1967–1972 Ford F-100 (5th Generation)

Introduction

The fifth generation Ford F-100, produced from 1967 to 1972, represents a watershed moment in American truck history. Known universally among enthusiasts as the “Bumpside” — a reference to the bold, raised feature line that runs along the body sides — this generation marked Ford’s decisive push to transform the pickup truck from a purely utilitarian work vehicle into something a buyer might choose over a passenger car for daily transportation.

By the mid-1960s, Ford’s market research was revealing a fundamental shift in how Americans used trucks. An increasing number of buyers were purchasing pickups not for farming or commercial hauling but for personal use — commuting, family errands, and recreation. Ford responded with the 1967 redesign by creating a truck that was wider, more comfortable, quieter, and better appointed than anything the half-ton market had seen before. The strategy worked. The Bumpside generation cemented the F-Series as a dominant force in American vehicle sales.

This era also coincided with significant cultural changes in the United States. The outdoor recreation boom of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the rise of the camper and RV lifestyle, and suburban expansion all drove demand for trucks that could serve double duty. The fifth-generation F-100 was perfectly positioned to capitalize on every one of these trends, and it did so with a combination of improved engineering, thoughtful design, and an expanding options list that would have been unthinkable in a truck just a decade earlier.

Design and Body

The 1967 redesign was the most comprehensive overhaul of the F-100 since the nameplate’s introduction. The new body was approximately 3.5 inches wider than the outgoing fourth generation, and this extra width was put to excellent use in the cab interior. The most distinctive design element was the prominent character line — the “bump” — that ran along the upper body sides from the front fenders through the doors and into the bed sides. This feature line gave the trucks a muscular, planted appearance and remains the defining visual signature of the generation.

The cab was substantially redesigned for improved comfort. A new curved side glass design increased interior room at shoulder height, and the doors were wider for easier entry and exit. The windshield was larger, providing better forward visibility, and the cowl was lowered to further improve the driver’s sightlines. Wind noise was reduced through better weatherstripping and aerodynamic refinements, making highway driving noticeably more pleasant than in previous generations.

The Styleside bed continued as the dominant configuration, with its smooth, flush sides complementing the wider body. The Flareside remained available for buyers who wanted the traditional look or needed the utility of the external step bumpers built into the rear fenders. Bed lengths were offered in 6.75-foot and 8-foot configurations.

The exterior saw periodic updates across the production run. The 1967-1969 trucks shared a similar front end design with dual headlamps and a horizontal grille. For 1970, Ford introduced a revised front end with a bolder grille design. The 1971 and 1972 models received further front end updates, with the 1972 trucks being the final year before the dramatic Dentside redesign arrived for 1973.

Engines and Drivetrain

The fifth generation offered a comprehensive engine lineup that ranged from economical inline sixes to powerful big-block V8s, giving buyers genuine flexibility to match their powertrain to their intended use.

The base engine was the 240 cubic inch inline-six, producing approximately 150 horsepower. This was an adequate engine for light-duty use and offered good fuel economy, but it was considered underpowered by many buyers, particularly those who carried loads regularly or drove in hilly terrain.

A far more popular choice was the 300 cubic inch inline-six, which became one of the most legendary truck engines Ford ever produced. Generating approximately 170 horsepower and a robust 282 lb-ft of torque, the 300 Six was renowned for its low-end pulling power, fuel efficiency, and extraordinary durability. Many truck enthusiasts consider the 300 Six to be the finest inline-six engine ever fitted to an American truck, and its reputation for running reliably past 300,000 miles is well earned.

The V8 lineup began with the 302 cubic inch Windsor small-block, borrowed from the Mustang and other Ford passenger cars. In truck tune, the 302 produced approximately 205 horsepower and offered a significant step up in power over the sixes while maintaining reasonable fuel economy and a compact installation.

For heavier work, Ford offered two FE-series big-block V8 options. The 360 cubic inch FE V8 produced approximately 215 horsepower and was a strong choice for towing and hauling. The top-of-the-line 390 cubic inch FE V8 was the most powerful engine available in the F-100 during this era, producing approximately 255 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 390 was the clear choice for buyers who towed campers, boats, or heavy trailers, and it gave the F-100 genuine effortless power on the highway.

Transmission options included a standard three-speed manual column shift, an optional four-speed manual, and Ford’s C6 three-speed automatic transmission. The C6 was one of the toughest automatic transmissions ever built and was ideally suited to truck duty. It became the most popular transmission choice, particularly when paired with the V8 engines.

The Twin I-Beam front suspension carried over from the late fourth generation and continued to provide the F-100 with a ride quality advantage over its competitors. Rear suspension used conventional leaf springs with staggered shock absorbers.

Notable Features

The fifth generation introduced trim levels and option packages that dramatically elevated the F-100’s appeal to non-commercial buyers.

The base Custom trim provided a functional but spartan interior suitable for work truck duty. The Sport Custom stepped things up with additional chrome, a more refined interior with color-keyed appointments, and upgraded seating. At the top of the lineup, the Ranger trim represented Ford’s most ambitious attempt yet to create a truly comfortable, car-like truck interior. Ranger-equipped F-100s featured woodgrain dashboard appliques, full door panels with armrests and map pockets, upgraded upholstery, full carpeting, and a level of interior refinement that rivaled many contemporary sedans.

The Ranger XLT package, introduced later in the generation, pushed the envelope even further with bucket seats, a center console, and premium trim elements. This was the direct ancestor of the luxury truck packages that would become a massive profit center for Ford in subsequent decades.

Perhaps the most significant comfort feature to become widely available during this generation was factory air conditioning. While air conditioning had been technically available on Ford trucks before, the Bumpside generation saw it become a genuinely popular option. The wider engine bay and improved dash layout made installation more practical, and increasing numbers of buyers — particularly in southern states — ordered their trucks with factory air. An air-conditioned, Ranger-trimmed F-100 with an automatic transmission and a 390 V8 was, for many buyers, a more appealing daily driver than a passenger car.

Other notable options included power steering, power front disc brakes (available from 1968), AM/FM radio, tinted glass, and a sliding rear window. An auxiliary fuel tank could be fitted for extended range, and a wide array of dealer-installed accessories was available.

Production and Legacy

The Bumpside generation was a commercial triumph for Ford. F-Series production consistently exceeded 400,000 units per year during this period, and the F-100 half-ton accounted for the lion’s share of those sales. The truck market was booming, and Ford was winning. By the early 1970s, the F-Series was firmly established as the best-selling truck line in America — a position it would defend and hold for decades to come.

Culturally, the Bumpside F-100 occupies a special place as the truck that proved pickups could be more than work tools. It validated the idea that a truck buyer might want air conditioning, carpeting, and an automatic transmission without sacrificing capability. This insight shaped the entire trajectory of the American truck market and ultimately led to the modern full-size pickup, which is as much a luxury vehicle as it is a utility vehicle.

Among collectors and enthusiasts today, the 1967-1972 F-100 is one of the most popular generations. Clean, original examples are increasingly valuable, and well-executed restorations command strong prices. The Bumpside’s combination of classic styling, robust mechanicals, and parts availability makes it an ideal platform for everything from faithful stock restorations to restomod builds with modern drivetrains. The 1967-1969 models are particularly sought after for their clean early styling, while the 1972 is popular as the final year of the generation.

Buying Tips

The 1967-1972 F-100 is one of the most accessible classic trucks to buy and maintain, thanks to strong aftermarket support and a large surviving population. However, there are important things to look for when evaluating a purchase.

Rust is the primary enemy of these trucks. Inspect the cab corners, the lower door skins, the bottoms of the front fenders, the area behind the rear wheels, and the floor pans carefully. The bed floor is another common rust area, particularly along the wheelhouse inner panels and where the bed meets the cab. Frame rust should be evaluated carefully — surface rust is normal, but significant scaling or perforation of the frame rails is a serious concern.

On the mechanical side, all of the engines offered in this generation are fundamentally reliable and well-supported with parts. The 300 Six is nearly bulletproof and makes an excellent choice for a reliable driver. The 302 V8 is a strong all-around option with vast parts availability from both the truck and Mustang markets. The 360 and 390 FE engines are powerful and durable but are heavier and thirstier; parts are available but less abundant than for the small-block Ford family.

The C6 automatic transmission is extremely durable and easy to rebuild if needed. Manual transmission trucks are less common but desirable to some buyers for their simplicity and engagement.

Check the Twin I-Beam front suspension for worn radius arm bushings, which are the most common wear item and cause vague steering and wandering on the highway. Replacement bushings are inexpensive and readily available, and the job is within reach of a home mechanic. King pin wear (on earlier models) or ball joint wear (on later models) should also be checked.

Market prices for Bumpside F-100s span a wide range. Rough but running project trucks can still be found affordably, while fully restored or high-quality original examples — particularly Ranger and Ranger XLT models with desirable options like air conditioning and the 390 V8 — have appreciated significantly in recent years and show no signs of slowing down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years are the Bumpside Ford F-100?

The Bumpside Ford F-100 was produced from 1967 to 1972. The nickname comes from the raised body-side feature line that runs along the doors and bed sides. This fifth-generation F-100 introduced a wider cab, improved comfort features, factory air conditioning as a popular option, and the Ranger and Ranger XLT trim packages that helped transform pickup trucks into personal-use vehicles.

What is a Bumpside Ford F-100?

A Bumpside is the enthusiast nickname for the 1967-1972 Ford F-100, referring to the prominent raised character line stamped into the body sides from the front fenders through the doors and into the bed panels. This bold feature line gives the truck a muscular, planted appearance and is the most recognizable styling element of the fifth generation, distinguishing it from the Dentside trucks that followed.

What engines came in a 1967-1972 Ford F-100?

The 1967-1972 F-100 offered five engine options: the 240 cubic inch six (150 hp), the legendary 300 cubic inch six (170 hp and renowned for extreme durability), the 302 cubic inch Windsor V8 (205 hp), the 360 cubic inch FE V8 (215 hp), and the top-of-the-line 390 cubic inch FE V8 producing 255 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque for maximum towing capability.

How much is a 1967-1972 Bumpside Ford F-100 worth?

Bumpside F-100 values span a wide range based on condition and equipment. Rough but running project trucks remain affordable, while fully restored or high-quality original examples have appreciated significantly in recent years. Ranger and Ranger XLT models with desirable options like factory air conditioning and the 390 V8 command the strongest prices, with well-documented original trucks showing continued market gains.

What is the difference between a Bumpside and a Dentside Ford F-100?

The Bumpside (1967-1972) has a raised, outward-protruding body-side feature line, while the Dentside (1973-1979) features an inward-pressed crease in the sheetmetal. The Dentside introduced a wider cab, the SuperCab extended-cab body for 1974, and additional engine options including the 351 Windsor, 400M, and 460 V8. Both generations share the Twin I-Beam front suspension.