January 16, 1948 – Ford F-Series trucks go on sale

Up until 1948, Ford’s cars and trucks had shared the same platform and styling queues. That all changed when Ford launched the Ford F-Series trucks, which went on sale on this day in 1948. Badged F-1 through F-8 in order of ascending capabilities, the new trucks proved to be extremely popular. Starting with the 1/2 ton F-1, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,700 pounds, up to the F-8 with a 22,000 pound GVWR, there was an F-Series for every driver and every job.

The first generation remained in production through 1952 before being replaced by the larger second gen trucks. The third generation, introduced in 1957, saw cab overs become their own line and in house four wheel drive production at Ford. In 1965, in the middle of the fourth generation, the Ranger name made its first appearance on a Ford pickup. It would eventually become its own model.

Ford F Series truck history

Consistent updates to styling, engines and interior options would result in four more generations between the 1970s and 1980s. The ninth generation, introduced for 1992, would help celebrate Ford’s 75th anniversary of in house production of trucks, commemorating the 1917 Ford Model TT. That same year, in response to Chevrolet’s 454SS pickup, Ford unveiled the SVT Lightning, which had a 240 hp 5.8l V8.

The tenth generation debuted in 1997 with a substantial redesign. It would carry Ford into the 2000s, up until 2004. Its seven year lifespan makes it the longest lasting generation of F-Series trucks. Today, the F-Series, badged F-150 through F-750 depending on capabilities, is in its 14th generation, which launched for 2021. The first fully electric Ford F-Series truck is expected to hit the market in 2022.

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