Ford F-Series
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Evolution of the Ford F-Series Truck to its 40 Millionth Vehicle

After 75 years of production, Ford Motor Company has built its 40-Millionth F-series model for United States consumers. Truck number 40,000,000 is a 2022 F-150 Tremor with an Iconic Silver finish. It rolled off the production line at Dearborn Truck plant in Michigan in late January. This milestone comes second to the Toyota Corolla whose production surpassed 50 million during the summer of 2021. 

Ford began production of its F-Series Trucks in 1947 and in 1948 the motor company’s F-1, F-2, F-3, and F-4 models went on sale. The 1948 F-1 model was priced at $1,239, which is estimated to be about $14,333 according to the CPI inflation calculator. If only cars were still that cheap today. Rather, the 2022 F-150 Tremor was purchased for a total of $72,150. This model was complete with all the bells and whistles that Ford offers; however, the basic 2022 F-150 XL starts at $29,900, not including the delivery fee. The current F-series prices reflect the advancements in technology, safety, engineering, materials, and the overall quality of the vehicles being built today. 

14 Generations of The F-Series 

Ford F-Series

Image source: Motor1

In 1948, following the end of World War II, Ford released its first F-series truck to be available to both private and commercial consumers. This was the first true consumer pickup truck–every model previously made was built on a car frame. This model was known as the Ford F-1 Bonus Built and included a chassis that was specifically designed for a consumer pickup which then paved the way for other vehicles with similar structures ranging from buses to fire trucks.

By the second generation of its trucks, Ford began using a three-digit naming system which is still in place today. The motor company transitioned from the F-1 name to F-100, in addition to transitioning away from F-2 and F-3. The base model was the F-100 and Ford offered heavy-duty models up to F-350. During this generation, consumers of the F-series were given the option of automatic transition, seat belts for an added fee, and included armrests and sun visors. It wasn’t until the third generation, in 1959, where–for the first time–consumers could now order a truck in 4-wheel-drive. 

Then during the fourth generation of production Ford significantly lengthened the truck and tried selling a unibody design, where the gap between the cabin and the bed was eliminated and built as a single piece. Sales didn’t go as planned so this design was removed and not used again until today’s 2022 Ford Maverick. The fifth and sixth generation trucks mainly had changes in their design and features. However, in 1974, Ford created a higher-payload version of the F-100, known as the F-150. Three years later it became the best-selling truck in the United States. It still holds the title as a best-seller and remains a leader in the car and truck industry. 

Time for a redesign

As Ford moved into its seventh generation of trucks, the company completely redesigned their truck, including a remodeling of the chassis for the first time in over a decade. By 1984, Ford made the F-150 its base model, removing the F-100 from its lineup. The eighth generation F-series truck sported some new stylistic elements as well as new advanced equipment. This included power brakes and power steering. The first airbag to be put in the F-150 was seen in the ninth generation model. It  was located only on the passenger side. During this generation, the Ford SVT Lightning Sport truck was released as one of the first performance vehicles in the F-150 lineup. 

For the tenth generation, Ford decided to differentiate the F-Series based on the needs of its consumers. As pickup trucks started to become more popular as family cars, Ford launched an F-150 inspired by the daily driver. In addition to  the F-Series Super Duty line, built using a different frame meant for heavier use. During this time, Ford saw a large growth in its sales. 

Across the next four generations, the Ford F-Series evolved to its current model: the pickup truck that can be everything from your basic everyday truck to a luxury ride. As the market advances, Ford has launched a hybrid option as well as an all electric model known as Lightning. 

America’s Best Selling Vehicle: Ford F-Series

There’s nothing discrete about the fact that the Ford F-Series has shaped the automotive consumers of America. It is a vehicle that so many Americans pride themselves on. Whether you are a Ford truck owner, or you want to be, the F-Series is a durable car and the better you take care of it, the longer it will last

 

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Linzi Martin
Linzi Martin has worked as a content manager, consultant, and writer for the past six years. She's handled everything from blogs and articles to e-books and social media content. Her work has been featured in various publications including Apartment Guide, The Startup, and Voyage Magazine. Outside of work, Linzi enjoys staying active, frequenting new restaurants around South Florida, and spending time with her family.

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