Generation 6 · 1973–1979
1976 Ford F-100: Final FE Year, Specs & Values
- Wheelbase
- 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed), 139/155 in (SuperCab)
- Original MSRP
- $3,870
- Production
- 225,154
fordf100s.com · Updated
Factory Spec Sheet
MODEL YEAR 1976
| Wheelbase | 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed), 139/155 in (SuperCab) |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 3,820 lbs |
| Body Styles | pickup, styleside, flareside |
| Original MSRP | $3,870 |
| Production Numbers | 225,154 |
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Six | 300 ci | Varied by GVWR/calibration | inline-6 |
| 302 Windsor V8 | 302 ci | Varied by GVWR/calibration | v8 |
| 360 FE V8 | 360 ci | Varied by GVWR/calibration | v8 |
| 390 FE V8 (2V) | 390 ci | Varied by GVWR/calibration | v8 |
Available Transmissions
- 3-speed manual
- 4-speed manual
- C6 3-speed automatic
The 1976 Ford F-100 brought the first visible styling update to the Dentside generation while retaining the outgoing FE engine family for one final model year. The 351M and 400 did not enter the F-100 lineup until 1977.
The most obvious exterior change was a revised grille design. The new grille featured a bolder pattern with a more prominent center division and updated trim surrounds. It was a modest refresh that gave the truck a slightly different face without altering the fundamental Dentside character. Trim details were also updated, with new side molding options and revised badging. The Ranger XLT continued as the premier trim level, offering the most refined interior available in a half-ton Ford pickup.
Ford’s 1976 pickup brochure lists the 300 Six as standard in the F-100, the 302 Windsor as an F-100 regular-cab 4x2 option, the 360 FE across the pickup line, and the 390 2-barrel as an F-100 4x2 option. The 390 4-barrel and 460 rows apply to the F-150, F-250, and F-350, not the F-100. Horsepower varied by GVWR and emissions calibration, so one figure is not applied across every F-100 configuration. The 351M and 400 begin in the F-100 lineup for 1977.
The rest of the truck carried over largely unchanged. The twin I-beam front suspension, rear leaf springs, and available SuperCab body all continued. The Styleside remained the dominant bed choice, with the Flareside still cataloged for traditionalists. Interior appointments in the Ranger XLT included cloth or vinyl bench seating, woodgrain instrument panel trim, full carpeting, and a cigar lighter.
Production held at approximately 225,154 F-100 units as the economy improved from its mid-decade trough and the newer F-150 continued to gain share. The F-Series was gaining momentum in the marketplace, and the 1976 F-100 contributed to a sales trajectory that would see Ford trucks claim the title of America’s best-selling vehicle. The 1976 model is a transitional year in the best sense: it paired the final F-100 FE applications with a freshened package immediately before the 351M and 400 arrived for 1977.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1976 Ford F-100?
For the 1976 model year, notable changes included: Updated grille design, trim revisions, final year for 360 and 390 FE applications As the fourth year of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside), the 1976 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1973-1979 run.
Where does the 1976 Ford F100 sit within the 1973-1979 generation?
The 1976 Ford F-100 was the fourth model year of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside), placing it at the midpoint of the 1973-1979 run. By 1976, the generation had stabilized and buyers benefited from several years of running changes. The 1976 specifically added: Updated grille design, trim revisions, final year for 360 and 390 FE applications
How many 1976 Ford F100 trucks were built?
Ford produced approximately 225,154 units of the 1976 Ford F100. The original MSRP started at $3,870, which put it at the accessible end of the light-duty truck market for 1976. For 1976 production, production was solid though below the generation’s peak. Condition, originality, and trim level matter more than raw production numbers when valuing a specific truck.
What motors could you order in a 1976 Ford F-100?
The 1976 Ford F-100 offered 4 engine options: 300 Six (300 ci, Varied by GVWR/calibration); 302 Windsor V8 (302 ci, Varied by GVWR/calibration); 360 FE V8 (360 ci, Varied by GVWR/calibration); 390 FE V8 (2V) (390 ci, Varied by GVWR/calibration). The lineup drew from the FE-series big-block, the small-block Windsor, Ford’s inline-six. Published output for some engines varied by GVWR and emissions calibration, so use the emissions label and Ford service literature for the specific truck rather than one universal horsepower figure. Transmission choices were 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, C6 3-speed automatic.
What should I look for when buying a 1976 Ford F100?
Focus your inspection on the 1976-specific items: Updated grille design, trim revisions, final year for 360 and 390 FE applications With 4 factory engine options and output that could vary by calibration, verify the original engine code and emissions label instead of relying on a generic horsepower chart. Production of roughly 225,154 puts 1976 Ford F100 availability in the middle of the road — findable, but not every weekend. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1976 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past.