--- title: "1959 Ford F-100: Grille Refresh, 292 V8 Specs & Values | fordf100s.com" description: "The 1959 Ford F-100 received a grille refresh and styling refinements while retaining the 223 six and 292 Y-block V8." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/1959-ford-f100/" last_updated: "2026-07-17" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Generations ](/generations/) 3. / [ 1957-1960 Ford F-100 (3rd Gen): Styleside Bed + Y-Block V8 ](/generations/1957-1960/) 4. / 1959 Ford F-100: Grille Refresh, 292 V8 Specs & Values Generation 3 · 1957–1960 # 1959 Ford F-100: Grille Refresh, 292 V8 Specs & Values Top Engine 292 Y-Block V8 · 186 hp Wheelbase 110 or 118 in Original MSRP $1,975 Production 96,637 fordf100s.com · Updated July 17, 2026 Jump to Year [ 1957 ](/1957-ford-f100/)[ 1958 ](/1958-ford-f100/)[ 1959 ](/1959-ford-f100/)[ 1960 ](/1960-ford-f100/) Factory Spec Sheet MODEL YEAR 1959 __General Specifications__ | Wheelbase | 110 or 118 in | | ------------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Curb Weight | 3,430 lbs | | Body Styles | pickup, panel, styleside, flareside | | Original MSRP | $1,975 | | Production Numbers | 96,637 | __Engine Options__ | Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type | | --------------------- | ------------ | ---------- | -------- | | 223 Mileage Maker Six | 223 ci | 139 hp | inline-6 | | 292 Y-Block V8 | 292 ci | 186 hp | v8 | Available Transmissions - 3-speed manual - 4-speed manual - Ford-O-Matic automatic Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on July 17, 2026. The model-year engine applications, horsepower ratings, major design changes, and identification claims were reconciled against period literature and year-specific specialist references. Full-line F-Series applications were excluded when the source did not support an F-100 application. References used 1. [Ford Heritage Vault](https://fordheritagevault.com/) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literaturePeriod brochures, sales literature, and manuals used to check model-year claims. 2. [1957-1960 Ford F-100 buyer guide](https://www.hemmings.com/stories/long-overlooked-this-easy-to-own-hauler-is-rising-in-popularity/) — Hemmings · Specialist reference 3. [1957 Ford F-100 Panel Truck brochure](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/1957-Ford-F-100-Panel-Truck.pdf) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literature Horsepower changed from SAE gross to SAE net reporting for 1972, so figures on opposite sides of that change are not directly comparable. Production totals, weights, prices, option availability, and midyear changes can vary by source and configuration; treat them as reference points, not proof of a specific truck's original equipment. Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). The 1959 Ford F-100 represented the mid-cycle point of the third generation, receiving a modest refresh that updated its appearance without altering the truck’s fundamental character. Ford’s approach for 1959 was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, concentrating on grille and trim changes that kept the F-100 looking current as it entered the final stretch of its generation. The most noticeable exterior change was a redesigned grille. Ford gave the 1959 model a cleaner front-end treatment that moved away from the busier appearance of the 1958 quad-headlight design. The quad headlights remained, but the surrounding grille work was simplified and refined. Additional styling tweaks included revised side trim and updated emblems. The overall effect was a truck that looked slightly more mature and restrained than the 1958 model, reflecting a broader industry trend away from the chrome excess that had characterized the mid-1950s. Under the hood, Ford streamlined the F-100 engine lineup to two choices. The 223 cubic-inch Mileage Maker Six continued as the base engine at 139 horsepower, while the 292 cubic-inch [Y-block](/glossary/y-block/) V8 was rated at about 186 horsepower. [FE engines](/glossary/fe-engine/) shown in broader F-Series literature were reserved for heavier models. The chassis, cab, and bed designs carried over without significant changes. Short- and [long-bed](/glossary/long-bed/) pickups used 110- and 118-inch wheelbases; [Styleside](/glossary/styleside/) and [Flareside](/glossary/flareside/) beds and standard and Custom Cab configurations continued. Transmission options remained the 3-speed manual as standard equipment, the 4-speed manual for heavy-duty use, and the Ford-O-Matic automatic for buyers who preferred it. Inside the cab, the 1959 F-100 was largely unchanged from the prior year. The instrument panel, seat design, and interior trim maintained the same layout and materials. The Custom Cab option continued to offer a step up in comfort with better insulation, upgraded upholstery, and additional brightwork. Production rebounded from the recession-affected 1958 numbers, reaching approximately 96,637 units for the model year. The recovery reflected both improved economic conditions and the F-100’s continued strength in the half-ton market. While the 1959 model year did not bring dramatic changes, the truck remained a thoroughly competitive product. Its combination of proven powertrain options, the popular Styleside bed, and a cab that offered more comfort and space than most competitors ensured that the F-100 held its position as one of America’s best-selling pickups heading into the final year of the third generation. Next useful step ## Put this 1959 in generation context Compare its factory changes, engines, and neighboring model years before planning a purchase or restoration. [ Open the generation guide → ](/generations/1957-1960/) [ Decode a VIN ](/vin-decoder/) [← 1958 Ford F-100](/1958-ford-f100/)[1960 Ford F-100 →](/1960-ford-f100/) ## Build a 1959 F-100 [RestorationCoyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 TrucksSwap a Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 into your F-100 with this complete guide to engine sourcing, swap kits, transmissions, fuel, and wiring.](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/)[RestorationComplete F100 Frame Swap GuideEverything you need to know about swapping your Ford F100 frame, from choosing a donor chassis to setting the body and avoiding common mistakes.](/restoration/frame-swap-guide/)[Restoration7.3L Godzilla Swap Guide for Ford F-100 TrucksSwap Ford's 7.3L Godzilla V8 into your F-100 for 430+ hp with pushrod simplicity. Covers engine sourcing, swap kits, wiring, and transmissions.](/restoration/godzilla-swap-guide/)[PartsF100 Rear Axle and Differential GuideFord F100 rear axle guide covering the 9-inch, Dana 44, 8-inch, and Sterling 10.25 with gear ratios, identification tips, and upgrades.](/parts/rear-axles/)[PartsFord F-100 Restoration Cost GuideRealistic F-100 restoration costs by project tier, from budget builds under $10K to six-figure restomods, with line-item estimates.](/parts/restoration-cost-guide/)[PartsF100 Steering Column Options and UpgradesFord F100 steering guide covering factory systems, aftermarket tilt columns, power steering conversions, and steering box replacements.](/parts/steering-columns/) ## Keep Exploring [Generation Guide1957-1960 Ford F-100 (3rd Gen): Styleside Bed + Y-Block V8Full generation overview — design changes, engines, and buying advice](/generations/1957-1960/)[ComparisonCrown Vic vs Mustang II: F-100 Front Suspension ChoicesCompare Crown Vic, Mustang II, and narrowed Crown Vic suspension for an F-100: donor years, wheel fit, steering, fabrication, and complete project costs.](/crown-vic-vs-mustang-ii/)[ReferenceF-100 Timeline 1948–1983Every model year and generation in one view](/history/f100-timeline/)[ToolVIN DecoderVerify the year, engine, and plant on any 1959 F-100](/vin-decoder/) ## Frequently Asked Questions What changed in the 1959 Ford F-100? For the 1959 model year, notable changes included: Updated grille, styling refinements, 272 V8 dropped from lineup As the third year of the third-generation F-100 (Styleside era), the 1959 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1957-1960 run. Where does the 1959 Ford F100 sit within the 1957-1960 generation? The 1959 Ford F-100 was the third model year of the third-generation F-100 (Styleside era), placing it at the midpoint of the 1957-1960 run. By 1959, the generation had stabilized and buyers benefited from several years of running changes. The 1959 specifically added: Updated grille, styling refinements, 272 V8 dropped from lineup What engines were available in the 1959 Ford F-100? The 1959 Ford F-100 offered 2 engine options: 223 Mileage Maker Six (223 ci, 139 hp); 292 Y-Block V8 (292 ci, 186 hp). The lineup drew from Ford’s OHV Y-block, Ford’s inline-six. The strongest available was the 292 Y-Block V8 at 186 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 does a 1959 Ford F100 weigh and measure? The 1959 Ford F-100 had a wheelbase of 110 or 118 in and a curb weight of 3,430 lbs. Factory body styles included pickup, panel, styleside and flareside. It was part of the third-generation F-100 (Styleside era) (1957-1960), a generation defined by the Styleside bed and the FE-family big-block V8\. What should I look for when buying a 1959 Ford F100? Focus your inspection on the 1959-specific items: Updated grille, styling refinements, 272 V8 dropped from lineup With 2 factory engine options spanning 139 to 186 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1959 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of only 96,637 makes a clean 1959 Ford F100 genuinely uncommon today. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1959 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past. Model Years - [1957 Ford F-100: Styleside Debut, 3rd Gen Specs & Values](/1957-ford-f100/) - [1958 Ford F-100: Quad Headlights, Y-Block V8 Specs & Values](/1958-ford-f100/) - [1959 Ford F-100: Grille Refresh, 292 V8 Specs & Values](/1959-ford-f100/) - [1960 Ford F-100: Final 3rd Gen, 292 V8 Specs & Values](/1960-ford-f100/) Model Years - [1957 Ford F-100: Styleside Debut, 3rd Gen Specs & Values](/1957-ford-f100/) - [1958 Ford F-100: Quad Headlights, Y-Block V8 Specs & Values](/1958-ford-f100/) - [1959 Ford F-100: Grille Refresh, 292 V8 Specs & Values](/1959-ford-f100/) - [1960 Ford F-100: Final 3rd Gen, 292 V8 Specs & Values](/1960-ford-f100/) VIN Decoder Decode supported F-100 VIN formats, or use the 1961-1983 data plate decoder for source-backed paint, trim, axle, and transmission codes. [Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 Data Plate Decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/) ### Guides for This Era - Restoration [ Coyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks ](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/) - Restoration [ Complete F100 Frame Swap Guide ](/restoration/frame-swap-guide/) - Restoration [ 7.3L Godzilla Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks ](/restoration/godzilla-swap-guide/) - Parts [ F100 Rear Axle and Differential Guide ](/parts/rear-axles/) - Parts [ Ford F-100 Restoration Cost Guide ](/parts/restoration-cost-guide/) - Parts [ F100 Steering Column Options and Upgrades ](/parts/steering-columns/)