--- title: "1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values | fordf100s.com" description: "The 1973 Ford F-100 launched the sixth generation with an all-new Dentside body, larger cab, and styling that defined Ford trucks for the decade." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/1973-ford-f100/" last_updated: "2026-07-17" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Generations ](/generations/) 3. / [ 1973-1979 Ford F-100 Dentside Guide ](/generations/1973-1979/) 4. / 1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values Generation 6 · 1973–1979 # 1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values Wheelbase 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed) Original MSRP $2,981 Production 429,664 fordf100s.com · Updated July 17, 2026 Jump to Year [ 1973 ](/1973-ford-f100/)[ 1974 ](/1974-ford-f100/)[ 1975 ](/1975-ford-f100/)[ 1976 ](/1976-ford-f100/)[ 1977 ](/1977-ford-f100/)[ 1978 ](/1978-ford-f100/)[ 1979 ](/1979-ford-f100/) Factory Spec Sheet MODEL YEAR 1973 __General Specifications__ | Wheelbase | 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed) | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------- | | Curb Weight | 3,655 lbs | | Body Styles | pickup, styleside, flareside | | Original MSRP | $2,981 | | Production Numbers | 429,664 | __Engine Options__ | Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type | | -------------- | ------------ | -------------------------- | -------- | | 240 Six | 240 ci | Varied by GVWR/calibration | inline-6 | | 302 Windsor V8 | 302 ci | Varied by GVWR/calibration | v8 | | 360 FE V8 | 360 ci | Varied by GVWR/calibration | v8 | | 390 FE V8 | 390 ci | Varied by GVWR/calibration | v8 | Available Transmissions - 3-speed manual - 4-speed manual - C6 3-speed 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. [Ford truck literature library](https://www.fordification.com/library/) — Fordification.com · Specialist reference 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 1973 Ford F-100 was a clean-sheet redesign and the beginning of the sixth generation, known among enthusiasts as the “[Dentside](/glossary/dentside/)” for the distinctive indentation that ran along the bodyside. It was the most significant update to Ford’s half-ton truck since the 1967 redesign, delivering a larger cab, smoother ride, and a level of refinement that pushed the F-100 further into personal-use territory. The new body was immediately recognizable. The cab was wider and taller than the outgoing fifth generation, with significantly more interior room. Shoulder space, headroom, and legroom all increased, making the truck genuinely comfortable for daily driving. The doors were wider for easier entry and exit, and the glass area expanded to improve visibility. The instrument panel was redesigned with a more car-like layout, and sound insulation was improved throughout the cab. The Ranger XLT trim level, which had been introduced late in the fifth generation, became the volume seller for 1973, with upgraded upholstery, woodgrain trim on the dash, and additional sound deadening. Ford’s 1973 pickup brochure lists the 240 Six as the standard F-100 engine, the 302 [Windsor](/glossary/windsor/) as an F-100 4x2 option, the 360 FE as an option across the pickup line, and the 390 2-barrel for 4x2 pickups. The same chart reserves the [300 Six](/glossary/300-six/) as standard equipment for the F-250/F-350 and the 460 for F-250/F-350 4x2 pickups, so neither belongs in a 1973 F-100 engine list. EPA application data distinguish light- and heavy-duty ratings and multiple calibrations, so one horsepower figure is not applied across every F-100 configuration; use the truck’s emissions label and matching Ford service literature for an exact rating. Transmission choices included 3-speed and 4-speed manuals and the C6 3-speed automatic, with availability depending on engine and configuration. The chassis was updated to deliver a more compliant ride without sacrificing payload capacity. The front suspension used a [twin I-beam](/glossary/twin-i-beam/) independent setup, a Ford truck hallmark since 1965, with revised spring rates and improved shock absorbers. The rear used conventional leaf springs. Wheelbase options included 117 inches for the [short bed](/glossary/short-bed/) and 133 inches for the [long bed](/glossary/long-bed/), both on the [Styleside](/glossary/styleside/) body. The [Flareside](/glossary/flareside/) remained available for buyers who preferred the stepside configuration. Production for 1973 was strong at approximately 429,664 F-100 units. The new design was an immediate hit, and the F-Series was well on its way to becoming the best-selling vehicle line in America. The 1973 F-100 established the template that Ford would refine over the next six years, and it remains one of the most recognizable truck designs of the 1970s. For collectors, the first-year Dentside carries the appeal of being the cleanest expression of a body style that would define an era. Next useful step ## Put this 1973 in generation context Compare its factory changes, engines, and neighboring model years before planning a purchase or restoration. [ Open the generation guide → ](/generations/1973-1979/) [ Decode a VIN ](/vin-decoder/) [← 1972 Ford F-100](/1972-ford-f100/)[1974 Ford F-100 →](/1974-ford-f100/) ## Build a 1973 F-100 [RestorationF100 Interior Restoration GuideA practical guide to restoring your Ford F100 interior, covering seats, headliners, door panels, dashboards, gauges, and parts sources.](/restoration/interior-restoration/)[RestorationF-100 Power Steering Conversion GuideEPAS electric kits, hydraulic box swaps, and rack-and-pinion conversions compared for every F-100 generation. Costs, suppliers, and installation tips.](/restoration/power-steering-conversion/)[RestorationF100 Rust Repair: Common Problem Areas and How to Fix ThemIdentify and repair the most common rust spots on Ford F100 trucks, from cab corners to floor pans, with practical repair methods and parts sources.](/restoration/rust-repair-guide/)[PartsF100 Radiator and Cooling System Upgrade GuideGuide to upgrading your F100 cooling system with aluminum radiators, electric fan conversions, and water pump upgrades for reliable temperature control.](/parts/radiators-cooling/)[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/) ## Keep Exploring [Generation Guide1973-1979 Ford F-100 Dentside GuideFull generation overview — design changes, engines, and buying advice](/generations/1973-1979/)[ComparisonFord F-100 vs Chevy C10: Specs, Prices & Which to BuyFord F100 vs Chevy C10 compared: design, engines, suspension, aftermarket support, restomod potential, and market values from the 1960s-1970s.](/ford-f100-vs-chevy-c10/)[ReferenceF-100 Timeline 1948–1983Every model year and generation in one view](/history/f100-timeline/)[ToolVIN DecoderVerify the year, engine, and plant on any 1973 F-100](/vin-decoder/) ## Frequently Asked Questions What changed in the 1973 Ford F-100? For the 1973 model year, notable changes included: All-new sixth generation Dentside body, larger cab, improved ride, 240 Six base engine, Ranger XLT trim As the first year of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside), the 1973 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1973-1979 run. What makes the 1973 Ford F100 the first year of its generation? The 1973 Ford F-100 kicked off the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside), which ran through 1979\. First-year trucks often have unique features that later years refined or dropped, and the 1973 introduced: All-new sixth generation Dentside body, larger cab, improved ride, 240 Six base engine, Ranger XLT trim First-year examples are frequently sought by collectors who value originality over the later refinements. How many 1973 Ford F100 trucks were built? Ford produced approximately 429,664 units of the 1973 Ford F100\. The original MSRP started at $2,981, which put it at the accessible end of the light-duty truck market for 1973\. For 1973 production, volumes were high and survivor trucks are still reasonably available. Condition, originality, and trim level matter more than raw production numbers when valuing a specific truck. What motors could you order in a 1973 Ford F-100? The 1973 Ford F-100 offered 4 engine options: 240 Six (240 ci, Varied by GVWR/calibration); 302 Windsor V8 (302 ci, Varied by GVWR/calibration); 360 FE V8 (360 ci, Varied by GVWR/calibration); 390 FE V8 (390 ci, Varied by GVWR/calibration). The lineup drew from the FE-series big-block, the small-block Windsor, Ford’s inline-six. Published output for some engines varied by GVWR and emissions calibration, so use the emissions label and Ford service literature for the specific truck rather than one universal horsepower figure. Transmission choices were 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, C6 3-speed automatic. What should I look for when buying a 1973 Ford F100? Focus your inspection on the 1973-specific items: All-new sixth generation Dentside body, larger cab, improved ride, 240 Six base engine, Ranger XLT trim With 4 factory engine options and output that could vary by calibration, verify the original engine code and emissions label instead of relying on a generic horsepower chart. Production of roughly 429,664 means survivor 1973 Ford F100s still turn up regularly, so patience rewards careful buyers. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1973 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past. Model Years - [1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values](/1973-ford-f100/) - [1974 Ford F-100: SuperCab Debut & 460 V8 Option](/1974-ford-f100/) - [1975 Ford F-100: Catalytic Converter Era Specs & Values](/1975-ford-f100/) - [1976 Ford F-100: Final FE Year, Specs & Values](/1976-ford-f100/) - [1977 Ford F-100: Rectangular Headlights, 351M V8 Specs & Guide](/1977-ford-f100/) - [1978 Ford F-100: Restyled Grille, Specs & Collector Values](/1978-ford-f100/) - [1979 Ford F-100: Free Wheeling Package, Final Dentside Specs](/1979-ford-f100/) Model Years - [1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values](/1973-ford-f100/) - [1974 Ford F-100: SuperCab Debut & 460 V8 Option](/1974-ford-f100/) - [1975 Ford F-100: Catalytic Converter Era Specs & Values](/1975-ford-f100/) - [1976 Ford F-100: Final FE Year, Specs & Values](/1976-ford-f100/) - [1977 Ford F-100: Rectangular Headlights, 351M V8 Specs & Guide](/1977-ford-f100/) - [1978 Ford F-100: Restyled Grille, Specs & Collector Values](/1978-ford-f100/) - [1979 Ford F-100: Free Wheeling Package, Final Dentside Specs](/1979-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 [ F100 Interior Restoration Guide ](/restoration/interior-restoration/) - Restoration [ F-100 Power Steering Conversion Guide ](/restoration/power-steering-conversion/) - Restoration [ F100 Rust Repair: Common Problem Areas and How to Fix Them ](/restoration/rust-repair-guide/) - Parts [ F100 Radiator and Cooling System Upgrade Guide ](/parts/radiators-cooling/) - Parts [ F100 Rear Axle and Differential Guide ](/parts/rear-axles/) - Parts [ Ford F-100 Restoration Cost Guide ](/parts/restoration-cost-guide/)