Truck Of The Day: April 14, 2011

Today's car of the day comes from Firehawk73's collection and is Racing Champions' 1965 Ford F-150.

The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It was the best-selling vehicle in the United States for 24 years and has been the best-selling truck for 34 years, though this does not include combined sales of GM pickup trucks. In the tenth generation of the F-series, the F-250 and F-350 changed body style in 1998 and joined the Super Duty series.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Ford F-Series

What a fantastic model from Racing Champions!  Opening hood and tailgate both.  The lines of this classic truck still look good to this day and RC got them perfect.

The truck was completely redesigned for 1961 with a wider look, and unibody trucks were available, built with an integrated cab and box, from 1961–63. From 1964 on, only the traditional separate cab and bed arrangement were available. Power was over 200 hp (150 kW) with the 1965 update of the powertrain. In 1965, the Twin I-Beam front suspension was introduced with coil springs and the 300 replaced the 223. 1965 also marked the beginning of a completely different chassis and many parts from 65-79 interchange such as brakes and motor mounts. The 1965 and 1966 trucks have a "TWIN I-BEAM" emblem on the front fender. A 4-door crew cab version was also introduced in 1965, still a popular option.
Ford still offered a "Low GVWR" version of each model.

The Camper Special was built heavier for the slide in campers that were becoming increasingly popular during this time.

In 1965, the name "Ranger" is first introduced as a styling package for the F-Series pickup trucks using mustang bucket seats and a curtain over the gas tank. Then later (1982) the name Ranger is used for Ford's compact series trucks; an entry in the mini-pickup segment. It went on to become the top-selling compact pickup in the American market.

In 1965, the 300-cubic inch (4.9 L) straight six was introduced (a larger version of the 240-cubic inch Six). It had 7 main bearings and timing gears (no chain or belt).

Ford also manufactures F-Series medium and heavy-duty trucks alongside the F-150, F-250, and F-350s.(F-450, F-550, F-650, F-750). School bus chassis versions are sold as B-Series trucks. The 1961–1965 Ford Falcon Econoline flat nose pickup trucks and 1961–present vans are E-Series. Parcel delivery vans are P-Series. Big tractor trailer trucks are L-Series. There was also a class 8 cab over called the W-Series in the 60s-70s, replaced by the CL-Series in 1977.