emissions, and fuel-economy standards hit automakers -- including Ford -- with a triple whammy, forcing them to
rethink strategies that had served them well in the 1960s. "Performance" became a dirty word, bigger was no longer better, and styling was often sacrificed to safety. As a result, very few cars from the 1970s excited the senses.
Not so, however, in the world of trucks. Because many of the government standards either didn't apply to trucks or weren't as strict, these beasts of burden didn't fall prey to the forces that beleaguered their automotive brethren. This might be one reason trucks gained so much in popularity over the decade.
A new Ford truck plant and a restyled Ranchero highlighted 1970 for Ford. 1970 Ford Trucks
Ford greeted the 1970s by opening a new truck plant near Louisville, Kentucky. Although it was officially called the Kentucky Truck Plant, it was quickly dubbed the "Louisville Plant" because its main claim to fame was as the point of assembly for Ford's new Louisville Line of trucks, also known as the L-Series.
These heavy-duty Ford trucks replaced the short conventional N-Series, along with the bigger F-Series and related tandem-axle T-Series. The Louisville Line thus encompassed a wide range of models serving the medium-, heavy-, and extra-heavy-duty truck ranks, and would go on to become one of the most popular series of trucks Ford ever produced.
About the only other news for Ford in 1970 was a redesigned Ranchero, which adopted the look of Ford's new midsize car line, which added a Torino derivative. Ranchero GT got Laser Stripe side decoration, while a new Squire model replaced that with a woodgrain appliqué.
1970 Ford Ranchero SquireAn all-new styling theme for the Ford Torino family of midsize cars also translated into new looks for the 1970 Ford Ranchero pickup truck. Pointed front-fender tips, a sharp full-length midbody crease, and an egg crate grille were key elements of the new design, although hidden headlamps were an extra-cost option.
Base, 500, and GT Rancheros were continued from before, but the Squire -- generously decked out in simulated wood trim -- was new to the line. A trio of 429-cubic-inch V-8s now topped the engine roster in place of 390- and 428-cid mills.
1970 Ford F-100 Ranger XLTThe gradual push toward comfort and luxury in light trucks gained added momentum at Ford with the arrival of Ranger XLT trim for certain F-Series models. XLT equipment bested Ranger gear with items like a woodgrained tailgate appliqué, full-length lower-body moldings, cloth-and-vinyl upholstery, carpeting, and other conveniences. This 1970 Ford F-100 Ranger XLT also sports an extra-cost vinyl roof covering.
1970 Ford F-Series Ranger 4x4The 1970 Ford F-Series Ranger with four-wheel drive rode high off the ground. A chrome front bumper was newly standard on Ford pickup trucks.
