1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values

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.

Ford’s 1973 pickup brochure lists the 240 Six as the standard F-100 engine, the 302 Windsor as an F-100 4x2 option, the 360 FE as an option across the pickup line, and the 390 2-barrel for 4x2 pickups. The same chart reserves the 300 Six as standard equipment for the F-250/F-350 and the 460 for F-250/F-350 4x2 pickups, so neither belongs in a 1973 F-100 engine list. EPA application data distinguish light- and heavy-duty ratings and multiple calibrations, so one horsepower figure is not applied across every F-100 configuration; use the truck’s emissions label and matching Ford service literature for an exact rating. Transmission choices included 3-speed and 4-speed manuals and the C6 3-speed automatic, with availability depending on engine and configuration.

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 429,664 F-100 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.