The 1955 Ford F 100 Half Ton Pickup is our featured vehicle. The F-100’s were a big success for the Ford Motor Company. It came in as America’s best selling light truck year after year.
The second generation of the F Series Ford’s was produced from the 1953 to 1956 model years. The entire production run of Ford F 100’s ran from 1948 until 1983. The F-Series sold nearly a million units per year. From 1948 till 1983, the last year the F-100 was produced, it served as the pickup that was a true workhorse. Over this long production run, the Ford F-100 went through many changes including more innovations and passenger comfort modifications.
Second Generation Ford F 100’s
While the first generation of Ford F Series trucks started about three years after the end of the war with the half ton F-1, the second generation half ton was named the F 100. Also, Ford changed the former F-2 and F-3 into the F 250. The F-4 became the F-350. while Ford folds the F-2 and F-3 trucks into the F-250 line. Finally, the F-4 becomes the F-350.
Ford F 100 Second Generation Styling
The 1950’s Ford light truck styling lines are timeless. Restyling for the F Series began in 1953 and more changes were introduced for 1955. The 1953 new second generation model introduced a better windshield area which was some fifty-five percent larger. The windshield was also curved replacing the flat windshield of previous models. The rear window also offered a much better view stretching the entire width of the interior. Side windows were also redesigned to have lower ledges to better help drivers while parking.
Two cabs were offered in 1955. You could also have the choice of the Standard cab or the Deluxe cab. The higher trim Deluxe offered stainless drip rail molding, a sun visor on the passenger side, driver and passenger armrests, a cigar lighter, chrome vents window moldings, twin horns, foam padding for the seats and chromed grille bars.
As a side note, the 1956 F-100, also of the second generation, had a one year only body design which was made to compete against Chevy’s Task Force Pickups.
1955 Ford F-100 Specifications
Engines for the 1955 Ford F 100 included a 223 cubic inch OHV six “mileage maker” (this was increased from the 215 cubic inch from 1954) and a 239 cubic inch Y-block V-8. This OHV V-8 replaced the flathead of previous years. Some report that a 256 OHV V-8 was offered in limited numbers.
The 1955 Ford F-100 had a three speed manual transmission with an option for a three speed automatic.
Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.
Front and rear suspension are leaf springs.
Dimensions include a 110.0 inch wheelbase, width 71.3 inches, height 75.3 inches, overall length 189.1 inches.
Total 1955 Ford production came in at 1.4 million units. From that number 124,800 vehicles produced were two door pickup trucks.
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Reference material for this article includes…Pickup Trucks : A History of the Great American Vehicle by Justin Lukach…..Ford Truck Chronicle by Auto Editors of Consumer Guide…..Ford Pickup Trucks, 1948-56 : Development History and Restoration Guide by Paul G. McLaughlin.
The F-100 Ford light trucks are sought after by collectors. Though they’re no longer produced, Ford’s smallest F-Series is now sought by collectors. The decade of the 1950’s saw the economy building and the automakers were restyling their light trucks to be both utility vehicles and everyday drivers. Passenger comfort was enhanced and new innovations were introduced just about on a yearly basis. Owning a nice collector pickup from the 1950’s is really owning a piece of unique automotive history.
The current asking price range for 1955 Ford F 100 examples in very good to excellent condition are in the $40,000 to $65,000 area.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)