1969 Ford Ranchero GT

1969 Ford Trucks

For 1969, the only noteworthy Ford truck news was that the Econoline Series was redesigned for the first time since its 1961 introduction. It emerged much larger -- and without its pickup derivative -- and for the first time offered a V-8 engine option.

The sporty 1969 Ford Ranchero GT came with a hood scoop and a bodyside C-stripe that was revised for the model year. Also offered were styled steel wheels. The base GT engine was a 302-cubic-inch V-8, but a new 351 was available, along with carryover 390- and 428-cid options.

1969 Ford F-Series Contractors Special

A Contractors Special package was offered on 1969 Ford F-Series pickups, which included side boxes for the bed and an optional underhood 110-volt generator. F-Series grilles were changed only slightly for 1969.

1969 Ford E-Series ambulance

Due to their large interior volume, Ford E-Series vans were popular for ambulance conversions.

1969 Ford C-Series

A C-Series forward-control truck looked nearly the same in 1969 as it did in for its debut in 1957. Its set-back front axle gave it a tight turning radius that made it particularly well-suited for urban-delivery use.

So as boisterous as Ford was through most of the 1960s, the company closed out the decade on a rather quiet note, with few other changes to either its car or truck lines. But that was only to save energy for the challenges that would face the company in the 1970s.

For more Ford truck information and photos, try these: