Ford F-Series (second generation)

The Ford F-Series was redesigned by Ford for 1953 with a more integrated look. The pickups also obtained their widely familiar names: The F-1 now became the F-100, the F-2 and F-3 now became the F-250, and the F-4 now became the 1-ton F-350. Optional interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, sun visors and a radio. On March 13, 1953, the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission became an option.

Main article: Ford F-Series
Second generation
Overview
ManufacturerFord
Also calledMercury M-Series
Production1952–1956[1]
1957–1962 (Brazil)
AssemblyChester, 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
ClassFull-size pickup truck
Body style2-door pickup
4-door panel truck
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine215 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
TransmissionHeavy-duty 3-speed manual[2]
3-speed automatic[3]
4-speed manual
Ford-O-Matic[3]
Dimensions
Wheelbase110.0 in (2,794 mm) (F-100)
118.0 in (2,997 mm) (F-250)[3]
130 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)

Engine types

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.

Body styles

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. Starting in 1956, Ford offered the very rare "Low GVWR" versions of each model. Also in 1956, seat belts became an option.[3]

Construction in Brazil

Second generation trucks were built in Brazil from 1957 to 1962 as the F-100, F-350 and F-600.

Models
  • F-100: 1/2 ton (5,000 GVWR max)
  • F-110: 1/2 ton (4,000 GVWR max)
  • F-250: 3/4 ton (7,400 GVWR max)
  • F-260: 3/4 ton (4,900 GVWR max)
  • F-350: 1 ton (9,800 GVWR max)
  • F-360: 1 ton (7,700 GVWR max)
  • F-600: 2 1/2 ton (16,000 GVWR max)
  • F-700 Big Job

Engines
Engine Years Power
215 cu in (3,520 cm3) Straight-61953101 hp (75 kW)
239 cu in (3,920 cm3) Flathead V81953100 hp (75 kW)
223 cu in (3,650 cm3) Mileage Maker I61954–55115 hp (86 kW)
239 cu in (3,920 cm3) Y-block V81954–55130 hp (97 kW)
223 cu in (3,650 cm3) Mileage Maker I61956137 hp (102 kW)
256 cu in (4,200 cm3) Y-block V81955140 hp (104 kW)
272 cu in (4,460 cm3) Truck 2V Y-block V81956172 hp (128 kW)
279 cu in (4,570 cm3) Lincoln Y-block V81954-56152 hp (113 kW)
317 cu in (5,190 cm3) Lincoln Y-block V81954-56170 hp (127 kW)
368 cu in (6,030 cm3) Lincoln Y-block V81956300 hp (224 kW)
  • 1953 Mercury M-100, a Canada-only rebadged F-100
  • 1953 Ford F-100
  • 1955 Ford F-100
  • 1956 Mercury M-100 pickup
  • 1956 Ford F-100

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