Generation 6
1973 Ford F-100: Dentside Debut, 6th Gen Specs & Values
Published by fordf100s.com · Last updated
| 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 | 524,983 |
| Engine Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type |
| 300 Six | 300 ci | 120 hp | inline-6 |
| 302 Windsor V8 | 302 ci | 137 hp | v8 |
| 360 FE V8 | 360 ci | 196 hp | v8 |
| 390 FE V8 | 390 ci | 201 hp | v8 |
| Available Transmissions |
|---|
| 3-speed manual |
| 4-speed manual |
| C6 3-speed automatic |
The 1973 Ford F-100 was a clean-sheet redesign and the beginning of the sixth generation, known among enthusiasts as the “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.
Under the hood, Ford offered a sensible range of powertrains. The base engine was the 300 cubic-inch inline six, a truck-duty workhorse producing 120 net horsepower. This was the era of SAE net ratings, so the numbers were considerably lower than the gross figures quoted before 1972, but the 300 Six was a torque-rich engine well suited to the truck’s intended use. The 302 cubic-inch Windsor V8 served as the entry-level eight-cylinder at 137 horsepower. For buyers who needed more muscle, the 360 FE V8 produced 196 horsepower and the 390 FE V8 topped the lineup at 201 horsepower. Transmission choices included a standard 3-speed manual, an available 4-speed manual for heavy-duty work, and the C6 3-speed automatic, which was the preferred choice for most V8-equipped trucks.
The chassis was updated to deliver a more compliant ride without sacrificing payload capacity. The front suspension used a 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 and 133 inches for the long bed, both on the Styleside body. The Flareside remained available for buyers who preferred the stepside configuration.
Production for 1973 was strong at approximately 524,983 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1973 Ford F-100?
For the 1973 model year, notable changes included: undefined 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: undefined 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 524,983 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: 300 Six (300 ci, 120 hp); 302 Windsor V8 (302 ci, 137 hp); 360 FE V8 (360 ci, 196 hp); 390 FE V8 (390 ci, 201 hp). The lineup drew from the FE-series big-block, the small-block Windsor, Ford’s inline-six. The strongest available was the 390 FE V8 at 201 horsepower, while the base engine was the 300 Six at 120 horsepower. 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: undefined With 4 factory engine options spanning 120 to 201 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1973 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of roughly 524,983 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.