Ford F-Series (second generation)

Second generation
1956 Ford F-100
Overview
ManufacturerFord
Also calledMercury M-Series (Canada)
Production1952–1956[1]
1957–1962 (Brazil)
Model years1953–1956
AssemblyChester, Pennsylvania, USA
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Dallas, Texas, USA
Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Edison, New Jersey, USA
Hapeville, Georgia, USA
Highland Park, Michigan, USA
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Long Beach, California, USA
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Norfolk, Virginia, USA
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
San Jose, California, USA
São Paulo, Brazil (Ford Brazil)
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size pickup truck
Body style2-door pickup
4-door panel truck
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission3-speed manual[2][3]
4-speed manual
3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic[3]
Dimensions
Wheelbase110.0 in (2,794 mm) (F-100)
118.0 in (2,997 mm) (F-250)[3]
130.0 in (3,302 mm) (F-350)
Length189.1 in (4,803 mm) (F-100)[3]
Chronology
PredecessorFord F-Series (first generation) (1948–1952)
SuccessorFord F-Series (third generation) (1957–1960)

The second generation of the Ford F-Series is a series of trucks that was produced by Ford from the 1953 to 1956 model years. Marketed as the "Triple Economy" series, the second-generation F-Series again encompassed a comprehensive range of vehicles, ranging from light-duty pickup trucks to heavy-duty commercial vehicles.[4][5]

This generation saw a revision to the F-Series model nomenclature, shifting from a one-digit model number to a three-digit number; F-100 to F-350. This system has remained in use on all Ford F-Series trucks to the present day. Alongside the naming change, this generation marked several firsts for the F-Series, including an adjustable seat (wide enough for three people),[6] power brakes,[7][8] and the introduction of the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission as an option. In line with Ford cars, seat belts were introduced as an option for 1956.[3]

The second-generation F-Series was produced by Ford at eleven facilities across the United States; Ford Canada marketed the model line under both the F-Series and the Mercury M-Series nameplates. Ford of Brazil inaugurated local production with the model line, producing it from 1957 to 1962.

  1. ^ Bunn, Don. Classic Ford F-Series Pickup Trucks, 1948-1956. ISBN 9781610608800.
  2. ^ "Directory Index: FMC Trucks-Vans/1955_Trucks_and_Vans/1955_Ford_F-100_Truck_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-03-03.
  3. ^ a b c d e Gunnell, John A. (1993). Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks. krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-238-9.
  4. ^ "1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  5. ^ "1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  6. ^ "1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  7. ^ "1954 Ford F100 Truck Brochure". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  8. ^ "1954 Ford Trucks Full Line Brochure". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2020-07-17.