Generation 3
1958 Ford F-100: Quad Headlights, 332 FE V8 Specs & Values
Published by fordf100s.com · Last updated
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 118 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,425 lbs |
| Body Styles | pickup, panel, styleside, flareside |
| Original MSRP | $1,938 |
| Production Numbers | 67,275 |
| Engine Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type |
| 223 Mileage Maker Six | 223 ci | 139 hp | inline-6 |
| 272 Y-Block V8 | 272 ci | 171 hp | v8 |
| 292 Y-Block V8 | 292 ci | 212 hp | v8 |
| 332 FE V8 | 332 ci | 265 hp | ohv-v8 |
| Available Transmissions |
|---|
| 3-speed manual |
| 4-speed manual |
| Ford-O-Matic automatic |
The 1958 Ford F-100 brought two significant changes to the second year of the third generation: quad headlights and the first FE-series V8 engine. Both updates kept the F-100 competitive in a truck market that was evolving rapidly as manufacturers pushed more passenger-car features and power into their light-duty pickups.
The most immediately visible change was the move from dual to quad headlights. Following a trend that swept through the entire American auto industry for 1958, Ford replaced the single headlights on each side with a pair of smaller sealed-beam units. The new arrangement required a redesigned grille, which featured a wider, more horizontal appearance compared to the 1957 model. The quad headlight setup gave the front end a more aggressive, contemporary look and improved nighttime visibility. Combined with revised trim pieces and updated badging, the 1958 F-100 had a distinctly different face from its predecessor despite sharing the same basic cab and body structure.
The bigger news was under the hood. Ford added the 332 cubic-inch FE V8 to the F-100 options list, producing an impressive 265 horsepower. The FE engine family — which stood for “Ford-Edsel” — was a modern overhead-valve design that would go on to power Ford trucks and cars for decades. The 332 FE gave the F-100 a serious performance advantage over the Y-block engines that had served as the V8 options since the truck’s inception. For buyers who did not need that much power, the 223 Six, 272 Y-block V8, and 292 Y-block V8 all carried over from 1957.
Transmission choices remained the same: a standard 3-speed manual, an optional 4-speed manual for heavy-duty applications, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic. The 118-inch wheelbase and fundamental chassis dimensions continued unchanged from 1957, maintaining the improved ride and handling characteristics that the third generation had introduced.
Inside the cab, changes were minimal. The dashboard, seating, and trim carried over largely unchanged, though the Custom Cab package continued to be available for buyers who wanted upgraded appointments. The Styleside and Flareside bed configurations both remained in the lineup, with the Styleside continuing to outsell its stepside counterpart.
Production numbers for 1958 dropped to approximately 67,275 units, reflecting the broader economic recession that hit the United States that year. The downturn affected sales across the entire auto industry, and truck sales were particularly sensitive to economic conditions. Despite the lower volume, the 1958 F-100 remains notable in the model’s history as the year Ford began its transition from the Y-block to the FE engine family — a shift that would have lasting implications for the performance and capability of Ford trucks through the 1960s and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1958 Ford F-100?
For the 1958 model year, notable changes included: undefined As the second year of the third-generation F-100 (Styleside era), the 1958 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1957-1960 run.
How does the 1958 Ford F100 differ from the 1957 launch year?
As the second year of the third-generation F-100 (Styleside era), the 1958 Ford F-100 got Ford’s first round of running changes after the 1957 debut. Key 1958 updates: undefined Trucks from this point in a generation usually have the benefit of first-year bug fixes while remaining close to the original design intent.
How many 1958 Ford F100 trucks were built?
Ford produced approximately 67,275 units of the 1958 Ford F100. The original MSRP started at $1,938, which put it at the accessible end of the light-duty truck market for 1958. For 1958 production, volumes were modest, which affects collector availability today. Condition, originality, and trim level matter more than raw production numbers when valuing a specific truck.
What motors could you order in a 1958 Ford F-100?
The 1958 Ford F-100 offered 4 engine options: 223 Mileage Maker Six (223 ci, 139 hp); 272 Y-Block V8 (272 ci, 171 hp); 292 Y-Block V8 (292 ci, 212 hp); 332 FE V8 (332 ci, 265 hp). The lineup drew from Ford’s OHV Y-block, the FE-series big-block, Ford’s inline-six. The strongest available was the 332 FE V8 at 265 horsepower, while the base engine was the 223 Mileage Maker Six at 139 horsepower. Transmission choices were 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, Ford-O-Matic automatic.
What should I look for when buying a 1958 Ford F100?
Focus your inspection on the 1958-specific items: undefined With 4 factory engine options spanning 139 to 265 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1958 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of only 67,275 makes a clean 1958 Ford F100 genuinely uncommon today. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1958 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past.