1972

The 1972 Ford F-100 marked the final year of the Bumpside generation, closing out a six-year production run that had fundamentally changed how Americans thought about pickup trucks. As a transition year leading into the all-new 1973 Dentside redesign, the 1972 model carried forward the proven Bumpside design with minimal changes while the industry underwent a significant shift in how engine power was measured and reported.

The most notable change for 1972 was not mechanical but statistical. The Society of Automotive Engineers mandated that all manufacturers switch from gross horsepower ratings to net horsepower ratings, which measured power at the flywheel with all accessories and emissions equipment installed. This made the 1972 power figures appear dramatically lower than those of the previous year, even though the engines themselves were largely unchanged. The 240 Six dropped from 150 gross horsepower to 103 net horsepower, the 300 Six went from 168 gross to 133 net, the 302 V8 fell from 210 gross to 141 net, and the 360 Modified V8 went from 215 gross to 196 net. These numbers reflected reality more accurately than the optimistic gross figures had, but the optics were unfavorable at a time when buyers were already sensitive to declining engine performance due to emissions controls.

The 390 FE V8 was gone, having been discontinued after 1971, leaving the 360 Modified as the largest engine available in the F-100. The 302 Windsor V8 became standard equipment on many models, reflecting both its popularity and Ford’s recognition that most buyers expected V8 power. The inline sixes continued to serve fleet and commercial buyers who prioritized fuel economy and low operating costs.

The trim hierarchy remained intact with the Custom, Sport Custom, Ranger, and Ranger XLT levels all carrying over. The Ranger XLT continued to be the most popular option for personal-use buyers, and its combination of wood-tone dash accents, upgraded upholstery, carpeting, and chrome trim represented the peak of Bumpside-era interior refinement. Factory air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and an AM/FM radio were all commonly ordered options that further elevated the truck’s comfort level.

Exterior styling was essentially unchanged from the 1970-1971 models. The grille, body panels, and trim details were carryovers, and Ford invested its engineering resources in the upcoming 1973 redesign rather than freshening the outgoing design. The Bumpside body had aged gracefully, however, and the truck’s clean lines and substantial proportions still looked competitive on dealer lots.

Production for the final Bumpside year reached approximately 197,950 units, a solid finish for a generation that had transformed the F-100 from a work truck with some comfort options into a genuine personal-use vehicle. The Bumpside trucks established many of the expectations that modern truck buyers take for granted: spacious cabs, multiple trim levels, a wide range of powertrains, and comfort features that rival passenger cars. Today, the 1967-1972 Bumpsides are among the most collectible F-100s, prized for their clean styling, straightforward mechanicals, and the wide availability of parts that makes them practical restoration and restomod candidates.