Just curious, I've seen this term used on here and other places, what does it refer to?

 

Ford Advertising; they called the ford trucks from 48-52 Bonus built, had extra features etc, hence the term "Bonus Built" I know someone here in the past has described this much better than me and I can't remember all the details, I'm sure someone else here will hopefully expand on this a bit and or correct me if i'm wrong

 

Yep, things like windows and doors and an engine, ..............extra cost options included a heater, two wipers, and other totally useless features.

 

if i remember correctly, the bonus builts have the million dollar cab with living room comfort. i also remember reading the cab was 7" wider than the '47.

 

Let's see if I can stir things up here a little. I'm pretty sure I've read, or heard from a reliable source, that the term "Bonus Built" technically only refers to the 1948 - 1950 model years. I've just gone through all my '51/'52 sales literature and both '51 and '52 Dealer Handbooks and don't find the term. Like Josh said, it was originally just an advertising slogan, but in practice it has come to designate the whole of the '48-'52 body style. Stu

 

Actually Stu is on to something here! he's really close but I think what really happened is Ford's engineers and marketing team decided that the 48-50 years just weren't cutting it in terms of looks, ergonomics, and the stylish trim packages and of course the better looking grill's that were not available until the later and better looking 51- 52 models came out.

I also think the 51 52 seat backs were slightly thinner than the 48-50's to allow for the 51 52 owners big egos' to fit behind the wheels while they were looking down their snouts onto the 48-50 truck owners!

So, that is why they built the 51 52 body style so they could officially state they were "Bonus Built"

ah great, here we go again! bring it on

 

I agree with Stu. The "Bonus Built" slogan was started in 1948 to counter Chevy's ad campaigns for their brand new designed truck.

I believe that when the 1951 design came out, the marketing angle was on the "thriftiness" of the Ford truck.

 

Well, I asked Chuck to give me the straight story. Here's his response.

Stu,
Yes, "Bonus Built Trucks" were 1948-50 only. Ford came up with this idea in 1948, and it must have taken until 1950 before they got caught! The plan was to never refer to the trucks by model year, so whatever was left on the lot at the end of the year could be sold as the following year's model. I have a letter from Ford, to the dealers, that tells this story. A lot of the sales literature is missing the year as well.
Chuck

 

Stu,

Thanks for following up with Chuck about this. Now we all know this tiny bit of history.

 

Yes, but today - even if it isn't "PC" some of us generally refer to the 51s and 52s as Bonus Built as well (and it's generally understood) because the 51s and 52s were catagorized with the 48-50s because of the very similar body style and design characteristics. I call my 51 a Bonus Built mainly just to differentiate it from the Effies!

I guess it's like calling a Fuscia Sweater Pink.

And everyones right, it was an adveritsing nickname to compete with Chevrolet and the51/52 years focused mainly on trade in value and operating economy.

 

That would also 'splain why the serial numbers carried through from 49-50 with no one knowing where the cut off was.

 

I prefer mauve.

 

Guess my 51 and 52 will just have to be refered to as the "thrifty" from now on

 

I think we all include them in the BB class. It's just nice to have the rest of the story. Stu

 

Well, I think that's settled, then....the '48-'50's are "bonus built"'s and the 51-52 are the "finally got it right"'s...

Never any doubt...

R