FORD
The Ford Motor Company – founded by Henry Ford in 1903 – began experimenting with the commercial vehicle models some 3 years after its very creation. Despite its huge success in the passenger car sector with the Model A, the company used the Model C chassis to launch the Ford Delivery Car in 1905. It was later followed by the Model N-based Ford Delivery Van (1907) but both models were sold in less than 20 units.
A new generation of utility vehicles was introduced at the beginning of the 1910s, with the Commercial Roadster and the Model T Delivery Car hoping to attract more buyers on the American market. Both trucks were practically Model T cars featuring slight modifications to increase loading capacity, but not even a Model T lookalike could convince the general customer of its utility on the public roads. Sales were again very low and did not sustain the construction of a new plant aimed strictly to build commercial-purposed vehicles.
During the mid-'10s, Ford used the successful Model T chassis to build passenger cars, delivery cars and fire trucks. Also, Henry Ford himself tried to build his own tractor based on the Model T, having to modify several engine and bodywork components in order to make it reliable.
Having seized so many opportunities thanks to the multiple usage of his Model T chassis, Ford finally decided to enter the commercial vehicle market. The next step was to provide a newer version of the Model T, purposed for higher-loads transportation. The Model TT chassis and the new Ford tractor were introduced in 1917.
During the First World War, most of Ford's plants began producing military-purposed vehicles, all of them being based on the same Model T chassis. Ambulances or Paddy Wagons (for military transportation) were being shipped to serve the U.S. Army war operations. Also, a new reinforced Model T chassis able to support a 1 ton worth of load was built to satisfy the Army's need for war-material transportation.
Despite WWI ending, Ford's Model T chassis was still very much appreciated in terms of commercial usage. Having passed the ultimate test of military-purposed bodies, it was now used to support ice cream trucks or for public transportation. Also, the production of Fordson tractors grew during 1922, as a result of new funds being invested in the River Rouge Complex.
In 1924, Ford decided to build a new plant whose purpose was to manufacture truck bodies – as he previously sold the Model T chassis to independent companies and didn't care much about the future utility of the chassis. The very same year, Ford introduced a brand new Open Cab, designed for the one ton Model TT chassis. The cab was later fitted with both passenger and industrial transportation vehicles.
Ford introduced its first pick-up truck in 1926, the Model T Runabout. It was practically the last big representation of the Model T chassis, as the company decided to cease its production in 1927. It was replaced by the brand new Model A and Model AA (for high-loading capacity trucks).
The new models featured closed-cabs, improved 3-speed transmission and 200-cubic-inch engines (with 40 bhp outputs). Once the new chassis was ready, Ford developed a new light-duty truck, called the Station Wagon. The Model B chassis was also used to sustain a closed-cab pick-up bodywork in the late '20s, helping the company to increase sales and top all-time rival Chevrolet.
The beginning of the '30s saw a much more style-looking Model As, with lots of improvements in terms of cab comfort, transmission (a 4-speed gearbox was introduced on the AA) or bodywork design (Deluxe trim). Also, in 1932, Ford developed a new V8 engine – as a response to Chevrolet's V6 – that was to be fitted in the Ford Station Wagon. The new 221-cubic-inches engine would produce 65 bhp but buying any truck powered by it would also come at a rather high cost ($600, considering we were in the middle of the Great Depression).
Soon enough, though, as the US economy started to get back on its feet, the V8-powered AA and BB trucks started to become a big hit of the mid-'30s. The BB chassis would also become highly-used in public (school bus), commercial and industrial transportation.
The 40's brought a brand new look to Ford's commercial vehicle line, with most of the cabs featuring series-car styling. More importantly, though, was the introduction of a brand new V6 engine, a much more powerful and fuel-consuming alternative to the now-old V8. By the mid-'40s, almost every heavy & medium duty models were powered by these economical V6 engines.
Following the beginning of World War II, all plants were ordered to stop the production of passenger & commercial vehicles and focus on military-purposed products. This way, Ford started developing some interesting military trucks and brought an immense contribution to US Army's war efforts during the early-to-mid-'40s. The company's efforts were well repaid towards the end of the war, as the US government allowed Ford Motor Company to produce heavy-duty trucks for civilians use in limited editions.
In 1945, soon after the war ended, Henry Ford stepped down from Ford Motor Company's management and was replaced by grandson Henry Ford II.
As the US automobile market started to stabilize after WWII, Ford took advantage of their 1942 models and 're-launched' them with new high-performance V8 engines and improved payload capacities. Also, the new cab-over-engine Fords featured reinforced springs and larger tires, while the 'Half-Ton' pickups lacked the spare-tire look they had in the pre-war era (due to rubber shortage).
Soon after Henry Ford's death on April 7, 1947, Ford Motor Company launched a brand new commercial-purposed line, the F Series (or the Bonus Built Line). It featured a large fleet of trucks, starting from pickups and ending with extra heavy-duty models. The labels for each trucks followed the weight ratings: F-1 (½ ton), F-5 (1 ½ tons) and F-6 (2 tons). The last two chassis configurations were powered by 95-bhp V6s or 100-bhp V8s.
In 1951, Ford introduced two levels of cab-trim: the Five Star Cab and the Five Star Extra Cab. Along with these updates, new design changes are implemented on all truck models. The F-7 and F-8 extra heavy-duty models were the only trucks in the F-Series to feature 336-cubic-inch engines and 5-speed transmission. They were also known to the general public as 'The Big Jobs'.
Starting 1953, the F-Series changed their designation, adding '00' to every available model (therefore, the F-1 would become the F-100). The F-2 and F-3 would receive the F-250 designation (¾ tons), while the former F-4 was now called F-350 (one ton). Also, the F-Series featured new technical & design changes, with longer hoods and brand new automatic transmissions.
The year 1954 brought the end of the flathead V8 engine, as it was replaced by the new overhead-valve V-8. A piece of innovation was introduced by Ford for their extra heavy-duty models, the tandem rear-axle setup, while also extending the range of automatic transmission availability to F-250 and F-350 models.
During the 1960s, Ford decided to develop all new truck models on series-car configurations. The first step was introducing the Ford Ranchero pickup truck (based on the new Ford Falcon), which proved a great investment by Ford's commercial vehicle department. Its sales grew by more than 50% in the after-launch year.
In 1961, Ford launched the brand new Econoline Series (also known as the E-Series), with a production fleet including a cargo van, passenger van and a pickup truck. As for the heavy-duty sector, the American manufacturer also introduced the H Series, designed for semi-tractor-trailer use (continuing the tradition of the C-Series). The next year brought significant updates to the H-Series models, including a larger Cummins diesel engine that produced no less than 220-bhp.
In 1963, Ford launched yet another truck series, the N-Series, consisting of medium and heavy-duty models. The new line of trucks joined the H-Series as the only Super Duty models to feature standard diesel engines. The following year, a new generation Ranchero was launched.
The 8th decade saw Ford open a new truck manufacturing plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Its main purpose was to produce the new L-Series trucks, a heavy-duty line aimed to replace the old N-, F- and T-Series. Its fleet included all types of trucks – medium, heavy and extra-heavy duty models – and would later become one of the most successful production lines in the history of the marque.
The light truck sector was also renewed with the introduction of the Ford Ranger XLT (it featured chrome front bumpers), a Bronco sport-utility vehicle, a Econoline Club Wagon, a F-Series Camper Special and a sportier version of the Ranchero GT. The following year – in 1973 – Ford launched a brand new Mazda-designed Courier model, aimed to take over from the Ranchero and the Bronco and challenge the light-pickup trucks market manufacturers. Also, at the end of the year, the W- and F-Series underwent minor design modifications.
The 1980's began with a new engine option for medium and heavy-duty trucks: running on liquid propane gas. Also, the F-Series and the Broncos featured a new facelift, while also undergoing front suspension updates (to twin-traction beam independent). The Courier went out of production – being replaced by a new Ranger pickup – and new longer SuperCabs were fitted to F-Series trucks. In the heavy-duty sector, Ford's LN-Series were now offered a brand new Caterpillar 3208 V8 engine, producing up to 200-bhp.
The Ranger truck was introduced in 1983 and featured new V6 diesel engines and 4-wheel-drive. One year later, Ford renewed its Bronco model with the new generation Bronco II sport utility vehicle.
The beginning of the 1990s saw the discontinuance of the C-Series Tilt Cab trucks, as the 1957 model was replaced by the all-new Ford Cargo. In 1993, Ford launched the Lightning model, a utility truck designed to offer the same handling performances as a series car. Also, the Ecostar was one of Ford's most courageous projects, claiming to function for 100 miles on its sodium-sulfur battery pack (never went into mass production, though). The Ranger model received a new rounded design the same year.
The 2000s began with a brand new project for Ford, whose commercial vehicle department launched the Harley Davidson F-150 pickup truck in joint venture with the famous motorcycle manufacturer. The vehicle was powered by a 260-bhp 5.4-litre V8 engine and was available only in black-painted cabs.
The F-150 received a new SuperCrew version in 2001 (featuring 4 full-size doors). The new cab was adopted on short notice by the Harley Davidson model, while also being offered to the F-650 model as the Super CrewZer.
Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003,
A new generation of utility vehicles was introduced at the beginning of the 1910s, with the Commercial Roadster and the Model T Delivery Car hoping to attract more buyers on the American market. Both trucks were practically Model T cars featuring slight modifications to increase loading capacity, but not even a Model T lookalike could convince the general customer of its utility on the public roads. Sales were again very low and did not sustain the construction of a new plant aimed strictly to build commercial-purposed vehicles.
During the mid-'10s, Ford used the successful Model T chassis to build passenger cars, delivery cars and fire trucks. Also, Henry Ford himself tried to build his own tractor based on the Model T, having to modify several engine and bodywork components in order to make it reliable.
Having seized so many opportunities thanks to the multiple usage of his Model T chassis, Ford finally decided to enter the commercial vehicle market. The next step was to provide a newer version of the Model T, purposed for higher-loads transportation. The Model TT chassis and the new Ford tractor were introduced in 1917.
During the First World War, most of Ford's plants began producing military-purposed vehicles, all of them being based on the same Model T chassis. Ambulances or Paddy Wagons (for military transportation) were being shipped to serve the U.S. Army war operations. Also, a new reinforced Model T chassis able to support a 1 ton worth of load was built to satisfy the Army's need for war-material transportation.
Despite WWI ending, Ford's Model T chassis was still very much appreciated in terms of commercial usage. Having passed the ultimate test of military-purposed bodies, it was now used to support ice cream trucks or for public transportation. Also, the production of Fordson tractors grew during 1922, as a result of new funds being invested in the River Rouge Complex.
In 1924, Ford decided to build a new plant whose purpose was to manufacture truck bodies – as he previously sold the Model T chassis to independent companies and didn't care much about the future utility of the chassis. The very same year, Ford introduced a brand new Open Cab, designed for the one ton Model TT chassis. The cab was later fitted with both passenger and industrial transportation vehicles.
Ford introduced its first pick-up truck in 1926, the Model T Runabout. It was practically the last big representation of the Model T chassis, as the company decided to cease its production in 1927. It was replaced by the brand new Model A and Model AA (for high-loading capacity trucks).
The new models featured closed-cabs, improved 3-speed transmission and 200-cubic-inch engines (with 40 bhp outputs). Once the new chassis was ready, Ford developed a new light-duty truck, called the Station Wagon. The Model B chassis was also used to sustain a closed-cab pick-up bodywork in the late '20s, helping the company to increase sales and top all-time rival Chevrolet.
The beginning of the '30s saw a much more style-looking Model As, with lots of improvements in terms of cab comfort, transmission (a 4-speed gearbox was introduced on the AA) or bodywork design (Deluxe trim). Also, in 1932, Ford developed a new V8 engine – as a response to Chevrolet's V6 – that was to be fitted in the Ford Station Wagon. The new 221-cubic-inches engine would produce 65 bhp but buying any truck powered by it would also come at a rather high cost ($600, considering we were in the middle of the Great Depression).
Soon enough, though, as the US economy started to get back on its feet, the V8-powered AA and BB trucks started to become a big hit of the mid-'30s. The BB chassis would also become highly-used in public (school bus), commercial and industrial transportation.
The 40's brought a brand new look to Ford's commercial vehicle line, with most of the cabs featuring series-car styling. More importantly, though, was the introduction of a brand new V6 engine, a much more powerful and fuel-consuming alternative to the now-old V8. By the mid-'40s, almost every heavy & medium duty models were powered by these economical V6 engines.
Following the beginning of World War II, all plants were ordered to stop the production of passenger & commercial vehicles and focus on military-purposed products. This way, Ford started developing some interesting military trucks and brought an immense contribution to US Army's war efforts during the early-to-mid-'40s. The company's efforts were well repaid towards the end of the war, as the US government allowed Ford Motor Company to produce heavy-duty trucks for civilians use in limited editions.
In 1945, soon after the war ended, Henry Ford stepped down from Ford Motor Company's management and was replaced by grandson Henry Ford II.
As the US automobile market started to stabilize after WWII, Ford took advantage of their 1942 models and 're-launched' them with new high-performance V8 engines and improved payload capacities. Also, the new cab-over-engine Fords featured reinforced springs and larger tires, while the 'Half-Ton' pickups lacked the spare-tire look they had in the pre-war era (due to rubber shortage).
Soon after Henry Ford's death on April 7, 1947, Ford Motor Company launched a brand new commercial-purposed line, the F Series (or the Bonus Built Line). It featured a large fleet of trucks, starting from pickups and ending with extra heavy-duty models. The labels for each trucks followed the weight ratings: F-1 (½ ton), F-5 (1 ½ tons) and F-6 (2 tons). The last two chassis configurations were powered by 95-bhp V6s or 100-bhp V8s.
In 1951, Ford introduced two levels of cab-trim: the Five Star Cab and the Five Star Extra Cab. Along with these updates, new design changes are implemented on all truck models. The F-7 and F-8 extra heavy-duty models were the only trucks in the F-Series to feature 336-cubic-inch engines and 5-speed transmission. They were also known to the general public as 'The Big Jobs'.
Starting 1953, the F-Series changed their designation, adding '00' to every available model (therefore, the F-1 would become the F-100). The F-2 and F-3 would receive the F-250 designation (¾ tons), while the former F-4 was now called F-350 (one ton). Also, the F-Series featured new technical & design changes, with longer hoods and brand new automatic transmissions.
The year 1954 brought the end of the flathead V8 engine, as it was replaced by the new overhead-valve V-8. A piece of innovation was introduced by Ford for their extra heavy-duty models, the tandem rear-axle setup, while also extending the range of automatic transmission availability to F-250 and F-350 models.
During the 1960s, Ford decided to develop all new truck models on series-car configurations. The first step was introducing the Ford Ranchero pickup truck (based on the new Ford Falcon), which proved a great investment by Ford's commercial vehicle department. Its sales grew by more than 50% in the after-launch year.
In 1961, Ford launched the brand new Econoline Series (also known as the E-Series), with a production fleet including a cargo van, passenger van and a pickup truck. As for the heavy-duty sector, the American manufacturer also introduced the H Series, designed for semi-tractor-trailer use (continuing the tradition of the C-Series). The next year brought significant updates to the H-Series models, including a larger Cummins diesel engine that produced no less than 220-bhp.
In 1963, Ford launched yet another truck series, the N-Series, consisting of medium and heavy-duty models. The new line of trucks joined the H-Series as the only Super Duty models to feature standard diesel engines. The following year, a new generation Ranchero was launched.
The 8th decade saw Ford open a new truck manufacturing plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Its main purpose was to produce the new L-Series trucks, a heavy-duty line aimed to replace the old N-, F- and T-Series. Its fleet included all types of trucks – medium, heavy and extra-heavy duty models – and would later become one of the most successful production lines in the history of the marque.
The light truck sector was also renewed with the introduction of the Ford Ranger XLT (it featured chrome front bumpers), a Bronco sport-utility vehicle, a Econoline Club Wagon, a F-Series Camper Special and a sportier version of the Ranchero GT. The following year – in 1973 – Ford launched a brand new Mazda-designed Courier model, aimed to take over from the Ranchero and the Bronco and challenge the light-pickup trucks market manufacturers. Also, at the end of the year, the W- and F-Series underwent minor design modifications.
The 1980's began with a new engine option for medium and heavy-duty trucks: running on liquid propane gas. Also, the F-Series and the Broncos featured a new facelift, while also undergoing front suspension updates (to twin-traction beam independent). The Courier went out of production – being replaced by a new Ranger pickup – and new longer SuperCabs were fitted to F-Series trucks. In the heavy-duty sector, Ford's LN-Series were now offered a brand new Caterpillar 3208 V8 engine, producing up to 200-bhp.
The Ranger truck was introduced in 1983 and featured new V6 diesel engines and 4-wheel-drive. One year later, Ford renewed its Bronco model with the new generation Bronco II sport utility vehicle.
The beginning of the 1990s saw the discontinuance of the C-Series Tilt Cab trucks, as the 1957 model was replaced by the all-new Ford Cargo. In 1993, Ford launched the Lightning model, a utility truck designed to offer the same handling performances as a series car. Also, the Ecostar was one of Ford's most courageous projects, claiming to function for 100 miles on its sodium-sulfur battery pack (never went into mass production, though). The Ranger model received a new rounded design the same year.
The 2000s began with a brand new project for Ford, whose commercial vehicle department launched the Harley Davidson F-150 pickup truck in joint venture with the famous motorcycle manufacturer. The vehicle was powered by a 260-bhp 5.4-litre V8 engine and was available only in black-painted cabs.
The F-150 received a new SuperCrew version in 2001 (featuring 4 full-size doors). The new cab was adopted on short notice by the Harley Davidson model, while also being offered to the F-650 model as the Super CrewZer.
Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003,
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