1953-1956 Ford F-100 Pickup

Ford celebrated its golden anniversary with a new truck in 1953. The 1953-1956 Ford F-100 Pickup styling was clean and modern, but it had more. It looked like a truck: tough, solid, practical, and ruggedly handsome. That might explain its success when new, and also its almost cult-like following as a collector vehicle.

Also helping the F-100's appeal was a well-designed cab with comfortable driving position and convenient controls. The 1954 F-100s weren't that powerful. The 101-horsepower six and 110-horsepower flathead V-8 were carried over from previous years. That changed in 1954 when the old flathead was replaced by a new overhead-valve V-8 putting out 130-horsepower.

Later versions of the new V-8 generated up to 176-horsepower. Power for the six also continued to rise. By 1956, the six cylinder's power was up to 137 horses. The Ford trucks that followed in 1957 were lower and more car-like. Many still prefer the truck-like 1953-1956 generation.

Pluses of the 1953-1956 Ford F-100 Pickup:

• Handles well for a 1950s truck
• Looks like a truck
• Powerful engines (after 1953)

Minuses of the 1953-1956 Ford F-100 Pickup:

• Generally not as fast for those used to modern trucks
• Prices have escalated -- it's much harder to find a bargain
• Rough ride for those used to modern trucks

Production of the 1953 Ford F-100 Pickup:
116,437

Production of the 1954 Ford F-100 Pickup:
101,202

Production of the 1955 Ford F-100 Pickup:
124,842

Production of the 1956 Ford F-100 Pickup:

• Short bed: 137,581
• Long bed: 25,122

Specifications of the 1953-1956 Ford F-100 Pickup:
Wheelbase, inches: 110.0-118.0
Length, inches: 189.1-203.2
Weight, pounds: 3,102-3,325
Price, new: $1,330-$1,611 (U.S.)

Engines for the 1953-1956 Ford F-100 Pickup:

Want more information about classic cars? See:

• Classic Cars
• Ford Muscle Cars
• Muscle Cars
• Sports Cars
• Consumer Guide Auto
• Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search