By Kelsey Blaylock
On July 27th, 2017 Ford celebrated its 100-year anniversary of the 1917 Ford Model TT. Henry Ford created the Ford Model T in 1908 and nine years later after getting feedback and suggestions from customers, he decided to build the legendary Ford Model TT.
After the Ford Model TT was built, it became a best-selling hit instantly. The truck had the capability to hold up to a ton of cargo, and this attracted people that needed to get work done and haul different items.
In 1917, 209 Ford Model TTs were sold and by 1928 1.3 million Model TTs had been sold. Booming with business, Ford upgraded the truck to a more reliable Model AA with a 1.5-ton vehicle frame.
The Model AA was popular in the rural areas because even though it was a truck, it had some form of class to it. “Customers could use them on the farm, yet still take them to church on Sunday,” says Ford Historian Bob Kreipke.
The Model AA was soon replaced with Model BB in 1933 providing more capacity, and staying ahead of competitors. The Model BB like the rest was soon retired, and majority of them were turned into mail trucks or ambulances.
1935 he created trucks with a Ford Flathead V8 engine, and by 1941 Ford sold over 4 million trucks. Ford transferred to war production, and even though sales dropped, much experience was gained. Vehicle production for consumers started back up again in 1947, and that’s when the F-series Bonus Built trucks began.
A massive series started from a F-100 to a F-350, and many in-between. Throughout this series of trucks, they started to look more modernized and interior parts were improved with air conditioning, heat, and radio offerings.
In 1977, Ford got their slogan that still sticks in everyone’s minds today. A copywriter for a Ford truck magazine wrote “Built Ford Tough,” which is more of a promise than a slogan to their customers.
From just starting out, selling just hundreds of vehicles, to now selling over 26 million, Ford now has its most recent 2017 F-150 Raptor inspired by off-roading, and desert riding.
Ford still plans on expanding and changing its trucks in the future; creating universal family vehicles that everyone relies on. Ford, still good after all these years.