Ford F-Series (second generation)

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; 3-speed automatic<; 4-speed manual; Ford-O-Matic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.0 in (2,794 mm) (F-100); 118.0 in (2,997 mm) (F-250)
Length	189.1 in (4,803 mm)
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 acquired their now 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)

Off-Series

There was a car made called the FR100, which is the same design of the Mercury M-100, only it is modified to a concept car in 2003. It was possibly never sold, and was featured in Ford Racing 3.^[3]