The Ford Bronco underwent a major redesign in 1978, the first since its 1966 introduction. The new version was substantially larger, heavier, and better-equipped than its predecessor, and it proved more popular -- by a wide margin.
This was also the year Ford brought out a successor to the W-Series extra-heavy-duty trucks. These new Fords carried the CL-9000 designation and represented quite an improvement over the models they replaced.
Ford also celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1978 and made a special note of reaching that mark through a very successful national sales promotion campaign.
1978 Ford Courier
The 1978 Ford Courier compact pickup had a new grille design that incorporated the parking lamps. The XLT version flashed lots of bright trim on the outside and woodgrain accents on the inside.
1978 Ford Bronco
A new 104-inch-wheelbase Ford Bronco was derived from F-Series trucks. A 351-cubic-inch V-8 was standard, with a 400 cid available.
1978 Ford Ranger Lariat
The plush Ranger Lariat was the new top level of the Ford F-Series light-duty truck line.
1978 Ford F-600
This 1978 Ford F-600 crew cab was a hard-working medium-duty truck.
1978 Ford CLT-9000
The 1978 Ford CLT-9000 became Ford's top linehauler. The aerodynamic aluminum CL cab could be ordered with air springs to smooth out road shocks.
Ford ended the decade with a variety of trim and design options for its 1979 pickup trucks. See truck photos and learn more in the next section.
This was also the year Ford brought out a successor to the W-Series extra-heavy-duty trucks. These new Fords carried the CL-9000 designation and represented quite an improvement over the models they replaced.
Ford also celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1978 and made a special note of reaching that mark through a very successful national sales promotion campaign.
1978 Ford CourierThe 1978 Ford Courier compact pickup had a new grille design that incorporated the parking lamps. The XLT version flashed lots of bright trim on the outside and woodgrain accents on the inside.
1978 Ford BroncoA new 104-inch-wheelbase Ford Bronco was derived from F-Series trucks. A 351-cubic-inch V-8 was standard, with a 400 cid available.
1978 Ford Ranger LariatThe plush Ranger Lariat was the new top level of the Ford F-Series light-duty truck line.
1978 Ford F-600This 1978 Ford F-600 crew cab was a hard-working medium-duty truck.
1978 Ford CLT-9000The 1978 Ford CLT-9000 became Ford's top linehauler. The aerodynamic aluminum CL cab could be ordered with air springs to smooth out road shocks.
Ford ended the decade with a variety of trim and design options for its 1979 pickup trucks. See truck photos and learn more in the next section.