Generation 3
1959 Ford F-100: Grille Refresh, 332 FE V8 Specs & Values
Published by fordf100s.com · Last updated
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 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 | 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 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 engine lineup. The 272 cubic-inch Y-block V8 was dropped, leaving three powertrain choices. The 223 cubic-inch Mileage Maker Six continued as the base engine at 139 horsepower, offering reliable and economical power for buyers whose work did not demand V8 performance. The 292 cubic-inch Y-block V8 remained the mid-range option at 212 horsepower, providing solid power for towing and hauling. At the top of the range, the 332 cubic-inch FE V8 returned with its 265 horsepower, giving the F-100 performance that rivaled many passenger cars of the era.
The chassis, cab, and bed designs carried over without significant changes. The 118-inch wheelbase, Styleside and Flareside bed options, and the choice between standard and Custom Cab configurations all 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1959 Ford F-100?
For the 1959 model year, notable changes included: undefined 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: undefined
What engines were available in the 1959 Ford F-100?
The 1959 Ford F-100 offered 3 engine options: 223 Mileage Maker Six (223 ci, 139 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 does a 1959 Ford F100 weigh and measure?
The 1959 Ford F-100 had a wheelbase of 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: undefined With 3 factory engine options spanning 139 to 265 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.