1979

The 1979 Ford F-100 was the final chapter for the sixth-generation Dentside, closing out a production run that had established the F-Series as the best-selling truck line in America. While the basic truck was mechanically familiar after seven years of production, Ford added some distinctive appearance packages to send the generation out with style, most notably the Free Wheeling package that gave the truck a youthful, recreational character.

The Free Wheeling package was Ford’s response to a growing trend in the late 1970s toward trucks as lifestyle vehicles rather than strictly work tools. It featured bold multi-color tape stripes along the bodysides, typically in combinations of orange, red, and yellow against lighter base colors. The package included styled steel wheels or optional aluminum wheels, raised white letter tires, and specific badging. It was an unsubtle look, very much of its era, and it transformed the otherwise conservative Dentside into something that appealed to younger buyers who saw their truck as a statement. The Free Wheeling package has become a sought-after option among collectors who appreciate its period-correct style.

The engine lineup was unchanged from 1978. The 300 Six remained the base engine at 118 net horsepower, and the V8 choices ranged from the 302 Windsor at 134 horsepower through the 351W at 156, the 351M at 152, the 400M at 173, and the 460 at 205 horsepower. The C6 automatic was the most popular transmission, though the 3-speed and 4-speed manuals remained on the order sheet. After years of emissions-driven adjustments, the engines had reached a stable equilibrium between output and compliance.

The Ranger XLT continued as the dominant trim level, and the Custom and base trims were available for buyers who wanted a more work-oriented truck. The SuperCab remained popular on its 139-inch wheelbase, offering the extended cab versatility that had proven so successful since its 1974 introduction. Interior amenities were at their highest level for the generation, with available features including air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering column, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM stereo with cassette player.

Production for 1979 totaled approximately 439,374 units. The number reflected both the maturity of the design and the impact of the second oil crisis, which erupted in the spring of 1979 and sent fuel prices climbing again. The F-150 continued to grow its share of Ford truck sales, increasingly positioned as the replacement for the F-100 in the half-ton segment.

The 1979 F-100 holds a special place in the Dentside story. It was the last of its kind, the final expression of a body style that had served Ford well across seven model years and millions of trucks. The 1980 redesign would bring a new look and new engineering, but the Dentside generation had proven that American truck buyers wanted comfort, style, and capability in equal measure. For enthusiasts today, the 1979 represents the most fully developed version of the Dentside, with the broadest option list and the benefit of seven years of production refinement.