Ford F-Series (second generation)

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Second generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Also called	Mercury M-Series
Production	1952–1956[1] 1957–1962 (Brazil)
Assembly	Chester, Pennsylvania, USA Dearborn, Michigan, USA Edison, New Jersey, USA Long Beach, California, USA Norfolk, Virginia, USA St. Paul, Minnesota, USA St. Louis, Missouri, USA São Paulo, Brazil (Ford Brazil) Hapeville, Georgia, USA Louisville, Kentucky, USA San Jose, California, USA Highland Park, Michigan, USA
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size pickup truck
Body style	2-door pickup 4-door panel truck
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	215 CID (3.5 L) I6 223 CID (3.7 L) Mileage Maker I6 239 CID (3.9 L) Flathead V8 239 CID (3.9 L) Y-block V8 256 CID (4.2 L) Y-block V8 279 CID (4.6 L) Lincoln Y-block V8 317 CID (5.2 L) Lincoln Y-block V8 390 CID (5.9 L) Lincoln Y-block V8
Transmission	Heavy-duty 3-speed manual[2] 3-speed automatic[3] 4-speed manual Ford-O-Matic[3]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.0 in (2,794 mm) (F-100) 118.0 in (2,997 mm) (F-250)[3] 130.0 in (3,302 mm) (F-350)
Length	189.1 in (4,803 mm) (F-100)[3]
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford F-Series first generation (1948–1952)
Successor	Ford 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. In line with the previous generation, the F-Series encompassed a wide range of vehicles, ranging from light-duty pickup trucks to heavy-duty commercial vehicles.^[4] In place of the previous "Bonus-Built" series, Ford now marketed its truck range as the "Triple Economy" series.^[5]

To further emphasize the model update, Ford changed the F-Series model nomenclature from a single number to three numbers; subsequently, 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 3 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.

Model overview[]

1956 update[]

The 1956 F-100 is a one-year only body style. The 1956 F-100 is easily identified as it has vertical windshield pillars and a wrap around windshield as opposed to the sloped pillars and angled windshield of the 1953-55. The 1956 model also offered a larger wraparound back window as an option.

Powertrain details[]

The 1954 F-100 was the last year for the flathead engine in the US. Models in Canada, however, (Mercury M-Series), retained the flathead. 1954-55 saw the introduction of the new 239 CID overhead valve Y-block V8, dubbed "Power King." The six-cylinder engine's displacement was also increased from 215 to 223 CID and power steering was introduced as an option. In the succeeding years the 239 Y-block was replaced with the 256, 272 and 312.

Models[]

As part of the model change from the first generation, the model nomenclature for the F-Series was changed from a single number denoting each model series to a three-digit model number. As of current production, this nomenclature remains in use today, under minor revisions (the F-150 replaced the F-100 entirely; many medium-duty trucks use the F-x50 designation).

Among the pickup truck lines, the 1⁄2-ton F-1 became the F-100, the F-2 and F-3 were consolidated into the 3⁄4-ton F-250, with the F-4 becoming the 1-ton F-350. For 1956, lower GVWR versions of the F-100 and the F-250 were introduced (under the F-110 and F-260 model codes).^[3]

The medium-duty F-5 (1+1⁄2-ton) and F-6 (2-ton) became the F-500 and F-600, respectively. The heavy-duty F-7, F-8, and F-9 "Big Job" trucks became the F-700, F-750, F-800, and F-900 series.

Gallery[]

References[]