Low-Riding 1961 Ford F-100 Unibody Hides Cool Surprises Below the Chopped Top 5 Apr 2021, 12:24 UTC ·
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In 1961, when Ford introduced the F-Series fourth iteration, the company went for a major styling changeover from the successful three preceding generations. Its trucks came in lower and longer, with new engine and gearbox choices, not to mention dramatic versions such as the Unibody design. 48 photos
Although the latter ultimately proved unpopular at the time, with the Blue Oval discontinuing the body version fairly quickly (from the 1963 model year), it has its ardent fans today. That also means these models are rare and highly desirable among collectors and fans of custom trucks.
Marketing hyperbole aside, other companies have found success in this segment of unibody pickup trucks based on crossover or SUV platforms. Top of mind is the Honda Ridgeline, a machine whose every nut and bolt was surely examined by the Hyundai team while developing the Santa Cruz. Honda based its vehicle on the mid-size Pilot and, as an alternative to that vehicle, the Ridgeline makes for a unique option.
However, rigs like this are not direct competitors for traditional pickup trucks such as the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado. Absent a stout truck frame, Ridgeline and its ilk have much lower maximum towing capacities compared to half-ton trucks.