The history of Ford trucks is a big part of car and American history. Henry Ford’s pickups helped build the country, boosted the Second Industrial Revolution, and played a role in winning two World Wars. A Ford pickup is a strong symbol of America, like the bald eagle or the Statue of Liberty. Over 106 years, Ford has consistently made outstanding trucks that set the standard.
1925 Model TT
One of the cool Ford trucks was the first three Model TTs, made in 1917, that were sold without bodies. They had a longer wheelbase and stronger frame than the Model T. Soon, they started selling bodies, including panel, box, and pickup trucks like this 1925 model.
Originally $600, Henry Ford lowered the price to $325 by 1926, making it affordable for many. Though it was not powerful by today’s standards, it was very durable. Over 22 years, more than 1.3 million Model TTs were sold, making it second only to the Model T in popularity.
1934 Model BB
Ford switched from the Model TT to the Model AA, which looked a bit sleeker but still had the weak 201 four-cylinder engine. In 1932, Ford introduced the Model BB, the first truck with a V-8 engine, specifically the famous flat-head V-8. The Model BB was based on the Model B, known as the “Deuce Coup” by many.
The Model BB is likely the best old Ford truck that looks like a modern pickup. With an extended wheelbase, reinforced springs, and a robust transmission, it proved itself to be a true workhorse. Clyde Barrow, famous for Bonnie and Clyde, loved Ford V-8s for their speed. He went as far as sending a letter of gratitude to Henry Ford for the Model B. Perhaps if they had been behind the wheel of a ’34 BB truck, they might have evaded the ambush and accident by veering off-road.
1956 F-100
The best classic Ford trucks are the Ford F-series trucks that debuted in 1948, but it’s the second generation from 1953 onwards that left a lasting mark. The style of the second-generation F-100 forms the basis of classic pickups and is considered the most iconic truck ever made. Modders and hotrodders adore these trucks even more than the ’32 Ford coupe because of their aggressive and badass appearance.
The second-gen F-150, although it may seem amusing today, was the first Ford truck to come with features like seatbelts, power brakes, adjustable seats, power windshield wipers, and a Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, although many were optional. In 1956, the powerful 368 V-8 engine became a popular option, essentially making it the first performance sport truck.
1959 F-100
While Dodge’s Power Wagon came first with four-wheel drive, when Ford introduced it in the 1959 F-100, it marked a significant step forward for the company’s truck lineup. Unlike Dodge, Ford made the 4WD parts for the ’59 F-100 themselves, making it the first civilian 4×4 truck from one of the Big Three to do so.
1965 F-250 Crew Cab
These days, it’s odd if a pickup can’t fit at least four adults, but in the past, trucks typically had regular cabs with bench seats. In 1965, Ford introduced four-door Crew Cabs for the F-250s and F-350s, a significant step forward in pickup design. With four-wheel drive available, this was the first pickup truck where “monster” truly fit the description.
1983 F-250
In the 1970s, high gas prices and environmental rules made fuel economy a big concern, especially for larger pickups. Ford teamed up with International Harvester to make diesel engines, but they were so big they only fit in F-250s and bigger trucks.
1983 Ranger
In the 1970s, Ford imported Mazda B1800 compact pickups and sold them under the name Couriers. Seeing the boom in compact trucks, Ford began “project Yuma” to create their own small truck. In 1983, they introduced the Ranger, which was previously just a trim level on F-Series trucks and Broncos but became its own standalone model.
When it first came out in 1983, the Ranger had weak engine options, but still sold around 76,000 trucks in its first year. With stronger V-6 engines in 1985, sales soared, hitting between 250,000 and 300,000 units per year for the remainder of the decade. It was the perfect choice for those looking for an affordable and enjoyable pickup, beating out Toyota in price.
2001 SVT Lightning
In 1993, Ford launched the SVT Lightning to rival the Chevy 454 SS pickup, but it wasn’t very fast or popular. Due to poor sales, it was discontinued after just three years. However, the idea of a super-fast mid-size pickup was promising, so Ford reintroduced it in 1999 with a more powerful engine and sleeker design.
2022 F-150 Lightning
Ford continued to use the name “Lightning” for their fast trucks because lightning signifies speed and power. When they entered the electric pickup market, they named their model the Lightning for the same reasons. The 2022 F-150 Lightning became the first electric pickup from a major American maker to hit showrooms, although the Rivian R1T got there slightly earlier. While there’s debate about the usefulness of EV trucks for traditional tasks, the F-150 Lightning is a significant milestone in Ford pickup history.
2023 F-150 Raptor R
The EV revolution is happening, and Ford is fully committed, investing heavily in a new all-electric factory. However, they haven’t overlooked their roots in pickups with traditional engines. In reply to the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, Ford unveiled the 2023 F-150 Raptor R, with an impressive 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.1 seconds.
Discover What Ford Trucks Made History
Explore the rich history of American pickups and find the best Ford truck ever made, from the early days of the Model TT to the cutting-edge innovations of electric vehicles. Discover how these trucks shaped industries, conquered challenges, and became enduring symbols of American ingenuity. Join us on this journey through time and witness the evolution of the pickup truck, a true icon of the open road.