Generation 6
1974 Ford F-100: SuperCab Debut, 460 V8 Specs & Values
Published by fordf100s.com · Last updated
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed), 139 in (SuperCab) |
| Curb Weight | 3,740 lbs |
| Body Styles | pickup, styleside, flareside |
| Original MSRP | $3,254 |
| Production Numbers | 490,953 |
| 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 |
| 460 V8 | 460 ci | 220 hp | v8 |
| Available Transmissions |
|---|
| 3-speed manual |
| 4-speed manual |
| C6 3-speed automatic |
The 1974 Ford F-100 built on the successful foundation of the new Dentside body with two major developments: the introduction of the SuperCab extended cab and the availability of the massive 460 cubic-inch V8. Both additions expanded the truck’s appeal, though the year was also marked by the beginning of tightening emissions regulations that would reshape the American automotive landscape.
The SuperCab was Ford’s answer to a growing demand for more passenger and storage space in a pickup truck. It extended the cab by approximately 18 inches behind the front seat, adding a rear bench seat or a flat cargo area depending on the buyer’s needs. The SuperCab rode on a dedicated 139-inch wheelbase, longer than both the regular cab short bed at 117 inches and the long bed at 133 inches. It was not a full four-door crew cab, but it gave the F-100 genuine versatility as a family vehicle. The rear-hinged half doors allowed access to the back seat area, though they could only be opened with the front doors ajar. The SuperCab quickly became a popular option and would remain a defining feature of Ford trucks going forward.
The powertrain lineup expanded at the top end with the addition of the 460 cubic-inch V8, a big-block engine producing 220 net horsepower. The 460 was primarily intended for buyers who needed maximum towing capacity, and it was typically paired with the C6 automatic transmission. The base 300 Six continued at 120 horsepower, the 302 V8 at 137, the 360 FE at 196, and the 390 FE at 201. It was a broad range of choices that allowed buyers to match the engine to their intended use.
The 1974 model year also brought the first effects of the catalytic converter requirements that were rolling across the industry. While the F-100 was not yet fully subject to the same emissions standards as passenger cars, Ford began making changes to the fuel and ignition systems to prepare for stricter rules that were coming. The net result was a slight increase in fuel economy for some engines but a trend toward reduced performance that would accelerate in the following years.
Exterior changes were minor. The front bumper received a new design to meet updated federal impact standards, and a few trim revisions kept the appearance fresh. The Ranger XLT remained the most popular trim level, offering carpeting, woodgrain dash accents, and upgraded seat trim. Production reached approximately 490,953 units, down slightly from the debut year but still a strong showing in a year marked by the OPEC oil embargo and its ripple effects on consumer confidence. The 1974 F-100 remains notable as the first year of the SuperCab, a configuration that proved Ford understood where the truck market was heading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the 1974 Ford F-100?
For the 1974 model year, notable changes included: undefined As the second year of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside), the 1974 Ford F100 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1973-1979 run.
How does the 1974 Ford F100 differ from the 1973 launch year?
As the second year of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside), the 1974 Ford F-100 got Ford’s first round of running changes after the 1973 debut. Key 1974 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.
What engines were available in the 1974 Ford F-100?
The 1974 Ford F-100 offered 5 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); 460 V8 (460 ci, 220 hp). The lineup drew from the FE-series big-block, the small-block Windsor, the 385-series 460, Ford’s inline-six. The strongest available was the 460 V8 at 220 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 does a 1974 Ford F100 weigh and measure?
The 1974 Ford F-100 had a wheelbase of 117 in (short bed), 133 in (long bed), 139 in (SuperCab) and a curb weight of 3,740 lbs. Factory body styles included pickup, styleside and flareside. It was part of the sixth-generation F-100 (Dentside) (1973-1979), a generation defined by the Dentside body-side crease, SuperCab availability, and the broadest V8 lineup in F-100 history.
What should I look for when buying a 1974 Ford F100?
Focus your inspection on the 1974-specific items: undefined With 5 factory engine options spanning 120 to 220 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1974 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production of roughly 490,953 means survivor 1974 Ford F100s still turn up regularly, so patience rewards careful buyers. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1974 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past.