Friday 16th January 1948

Ford introduced its post-war line-up of light, medium and heavy trucks called the F-Series range from F-1 (1/2 ton) to F-8 (3-ton), as a replacement for the previous car-based pickup line introduced in 1941. In a break from previous Ford trucks, the F-Series was no longer based upon its car chassis, but on a dedicated truck platform. This generation of the F-Series would remain in production until 1952. F-Series trucks were assembled at sixteen different Ford factories.With its modern design, “Million Dollar” cab and ten-year life expectancy, they quickly became a best seller. Engine choices comprised a 95 hp 3.7 litre inline-six, a 100 hp 3.9 litre V8, and a 5.5-litre V8 with 145 hp. The least-powerful engine in a 2013 Ford F-150 is a 3.7 litre V6 with 302 hp. Only the two-ton and larger trucks had power brakes.Options included the “See-Clear” windshield washer (operated by foot plunger), passenger-side windshield wiper & sun visor, and passenger-side taillight. The F-1 truck was also available with additional chrome trim and two horns as an option. All F-series were available with optional “Marmon-Herrington All Wheel Drive” until 1959.The hugely popular F-Series pickup has outsold the Model T and VW Beetle to become the best-selling vehicle nameplate in history.