1978 Ford Trucks

The Ford Bronco underwent a major redesign in 1978, the first since its 1966 introduction. The new version was substantially larger, heavier, and better-equipped than its predecessor, and it proved more popular -- by a wide margin.

This was also the year Ford brought out a successor to the W-Series extra-heavy-duty trucks. These new Fords carried the CL-9000 designation and represented quite an improvement over the models they replaced.

Ford also celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1978 and made a special note of reaching that mark through a very successful national sales promotion campaign.

1978 Ford Courier pickup truck
1978 Ford Courier

The 1978 Ford Courier compact pickup had a new grille design that incorporated the parking lamps. The XLT version flashed lots of bright trim on the outside and woodgrain accents on the inside.

1978 Ford Bronco SUV
1978 Ford Bronco

A new 104-inch-wheelbase Ford Bronco was derived from F-Series trucks. A 351-cubic-inch V-8 was standard, with a 400 cid available.

1978 Ford Ranger Lariat pickup truck
1978 Ford Ranger Lariat

The plush Ranger Lariat was the new top level of the Ford F-Series light-duty truck line.

1978 Ford F-600 Crew Cab medium-duty truck
1978 Ford F-600

This 1978 Ford F-600 crew cab was a hard-working medium-duty truck.

1978 Ford CLT-9000 heavy-duty truck
1978 Ford CLT-9000

The 1978 Ford CLT-9000 became Ford's top linehauler. The aerodynamic aluminum CL cab could be ordered with air springs to smooth out road shocks.

Ford ended the decade with a variety of trim and design options for its 1979 pickup trucks. See truck photos and learn more in the next section.

For more Ford truck information and photos, try these: