Ford F-Series second generation

Second generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Also called	Mercury M-Series
Production	1953–1956 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 272 CID (4.5 L) Y-block V8
Transmission	Heavy-duty 3-speed manual[1] 3-speed automatic<[2] 4-speed manual Ford-O-Matic[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.0 in (2,794 mm) (F-100) 118.0 in (2,997 mm) (F-250)[2]
Length	189.1 in (4,803 mm)[2]
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford F-Series first generation (1948–1952)
Successor	Ford F-Series third generation (1957–1960)

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.

Engine types

The 1953 F-100 was the last year for the flathead engine in the US. Models in Canada, however, (Mercury M-Series), retained the flathead. 1953-54 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 1954 the 239 Y-block was replaced with the 279 and 317.

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.^[2]

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-700 Big Job

Engines

Engine	Years	Power
215 CID Straight-6	1953	101 hp (75 kW)
239 CID Flathead V8	1953	100 hp (75 kW)
223 CID Mileage Maker I6	1954–55	115 hp (86 kW)
239 CID Y-block V8	1954–55	130 hp (97 kW)
223 CID Mileage Maker I6	1954	137 hp (102 kW)
279- CID Y-block V8	1954-56	152 hp (113 kW)
317- CID Y-block V8	1954-56	170 hp (125 kW)

Gallery

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. "Directory Index: FMC Trucks-Vans/1955_Trucks_and_Vans/1955_Ford_F-100_Truck_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-03-03.
2. Gunnell, John A. (1993). Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks. krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-238-9.