It's hard to believe today, but there was a time when folks seeking four-wheel-drive pickups had to resort to aftermarket conversions for the additional capability.
Factory Equipped
It's hard to believe these days, but there was a time when factory four-wheel drive trucks weren't a thing. Most people had no use for them, and those that did turned to the aftermarket for conversions. It wasn't until 1959 when Ford finally started offering 4x4 as a factory option, and early trucks like this '60 F-100 we spotted at Alexander Automotive are also quite rare.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
Changing Times
Prior to this, Marmon-Herrington was the company that Ford used to convert various trucks and other vehicles to four-wheel drive. Those vehicles remain quite rare today, as not a lot of folks bought them. And even after bringing this task in-house, it still wasn't terribly popular. Which is obviously hard to believe given our love for 4x4s these days.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
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Taking Over
Ford also faced a lot of competition in the 4x4 market back in the '50s and '60s. Then, Willys enjoyed a dominant position, controlling a whopping 64.7% of the market. But by the end of 1959, Ford had already secured 31% of that market share. It was quite clear that people were beginning to realize the benefits of the four-wheel-drive system even way back then.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
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Rare Sight
Despite this success, most truck buyers stuck with two-wheel drive until the '70s, when the option started to become more popular. So you certainly don't see many factory 4x4s of an earlier vintage. Especially examples as pristine as this gorgeous red and white '59 F-100.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
>>Join the conversation about this rare four-wheel-drive F-100 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Important Changes
1957 also saw a major redesign for Ford's incredibly popular F-Series pickups. The third-gen didn't last long, receiving a complete replacement for the 1961 model year. But it did bring about important design changes, including full front fenders that were integrated into the body.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
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Keep It Original
This new design truly modernized the F-Series pickup and carried it into a completely new era. Even today, this '60 model remains very attractive. The fact that it sports an iconic color combination doesn't hurt, either. And thankfully, the seller has retained the truck's original steel wheel and modestly-sized tire combo.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
>>Join the conversation about this rare four-wheel-drive F-100 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Slight Upgrades
Under the hood of this beautiful machine, you'll find a 292 cubic-inch V8 engine. It has been treated to a few upgrades, including headers and a dual exhaust, both of which have been heat-treated and jet coated. Backing up the engine is a Borg Warner T98 4-speed manual transmission.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
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Beefy Drivetrain
That sends power to a Spicer transfer case, which splits it between a beefy Ford 9-inch rear end and the front diff. Warn lockout hubs offer up a little bit of modern-day convenience and help make this old school four-wheeler handle the rough stuff if you choose to engage in it.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
>>Join the conversation about this rare four-wheel-drive F-100 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Show Quality
This classic F-100 has received a full, frame-off restoration by a Ford dealer. And you can certainly tell because it's pristine both inside and out. With all new and refurbished parts dominating the build, it's something you'd probably rather show off than use to haul stuff around the farm these days.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
>>Join the conversation about this rare four-wheel-drive F-100 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Paving the Way
But perhaps most importantly, this '60 F-100 serves as a reminder of a time when factory four-wheel-drive pickups didn't dominate the sales charts. These days, you can't drive a block without seeing at least one. However, it was vehicles like these that helped pave the way for the 4x4's long rise to the top.
Photos: Alexander Automotive
>>Join the conversation about this rare four-wheel-drive F-100 right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
For help keeping your truck in great shape, check out the how to section of Ford-Trucks.com
