1973

The 1973 Ford F-100 was a clean-sheet redesign and the beginning of the sixth generation, known among enthusiasts as the “Dentside” for the distinctive indentation that ran along the bodyside. It was the most significant update to Ford’s half-ton truck since the 1967 redesign, delivering a larger cab, smoother ride, and a level of refinement that pushed the F-100 further into personal-use territory.

The new body was immediately recognizable. The cab was wider and taller than the outgoing fifth generation, with significantly more interior room. Shoulder space, headroom, and legroom all increased, making the truck genuinely comfortable for daily driving. The doors were wider for easier entry and exit, and the glass area expanded to improve visibility. The instrument panel was redesigned with a more car-like layout, and sound insulation was improved throughout the cab. The Ranger XLT trim level, which had been introduced late in the fifth generation, became the volume seller for 1973, with upgraded upholstery, woodgrain trim on the dash, and additional sound deadening.

Under the hood, Ford offered a sensible range of powertrains. The base engine was the 300 cubic-inch inline six, a truck-duty workhorse producing 120 net horsepower. This was the era of SAE net ratings, so the numbers were considerably lower than the gross figures quoted before 1972, but the 300 Six was a torque-rich engine well suited to the truck’s intended use. The 302 cubic-inch Windsor V8 served as the entry-level eight-cylinder at 137 horsepower. For buyers who needed more muscle, the 360 FE V8 produced 196 horsepower and the 390 FE V8 topped the lineup at 201 horsepower. Transmission choices included a standard 3-speed manual, an available 4-speed manual for heavy-duty work, and the C6 3-speed automatic, which was the preferred choice for most V8-equipped trucks.

The chassis was updated to deliver a more compliant ride without sacrificing payload capacity. The front suspension used a twin I-beam independent setup, a Ford truck hallmark since 1965, with revised spring rates and improved shock absorbers. The rear used conventional leaf springs. Wheelbase options included 117 inches for the short bed and 133 inches for the long bed, both on the Styleside body. The Flareside remained available for buyers who preferred the stepside configuration.

Production for 1973 was strong at approximately 524,983 units. The new design was an immediate hit, and the F-Series was well on its way to becoming the best-selling vehicle line in America. The 1973 F-100 established the template that Ford would refine over the next six years, and it remains one of the most recognizable truck designs of the 1970s. For collectors, the first-year Dentside carries the appeal of being the cleanest expression of a body style that would define an era.