Throwback Body Style

[ZonaNavyStar]

I posted this in another thread, but I was hoping to see more opinions about it, and maybe bring it to the forefront.

There seems to be popularity in "throwback" body styles of classic American muscle cars, (Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, new Chevy Camaro, etc...) would anyone be interested in seeing a throwback F-150 design to the 1960s or 1970s body styles trucks? Maybe they could maintain the same level of flexibility with options like cab and powertrain (that weren't available in the 70s or 60s) in a new truck, but just with body styling and aesthetics of a throwback body syle. Thoughts?

Ford has a lot of good looking trucks in its history...

[wendell borror]

Yeah, it sounds cool, but how about a 56 or 40, that would be awesome.

[subliminaldanger]

The way to go is to make the SVT lighting with the retro style. Get a lot more men with their midlife crisis buying the lighting then.

[1979 Ford]

Kind of like what dodge did in 1994 when they re-did the body style? - thowback to the 40s power wagen?

Even something from the 70s as far as styling cues would be okay.

[gui88ford]

lightening retro styled 56 ford f100 would be really cool.....super charged 5.4 L with 6 speed and 4.10s...

[Gparcels]

I personally like the 78, 79 model years the best out of any year Ford ever built. I had a 1978 F150 Ranger with a 351C brown and tan two-tone with the square headlights, I wish I still had that truck today.

[73f350sc]

I dunno that Ford can top what they did with the Mustang though....but I do have to agree that it eould be nice to see a cross between the new and old in the trucks as well.
-Chris

[rusty70f100]

Yeah, that'd be great! Make one based on the '67 to '72 body style. Put the 6.2L boss motor in it (closest modern thing to a built up FE I've heard about). Have the dash and interior resemble the old truck, while still being modern (cool old style speedometer for instance). The only problem (if it is a problem) is that those old ones looked so **** good as a regular cab long box; I dont know how a modernized extended cab one would look.

Call it the F100 and market it between the F150 and Ranger. Have it weigh about 4000lbs (with capabilities to match). Wouldn't be able to keep 'em in stock.

[Munky]

I've actually thought it'd be cool to do throwback truck designs, such as a '57 Chevy.

[luckster]

I agree with rusty70f100. I've thought for several years if Ford made a basic rig like my 69 but with better brakes, seatbelts, and airbags it would sell like crazy. Too many fancy pickups that cost too much, too many shortbed useless for hauling pickups. I buy a pickup to tow and haul. These new trucks have too high gears for either. Apparently the market does not agree with me.

[rusty70f100]

No, Ford doesn't agree with you. The market buys what Ford tells 'em to. Example: The 6000lb "1/2 ton" truck that gets 15mpg on a good day downhill with a strong tailwind...

[luckster]

All this technology, efficiency that is advertised in newer trucks is a lie. My 69 f100, straight six engine, manual trans pickup consistently gets 16-17 mpg with very little hwy miles. Everywhere it goes it has some load. Or a trailer. Not the best brakes, watch the following distance and drivers who cut in front. But, looks good, starts immediately, rides nice, and really not a polluter vehicle for those conscious of such. Ford, build trucks like this again! I have had newer rigs, currently have a ranger, not much improvement in 40 years as far as fuel economy and ride quality.

[rusty70f100]

Heck, my '70 F100 with a built 390 gets 17mpg on the highway. And I guarantee it makes a lot more HP and torque than the 5.4L...

[luckster]

That is great mileage for a 390! I have a 360/390 in one of my other trucks, maybe 13mpg hwy, city about 8 but its 4x and a heavy hauler so I don't care much about economy there. Point is todays "modern" engines may be cleaner out the exhaust but really not improved power or economy. Better oils explain longer engine life to me more than new design.
Are todays trucks that much heavier? Body metal seems thinner and more plastic is used so where is all that extra weight? They should be a bit more aerodynamic. Transmissions draining power somehow? Question is why isn't mileage or power or both improved?

[Arnold Kenyon]

Bring back the 1979 body style with a supercharged 460. It would need great brakes and a good overdrive. I still have my 79 F150 shortbed supercab and want to do a restoration on it but it would be easier to buy a new one with all the work done.