Special edition Harley F-Series trucks were born in Detroit but dressed in Milwaukee.
Instant Deal
Back in 1999, Ford and Harley-Davidson teamed up to build the original 'bad boy' truck. Fittingly introduced at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August of the same year, the Harley-Davidson F-150 was an instant hit. The respective motor companies quickly struck a deal to produce the special edition trucks and the first examples rolled out in early 2000.
Rumble Stance
The Harley-Davidson F-150 was launched as an upscaled appearance package for the SuperCab model with a full-size step bed. Only available in black, the trucks got Harley-Davidson badging, an orange stripe, a billet grille, and 20'' chrome wheels. For a biker-worthy rumble, chrome 'slash cut' mufflers were fitted, and the suspension was dropped for an ever-so-slightly more aggressive stance.
Lucrative Collaboration
The first round of the Detroit/Milwaukee partnership called for 7,500 units to be built at Ford’s Ontario truck plant in Canada. At year's end, 8,000 were ultimately produced, and all were sold. Slated to run for five years, the lucrative collaboration was so successful that it was extended until 2012. Over 70,000 Harley-Davidson edition trucks were produced during its decade-plus run.
Exclusivity Motivation
The cool attitude, special edition trucks coined the phrase, 'born in Detroit, dressed in Milwaukee.' Issuing his often quoted statement, “The first of more exciting products to come,” Ford project manager George Magro elaborated on the motivation behind the venture in an Orlando Sentinel interview on August 25, 1999. Magro stated, “Like Harley-Davidson, we want to create some exclusivity.”
Four Doors
In the same interview, Magro hinted at things to come, “Next year, there will be a different truck.” While this turned out to be mostly true, it is generally accepted that the first generation Harley-Davidson F-150s lasted from 2000 to 2003. Following the initial release, Ford added four full-size doors for the next model year. They dubbed it the “the world's only four-door Harley.”
Super Enthusiasts
The Detroit/Milwaukee alliance was productive. By late 2003, the special edition truck sales were approaching 40,000. The offerings now included both the SuperCab and SuperCrew, along with a supercharged option. Things then got 'larger-than-life' for Harley-Davidson/Blue Oval enthusiasts. The F-150 version went on hiatus for two years and the 2004 F-250/350 Super Duty donned the Milwaukee-branded truck mantle.
Standard Option
A redesigned F-150 hit the streets in 2005, followed by a rather subdued Harley-Davidson model in 2006. With the supercharged engine option gone, it was only available in black and as a SuperCab. Its standard 5.4-liter 300 horsepower engine was left to turn even taller 22'' inch wheels. It did, however, get the all-wheel-drive option as standard.
Elegantly Rolled
The pinnacle for the cross-over project came in 2007. Fitted with a Saleen-tuned supercharger, it became a serious performance truck, and one of the most powerful factory F-150s ever offered. In 2009, Harley-Davidson branding was extended to the massive F-450 Super Duty. The F-150 version returned in 2010. Two years later, Ford elegantly rolled up production with the White Platinum or Tuxedo Black F-150 Harley-Davidson.
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