundreds of buyers across the globe. It encompasses all that Ford pickup trucks promise their users, and represents the decades of hard work that have gone into crafting this most iconic of vehicles. Grit, determination, durability and a driveable symbol of the American Dream.
Built Ford Tough. Since 1977, this slogan has resonated with hundreds of buyers across the globe. It encompasses all that Ford pickup trucks promise their users, and represents the decades of hard work that have gone into crafting this most iconic of vehicles. Grit, determination, durability and a driveable symbol of the American Dream. But where did it all start? Let us take you through the history of Ford pickup trucks throughout the years, from the very first model of this worldwide bestseller, to the trucks we know and love today.
Model TT
Ever wondered where Ford pickup trucks are made? It all began in America. In 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model-T car to the world. One of the first mass-produced vehicles, it came in black, black and - you guessed it - black, and made owning a car achievable for normal people. Just nine years later in 1917, riding on this success, Ford launched their first pickup truck - the Model TT.
The Model-TT started at $600 dollars apiece, and combined the famous Model-T's cab and engine with a larger, sturdier frame. By 1925, a version of this vehicle with a pickup body was launched, and in 1928 1.3 million customers were handing over their cash for a Model-TT truck. The Model-AA and Model-BB quickly followed, each enjoying similar success. In the early days, Ford chose to market his trucks in rural areas, as something that, according to Ford historian Bob Kreipke, could be used 'on the farm, yet still taken to Church on Sunday'. After WW2, many of these rural Americans decided to move to more urban and suburban dwellings, taking their pickups with them. Yet again, Ford saw an opportunity to market his vehicles to a growing customer base with fast changing needs.
Launch of the F-Series
In 1948, Ford launched the first generation of their now legendary F-Series. Ranging in size from the half-ton F-1 pickup cab to the larger F-8, it appealed to a wide range of consumers and marked the beginning of an iconic line of pickup-trucks.
Throughout the 1950s, the F-Series continued to adapt, ultimately shedding its utilitarian look for more updated features such as two-tone paint, automatic transmissions, armrests, dome lights and sun-visors. The 1957 Falcon Ranchero mixed car-like amenities with the standard truck design and was marketed as 'More than a car! More than a truck!'
As the sixties and seventies dawned and new generations of the F-Series were rolled out, the pickup truck was fast becoming a universal family vehicle. To keep up with the changing market, more comfortable features were added to the trucks, such as air-conditioning, leather trim and power windows.
Ranger
In 1983, Ford branched out with the introduction of the Ranger. The first Ranger was a small pickup truck intended to replace the Mazda-built Courier. In 1989 the Ranger was given a major face-lift, with flush headlights, a new grille and a new dashboard.
Ford pickups today
Moving into the 20th century, Ford has continued to wow its fan-base. From the F-150 SVT Raptor, with its amazing off-road suspension inspired by desert racers, to 2022's recent Ford F-150 Lightning - their first fully electric pickup truck - Ford are racing into the future with no signs of stopping. And with over 26 million F-Series trucks sold since 1977, it's no wonder that the Ford pickup retains the title of America's best-selling truck, and remains an unbeatable classic to this day.
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