History of Ford Pickup Trucks
The Ford pickup truck is the most enduring light truck in American automotive history. Its inception was a product of practicality more than the genius of Ford Motor Co. founder Henry Ford, as owners recognized that the versatility of the vehicle as a workhorse could complement its passenger-car origins.
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History
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The automobile emerged from Henry Ford's barn in 1903, and within two years, pickup truck versions appeared. The vehicle became a favorite among farmers and ranchers, who quickly altered the car to be fitted with a flatbed for hauling goods. By the end of World War I, the first mass-produced Ford pickup, the 1917 Model TT, was the standard vehicle for hauling.
Significance
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Ford's pickup was the first vehicle to replace the horse and carriage that revolutionized and streamlined efficient use of heavy labor in rural and urban America.
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Function
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The Ford pickup, originally based on the chassis of the passenger car, was designed to navigate unpaved and rutted roads with its high ground clearance and nimble handling to carry heavy loads.
Types
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Ford trucks originally were utilitarian in appearance and sold primarily as half-ton and 1-ton models for light work, while larger models featured extended cabs and four-wheel drive, all-terrain options.
Features
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The 1948 model year introduced the F-Series that featured the first completely redesigned post-war line of trucks, with integrated headlights and a full range of light-duty models.
Identification
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By 1953, Ford had abandoned the boxy look of the early post-war era for a sleeker F-100 model, with completely new grill work, a wraparound windshield and a larger cab.
Size
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The early pickup came in many sizes, but the 1953 model offered a 118-inch wheelbase and a 6.5-foot cargo bed. It was powered by an optional 239-cubic-inch V-8 engine.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Ford Motor Co.
