Ford F-Series (third generation)

Third-generation Ford F-Series
1959 Ford F100
Overview
ManufacturerFord
Also calledMercury M-Series
Production1957–1960
1962–1971 (Brazil)
AssemblyNorth America

South America

Body and chassis
ClassFull-size pickup truck
Body style
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine223 CID (3.7 L) Mileage Maker I6
272 CID (4.5 L) Y-block V8
292 CID (4.8 L) Y-block V8
Transmission3-speed manual
4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase110 in (2,794 mm) (F-100 6.5' bed)[1]
118 in (2,997 mm) (F-100/250 8' bed)
130 in (3,302 mm) (F-350 9' bed)
Chronology
PredecessorFord F-Series (second generation) (1953–1956)
SuccessorFord F-Series (fourth generation) (1961–1966)
Ford E-Series (panel van)

The third-generation of the Ford F-Series is a series of trucks that were produced by Ford from 1957 until 1960. Following its competitors at Dodge and General Motors, Ford widened the front bodywork to integrate the cab and front fenders together. Going a step further, the F-Series integrated the hood into the bodywork with a clamshell design;[1] the feature would stay part of the F-Series for two decades. Although offered previously, the optional chrome grille was far more prominent than before. In the rear, two types of pickup boxes were offered, starting a new naming convention: the traditional separate-fender box was dubbed "Flareside", while "Styleside" boxes integrated the pickup bed, cab, and front fenders together. As before, Ford still offered a low-GVWR version of each model.

In May 1957, Ford discontinued building trucks at the Highland Park Ford Plant in Highland Park, Michigan. All light and medium trucks were transferred to 10 other plants in the USA. After 1969, heavy-duty trucks (above F-350) and some light duty trucks were transferred to Kentucky Truck Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky. Third generation trucks were built in Brazil as the F-100, F-350, and F-600 from 1962 until 1971, featuring the 272 and 292 cu.in. Y-Block V8.

OHV sixes and V8s were the same ones as used in Ford cars of the era.

This was the last generation of the panel van. Ford would not offer a full-size van again until the 1968 introduction of the second generation E-Series.

  1. ^ a b Gunnell, John A. (1993). Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks. krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-238-9.