--- title: "1983 Ford F-100: Final U.S. Year, Engines & VIN Guide | fordf100s.com" description: "1983 Ford F-100 specs, 3.8 V6 and optional engines, regular-cab bed sizes, VIN identification, and what the final U.S. model year means for buyers." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/1983-ford-f100/" last_updated: "2026-09-16" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Generations ](/generations/) 3. / [ 1980-1983 Ford F-100 (7th Gen): Why 1983 Was the Last ](/generations/1980-1983/) 4. / 1983 Ford F-100: Final U.S. Year, Engines & VIN Guide Generation 7 · 1980–1983 # 1983 Ford F-100: Final U.S. Year, Engines & VIN Guide Wheelbase 116.8 in (regular cab short bed) / 133 in (regular cab long bed) fordf100s.com · Updated September 16, 2026 Jump to Year [ 1980 ](/1980-ford-f100/)[ 1981 ](/1981-ford-f100/)[ 1982 ](/1982-ford-f100/)[ 1983 ](/1983-ford-f100/) Factory Spec Sheet MODEL YEAR 1983 __General Specifications__ | Wheelbase | 116.8 in (regular cab short bed) / 133 in (regular cab long bed) | | ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Curb Weight | Varies with engine, bed, and equipment; weigh the individual truck | | Body Styles | pickup, styleside, flareside | __Engine Options__ | Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type | | -------------- | ------------ | ------------------------------- | -------- | | 300 Six | 300 ci | Not specified in cited brochure | inline-6 | | 302 Windsor V8 | 302 ci | Not specified in cited brochure | v8 | | 3.8L Essex V6 | 232 ci | Not specified in cited brochure | v6 | Available Transmissions - 3-speed manual - 4-speed manual (overdrive) - SelectShift automatic (verify unit and engine application) - Automatic overdrive (verify engine application) Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on September 16, 2026. U.S. model identification and configuration checked against Ford's 1983 pickup brochure (printed pages 20-21) and Light Truck Facts Book (General Information pages 10-11). Horsepower is not established by those tables; transmission descriptions follow the brochure rather than an unverified unit assignment. References used 1. [1983 Ford Pickups brochure, FDT-8310, printed pages 20-21](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1983-Ford-F-Series-Pickup.pdf#page=11) — Ford Motor Company; scan hosted by Dezo's Garage · Factory literature 2. [1983 Light Truck Facts Book, General Information pages 10-11](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1983-Ford-Light-Truck-Facts-Book.pdf#page=11) — Ford Motor Company; scan hosted by Dezo's Garage · Factory literature 3. [1980-1986 Ford truck VIN and chassis identification](https://media.lmctruck.com/Catalog%5FChassis-Eng%5FIDs/Chassis%5FID/FD%5FVIN-Chassis%5FID.pdf) — LMC Truck · Specialist reference Brochure equipment tables cover several F-Series models. Only the F-100 column is treated as an F-100 application. A final-year badge alone does not establish rarity or market value. Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). The **1983 Ford F-100 was the final U.S. model year** for the F-100\. The F-150 had been sold alongside it since 1975; the transition was not a single renaming in 1983\. For the retirement timeline, see [when Ford stopped making the F-100](/history/when-did-ford-stop-making-the-f100/). For the comparison across that overlap, see [F-100 vs F-150](/f100-vs-f150/). A final-year badge makes the truck historically interesting. It does not prove a low production total, a special factory edition, or a premium over another truck in comparable condition. This guide separates the U.S. F-100’s specifications from equipment shown elsewhere in Ford’s full-line pickup brochure. ## 1983 F-100 Engine Options Ford’s [1983 pickup specification table](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1983-Ford-F-Series-Pickup.pdf#page=11) lists the **3.8-liter V6 as standard**, with the **4.9-liter inline-six and 5.0-liter V8 optional** in the F-100\. The V6 is not available in California; the footnotes make the 4.9-liter six standard in California and at high altitude. The familiar cubic-inch names are 300 for the 4.9 six and 302 for the 5.0 [Windsor](/glossary/windsor/) V8. Do not copy the F-150, F-250, or F-350 engine column into an F-100 listing. The brochure’s larger gasoline and diesel engines belong to different model applications. A truck advertised with an unusual engine needs supporting documentation or a clear description of its swap. The cited brochure does not give horsepower ratings, so the specification table does not assign unverified figures. Calibration and emissions equipment matter when identifying an individual truck and its power rating. Read the engine code in the VIN, then compare the installed engine and its identification markings: the VIN describes original equipment, not everything that may have happened since. ## Transmission Choices The brochure lists a three-speed synchronized manual as standard, with a four-speed overdrive manual, SelectShift automatic, and automatic overdrive as options. This summary does not establish every engine/transmission pairing or identify every automatic as a C6\. Match the original transmission code and installed unit before ordering parts. ## Short Bed, Long Bed, and SuperCab The U.S. brochure lists these F-100 regular-cab configurations: | Body | Wheelbase | Nominal pickup box length | | --------------- | ------------ | ------------------------- | | Short Styleside | 116.8 inches | 6¾ feet | | Long Styleside | 133 inches | 8 feet | | Flareside | 116.8 inches | 6½ feet | The [SuperCab](/glossary/supercab/) entries on those pages begin with the **F-150**, not the F-100\. Do not assign their 138.8- or 155-inch wheelbases to the 1983 F-100\. Check any purported factory F-100 SuperCab against its full VIN and original paperwork. See the [body-styles reference](/parts/body-styles/) for terminology, including the difference between cab type and bed type. ## How to Identify a 1983 F-100 The truck uses a **17-character VIN**. Ford’s [Light Truck Facts Book](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1983-Ford-Light-Truck-Facts-Book.pdf#page=12) places the model year at character 10, the engine at character 8, the line/series/body code at characters 5-7, and the GVWR/brake class at character 4\. For this period, **D** is the 1983 model-year code and **F10** identifies the F-100 regular-cab 2WD series. Start with the VIN visible through the driver’s side of the windshield. Compare it with the certification label and title. A replaced door or fender can carry another truck’s label or badge. Use the [VIN decoder](/vin-decoder/) for the supported pattern, then the [data-plate decoder](/data-plate-decoder/) for supported paint, transmission, axle, and other label fields. The certification label also records the truck’s weight ratings. Those ratings are not its curb weight, and neither a badge nor an engine swap establishes a towing capacity. ## Trim and Originality Checks Ford’s 1983 brochure uses **Standard, XL, XLT, and XLS** trim headings. Avoid assuming that earlier [Bullnose](/glossary/bullnose/) Ranger trim names apply unchanged to a 1983 truck. The compact Ranger pickup and earlier F-Series Ranger trim are different uses of the same name. For originality, compare seat material, instrument-panel finish, door panels, exterior trim, paint code, and option paperwork together. An attractive interior assembled from compatible parts may be a good driver, but it should be described as modified rather than documented factory equipment. ## Is the Last-Year F-100 More Valuable? We have not established a verified production total or a matched-sale premium for the 1983 F-100\. Treat claims such as “fleet-only,” “rarest year,” and “guaranteed collectible” as claims requiring evidence. When comparing trucks, prioritize structural condition, identity, completeness, drivetrain condition, and documented repairs. A last-year badge does not compensate for a corroded frame or an undocumented chassis swap. The [1983 F-100 buying guide](/buying-a-1983-ford-f100/) provides a seller-question list and an inspection worksheet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What was the last year of the Ford F-100? 1983 was the final U.S. model year. The F-150 was already on sale from 1975, so the two models overlapped. Use market-specific references for trucks built or sold outside the United States. ### Was the 1983 F-100 available with a V8? Yes. Ford’s U.S. pickup brochure lists an optional 5.0-liter V8 in the F-100, alongside the standard 3.8-liter V6 and optional 4.9-liter inline-six. Availability depended on the listed configuration and emissions restrictions. ### Did the 1983 F-100 have a SuperCab? The U.S. brochure’s F-100 entries are regular cabs; its SuperCab entries start with the F-150\. Verify the full VIN and original documentation before accepting an F-100 SuperCab claim. ### Does a 1983 F-100 have an 11-digit VIN? No. U.S. F-Series trucks changed to 17-character VINs for 1981\. The 1980 model still used the earlier 11-character format. Next useful step ## Inspect before you buy a 1983 F-100 Use the matching buyer guide for rust locations, configuration checks, and questions to ask before money changes hands. [ Open the buyer guide → ](/buying-a-1983-ford-f100/) [ Decode a VIN ](/vin-decoder/) [← 1982 Ford F-100](/1982-ford-f100/) ## Build a 1983 F-100 [RestorationYour First F-100 Project Truck: Beginner's GuideBuying your first F-100 project truck? Learn which generation to choose, what to inspect, budget planning, tools, and mistakes to avoid.](/restoration/first-project-truck-guide/)[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/)[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/)[PartsF-100 Engine Swaps: LS vs Coyote vs Godzilla ComparedCompare F-100 LS, Coyote, and Godzilla swaps: verified Ford crate-engine weights, packaging, controls, transmission choices, and complete project costs.](/parts/engine-swap-comparison/)[PartsFord F-100 Insurance & Registration GuideInsure your Ford F-100 with agreed-value coverage, register with antique plates, and handle lost titles for classic truck ownership.](/parts/insurance-registration-guide/)[PartsFord F-100 Value Guide: What Is Your Truck Worth?F-100 market values by generation and condition, auction trends, what drives value up or down, and how to get an accurate appraisal.](/parts/market-value-guide/) ## Keep Exploring [Generation Guide1980-1983 Ford F-100 (7th Gen): Why 1983 Was the LastFull generation overview — design changes, engines, and buying advice](/generations/1980-1983/)[Buyer's GuideBuying a 1983 Ford F-100: VIN, Rust & Originality ChecksWhat to inspect, what to pay, and what to avoid](/buying-a-1983-ford-f100/)[ComparisonF-100 vs F-150: Differences, VIN Codes & 1975-1983 YearsCompare Ford F-100 and F-150 trucks from 1975-1983: weight ratings, VIN identification, factory equipment, and when the F-100 ended in the U.S.](/f100-vs-f150/)[ReferenceF-100 Timeline 1948–1983Every model year and generation in one view](/history/f100-timeline/)[ToolVIN DecoderVerify the year, engine, and plant on any 1983 F-100](/vin-decoder/) Model Years - [1980 Ford F-100: 7th Gen Redesign Specs & Engine Guide](/1980-ford-f100/) - [1981 Ford F-100: AOD Overdrive Debut, Specs & Collector Values](/1981-ford-f100/) - [1982 Ford F-100: Penultimate Year Specs, Engines & Values](/1982-ford-f100/) - [1983 Ford F-100: Final U.S. Year, Engines & VIN Guide](/1983-ford-f100/) Model Years - [1980 Ford F-100: 7th Gen Redesign Specs & Engine Guide](/1980-ford-f100/) - [1981 Ford F-100: AOD Overdrive Debut, Specs & Collector Values](/1981-ford-f100/) - [1982 Ford F-100: Penultimate Year Specs, Engines & Values](/1982-ford-f100/) - [1983 Ford F-100: Final U.S. Year, Engines & VIN Guide](/1983-ford-f100/) On this page - [1983 F-100 Engine Options](#1983-f-100-engine-options) - [Transmission Choices](#transmission-choices) - [Short Bed, Long Bed, and SuperCab](#short-bed-long-bed-and-supercab) - [How to Identify a 1983 F-100](#how-to-identify-a-1983-f-100) - [Trim and Originality Checks](#trim-and-originality-checks) On this page - [1983 F-100 Engine Options](#1983-f-100-engine-options) - [Transmission Choices](#transmission-choices) - [Short Bed, Long Bed, and SuperCab](#short-bed-long-bed-and-supercab) - [How to Identify a 1983 F-100](#how-to-identify-a-1983-f-100) - [Trim and Originality Checks](#trim-and-originality-checks) 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 [ Your First F-100 Project Truck: Beginner's Guide ](/restoration/first-project-truck-guide/) - Restoration [ Coyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks ](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/) - Restoration [ 7.3L Godzilla Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks ](/restoration/godzilla-swap-guide/) - Parts [ F-100 Engine Swaps: LS vs Coyote vs Godzilla Compared ](/parts/engine-swap-comparison/) - Parts [ Ford F-100 Insurance & Registration Guide ](/parts/insurance-registration-guide/) - Parts [ Ford F-100 Value Guide: What Is Your Truck Worth? ](/parts/market-value-guide/)