Are You a Ford Truck Expert? Discover These Little-Known Facts!
From an available V8 engine to luxurious cabins, Ford did it before the competition, and they did it right!
The best-selling truck and vehicle in the United States has a tremendous history. The Ford truck dates back 100 years, and throughout history, it’s changed the way folks move from one place to another, how much stuff they can carry with them, and even what kind of terrain they can tackle. Needless to say, the Ford truck is part of human history.
But, how much do you know about it? Are you a recreational enthusiast, or someone who really knows what they’re talking about (as many of you show on our Facebook page). While many of these facts are somewhat common knowledge to truck fans, most are actually pretty surprising and quite intriguing. Even we learned a few things.
- The Ford F-100 was the first to offer an optional V8 engine in 1948. This was years before Dodge or Chevrolet did. In fact, Dodge wouldn’t offer a V8 in their pickup until 1954, and Chevrolet would follow suit in 1955.
- In the 1970s, Ford began adding more luxury amenities to their cabins, understanding that their customers spent a lot of time at the wheel.
- Ford pioneered and popularized the extended/crew cab body style you see almost everywhere nowadays.
- In the early 1960s, Ford experimented with a unibody design for the F-Series pickups, which joined the cab and bed together.
- In 1980, Ford tried to save weight by swiss-cheesing the frame, which like the unibody design, it didn’t go over so well either.
- That comfortable F-150 became America’s best-selling vehicle in 1981 and was the first pickup truck to dethrone a sedan from such title. In case you’re wondering, that was the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. It hasn’t looked back since!
- Dearborn introduced EcoBoost turbo engine technology and aluminum bodywork, which have paid large dividends, and will continue to deliver for their long term sales strategy.
While not all of Ford’s creations have been blockbusters, the name of the game is innovation. While other automakers tend to snooze and stick with the same design and technology for decades, the Blue Oval is constantly in the search for progress and perfection.
Call us biased, but the F-150 isn’t just America’s best-seller; it’s our favorite, too.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
