1964

The 1964 Ford F-100 arrived with the most substantial mid-cycle update the fourth generation would receive. Ford restyled the front end, introduced a new six-cylinder engine, and made a definitive engineering decision: the unibody Styleside was gone, and every F-100 would once again ride on a conventional body-on-frame chassis.

The most visible change was a completely redesigned front end. The grille was wider and more prominent, with a bold horizontal bar design that gave the truck a heavier, more purposeful appearance. The headlight surrounds were reshaped, and the hood received revised contours to integrate with the new grille. From the windshield back, the cab and body were unchanged, but the new face gave the 1964 model a distinctly different presence on the road. It was a successful update that modernized the truck’s look without requiring the expense of a full redesign.

Under the hood, the biggest change was the introduction of the 262 cubic-inch Big Six, which replaced the long-serving 223 Mileage Maker Six as the base engine. The 262 produced 154 horsepower, a meaningful improvement over the 223’s 137 horsepower, and delivered substantially more torque for hauling and towing. The larger displacement and more modern design gave six-cylinder buyers a noticeable step up in performance. The 292 Y-block V8 continued at 186 horsepower, and the 352 FE V8 returned at 208 horsepower. Transmission options were unchanged, with the 3-speed manual standard, the 4-speed manual optional, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic available.

The elimination of the unibody option simplified Ford’s manufacturing process and addressed the durability concerns that had followed the integrated design since 1961. All Styleside trucks now used a conventional separate bed bolted to the frame, making repairs easier and improving long-term structural integrity under heavy use. The Flareside continued as the traditional stepside option, and both body styles benefited from the straightforward body-on-frame architecture.

The Custom Cab trim package remained the premium option, offering upgraded interior materials, better sound insulation, and additional convenience features. The standard cab continued to serve the work truck market with a durable, no-frills interior that could withstand daily commercial use.

Production climbed to approximately 126,277 units for 1964, reflecting both the appeal of the refreshed design and a booming national economy. The F-100 continued to dominate the half-ton truck market, and the mid-cycle updates helped maintain buyer interest during the middle years of the generation.

For collectors, the 1964 F-100 represents the beginning of the more refined second phase of the fourth generation. The restyled front end gives it a cleaner, more modern look than the 1961-1963 models, and the return to all body-on-frame construction means survivors tend to be in better structural condition. The 262 Six is a capable and reliable engine that remains easy to service and rebuild today.