In 1900, Henry Ford built his third vehicle – a truck, but it wasn’t until 1917 that Ford Motor Co. launched its first truck line, with the 1917 Ford Model TT, based on the Model T car, but with a reinforced chassis and rear axle. This early pick-up was rated at one ton.

When Ford premiered its F-150 truck line in 1948, it is doubtful that they envisioned creating a pick-up that would become “America’s Truck” for more than three decades. They produced a vehicle that was destined to become America’s best-selling truck for 39 consecutive years and America’s best-selling vehicle for 34 years.

The 1948 version, known as the Ford Bonus-Built or F-1, replaced the company's previous car-based pickup line. Now in its 13th generation, which began in the 2015 model year, F-150 essentially stands pat as the most significant changes include a new turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 50 lbs.-ft. more torque for a best-in-class 470 lbs.-ft., an advanced 10-speed transmission that optimizes power and torque curves for improved performance and efficiency; an available Ford Sync® Connect multimedia system; and new appearance and exterior color options.

The 2017 Ford F-150 comes with a truckload of standard amenities and features including a six-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive; air conditioning; tilt and telescoping steering wheel; first-row side-impact airbags; cargo box lights; antilock brakes; electronic stability control and roll stability control

Manufactured at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, F-150’s personality is bold with its aggressive shape, wide stance, prominent wheel arches and chiseled grille; while comfort, utility and refinement define the truck’s interior. Ergonomically optimized seating for front-row occupants enhances comfort and buttons and controls are optimized so they can be operated while wearing work gloves.

My 4x4 test truck with a SuperCrew® cab and carried a short bed of 5.5 feet and measured 231.9 inches long, 77.2 inches high for the 4x4, and 79.9 inches wide on a 145.0-inch wheelbase.

Powerwise, F-150 offers several engine choices, including a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 with 325 hp and 375 lbs.-ft. of torque, for an EPA rating of 19 city/26 highway mpg; the standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing that produces 282hp/253 lbs.-ft and an EPA of 18/25; and the new available turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine that works with the new 10-speed automatic transmission that increases last year’s power numbers to 375 hp and 470 lbs.-ft. of torque. That system worked efficiently and powerfully and I managed a 6.2-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 14.8-second quarter-mile (hand-timed) in my F-150 XLT.

Ford’s F-150 is confident cruising the highways, handling heavy payloads and smoothing out road irregularities. Rack-and-pinion, electric power-assisted steering is aggressive and predictable, and coil-on-shock, long-spindle double-wishbone independent front suspension with a stamped-steel lower control arm, and a Hotchkiss-type non-independent live rear suspension with leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers work well together to provide a level truck ride. Four-wheel vented ABS disc brakes deliver responsive stopping ability.

The cabin is packed with amenities and is spacious, with 40.8 inches of front headroom and 40.4 inches for those in the cab. Front legroom was a generous 43.9 inches with second-row passengers getting 43.6 inches. Shoulder room is a comfortable 66.7 inches in row one and 65.9 in the rear seats.

For 2017, Ford F-150 is offered in six basic trims with tweaks for engines, bed length and cab size. The base XL starts at $27,110; the XLT which I tested, started at $32,480; the upscale Lariat bases at $40,865; the Raptor starts at $49,265; King Ranch® model starts at $51,080 and the uppermost scale Platinum trim starts at $53,635.

My XLT, which adds SYNC®, the Power Equipment Group and Chrome Front and Rear Bumper to the XL, based with a Regular Cab and 6.5-foot box; the 3.5-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and 4x2 drive, but my test drive upscaled a bit. A Super Cab added $2910, and as I am a 4x4 guy, especially with trucks, that option was added for $3495.

Shadow Black paint was a standard color, and the interior was augmented with the 301A option which added some great tech conveniences for an additional $2100, then discounted by $1000. The package included fixed backlight with privacy glass and defroster, sideview mirrors with heat, turn signal, auto-dimming feature, rear view camera, power-adjustable pedals, 8-way power driver's seat, 4.2-inch productivity screen in instrument cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM satellite radio, a class IV trailer hitch and more.

A drop-in bedliner added $350; box side steps added $325; the remote start system added $195; reverse sensing system added $275; Black platform running boards were $250; the voice-activated navigation system was $795; Sync® 3 with voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist®, Vehicle Health Reports and an 8.0-inch center-stack touch screen with audio control and compass added $450, and the coolest high-tech item: Ford Telematics™ Powered by Telogis® was $800. This system includes an onboard device that tracks vehicle location, speed and idle time with optional vehicle diagnostics and maintenance reports.

Destination charges were $1295, for a sticker of $40,110, and after discounts and available incentives of $3750 were deducted, my net sticker-as-tested was $36,360. But check with your dealer for local and national incentive programs and the best deal.

You can “Celebrate 100 years of Ford trucks”, see the 2017 Ford F-150 and more than 2,000 trucks that span decades, from lowered mini trucks, lifted 4x4s, chromed out big rigs, SUVs, custom vans, new trucks and perfectly restored classics at the Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 4-6 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds. This event and has been the epicenter for all things truck since 1991.


Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

As the 2017 season winds down for Carlisle Events, the team in America’s Automotive Hometown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania is turning its attention to their next to last event of the year; Fall Carlisle. Fall Carlisle is a five-day swap meet at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds that also includes a car corral and in conjunction with Carlisle Auctions, a three-day collector and classic car auction at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. This event is massive, so big in fact that nearly every inch of the 150 acres that Carlisle Events owns is filled with something automotive related. 8,100 vending spaces sell out and nearly 100,000 guests travel to Carlisle from around the world to eat, breath and live all things all things automotive.

Fall Carlisle 2017 runs September 27-October 1, with the auction spanning September 28-30. The thrill of the hunt is on display throughout as guests buy, sell and trade from sun up until sun down. As the guests scour the grounds, not only is there an unmatched level of camaraderie in place, there’s a bit of a competition too. See, everyone is shopping for that hard to find item and the first one to it wins, so as you can imagine, it’s a bit competitive at Carlisle each spring and fall event. This also goes for cars and trucks that are for sale by owner within the car corral. Some of the best deals are found at the most unsuspecting of times.

If buying and selling isn’t what brings a person to Carlisle, maybe it’s the chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones or get an education via FREE on stage seminars. Back by popular demand is Steve Mercurio of Pro Metal Shop. Steve is an expert fabricator and offers hands on, FREE seminars on the stage to help guests who have DIY projects on going or upcoming.

The automotive side of Fall Carlisle isn’t the only popular attraction. There are non-automotive options too, including a massive food court with additional vendors located about the grounds and the Women’s Oasis. The Oasis, or home away from chrome, is a large tent filled with kitchen must-haves, candles, jewelry, arts, crafts and more.

Along with the vendors who bring cars and parts to sell, Fall Carlisle also features a massive Manufacturers Midway that includes some of the biggest brand names within the hobby. Confirmed to date for the midway are the AACA Museum, AMSOIL, ClassicCars.com, CPI Truck, Meguiar’s, Woodward Fabrications, Flowmaster, Edelbrock, Hagerty Insurance, More Than Tires and many more great companies who recognize the value of vending at Carlisle.

Finally, Fall Carlisle also includes a three-day collector car auction presented by Carlisle Auctions at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. Complete details about the auction are available by calling 717-960-6400 or on the web at www.CarlisleAuctions.com, while Fall Carlisle details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The car community is a tight knit group and within the Corvette world, the ties that bind are arguably stronger than any other group that comes to Carlisle for an event. This year’s Corvettes at Carlisle, presented by Corvette America, runs August 24-27 and it’ll feature a special completed restoration project, done exclusively for an enthusiast recovering from brain cancer. The car has been family owned since it rolled off the assembly line and is now in its second generation of ownership.

The feel-good story includes Collin Brown, his grandfather, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, countless Corvette vendors, Tony’s Corvette Shop of Gaithersburg, Maryland and more. The ’68 Corvette in question is now owned by Collin Brown, but it was Collin’s grandfather that got him hooked on cars at a young age, driving Collin around in his Corvette for many years. As a promise, Collin received the car for his 16th birthday, but not long after, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Needless to say, the car took a back seat as did hopes for a proper restoration of it.

Into the picture comes friend and owner of Tony’s Corvette Shop, Tony Avedisian. Tony initially got involved after receiving a call from Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic to evaluate what the car would need. The end result was a frame off restoration, and Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic needed assistance to ensure the Collin's wish was granted. From there, Tony took it upon himself to see this task through. He contacted many Corvette vendors, with all contributing in the same manner. According to Tony, “it was very inspiring to see such a wonderful response.”

The car will be unveiled, fully restored to Collin and his family on Saturday, August 26 at the stage. During this time of healing and rehabilitation for Collin, a gift like this will surely mean more than words can express.

In addition to the restoration and presentation of Collin’s ’68 Corvette, Tony will debut a book for the first time. The book focuses on the 1963 Corvette Z06. A car of the same brand will on display at their booth along with books for sale/autograph and the authors too.

Complete details on Corvettes at Carlisle along with links to register, become a vendor or purchase event tickets can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855. Don’t miss the world’s largest all-Corvette weekend, with over 5,000 Corvettes, 50,000+ guests and so much more!

The Vietnam War stands out in our country’s history due to how its service members were looked at upon their return stateside. In some cases, those who served are still trying to find their place. The difficulties that come with serving, especially on the front lines can only be known by those who have been there, but one local central Pennsylvania man is hoping that those who have been lost in the current Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts will never been forgotten.

Tim Wright is a retired Army veteran who lives in nearby Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and served in Vietnam. He vividly recalls how he was treated when he came home from Vietnam and has built the Mid-Atlantic Wall of Fallen Heroes so that today’s heroes are never forgotten. This idea came in part from a similar creation by a man named Fred Nunemacher of Millersburg, Pennsylvania. Fred’s wall includes just the names of Pennsylvania’s fallen from Iraq and is called the Wall of Fallen Heroes.

What makes Tim Wright’s wall different is that it covers the Mid-Atlantic region (Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey) as well as Washington D.C. and currently includes 827 names. This wall has made its rounds in all seven locations, including a big bike rally, Rolling Thunder, which takes place in D.C.

Given that the Carlisle Truck Nationals (August 4-6 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds) celebrates all things truck, family and even the military, having Tim Wright at Carlisle with this amazing wall on the back of his truck was a no-brainer. In addition to this wall, Tim Wright also has notes and information on every service member deemed K.I.A. in south Asia. This information was gleaned from media outlets including the Military Times and Associated Press.

Event Manager Ed Scholly noted that “when this opportunity presented itself for our event, I didn’t think twice about having Tim at Carlisle.” Scholly continued by saying, “I’m a veteran, I have friends and family that are veterans so honoring those who gave more by showcasing Tim Wright’s truck and wall at this year’s Carlisle Truck Nationals is a welcome addition to this event.”

Complete event information, including links to register for the Carlisle Truck Nationals, Big Rig Show and Shine or to simply purchase spectator tickets and passes can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals have, for good reason, become THE premier all-Mopar event in the world and that fact was on display once more July 14-16, 2017 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. Cars and people came from around the world to enjoy a showfield laced with history, unique displays, amazing camaraderie and more!

As has been the case for many years, the three-day event turned into four with the annual Mopar Rebellion kick-off party on Thursday evening. This party, held at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center featured a few hundred pieces of automotive history and offered the perfect transition into day 1 of show weekend. With gates opening at 7 a.m. Friday morning, excitement was such that cars and enthusiasts lined up in advance to find their spot on the grounds. Once there, the special displays all around kept show-goers snapping photos and turning heads all day long. Displays included ones dedicated to the Panther Pink/FM3 paint scheme, 100-years of Dodge/Ram trucks, survivor cars, 50 years of the RO/WO Super Stocks, the RT, Dodge Viper, GTX and oh by the way, Dodge brought its all-new Demon to Carlisle too!

With Friday transitioning to Saturday, where sunny skies and temps in the mid-80s remained constant throughout the day, so did the enthusiasm from everyone at Carlisle. Dukes of Hazzard star Tom Wopat (Luke Duke) signed autographs for fans, while industry legends like Herb McCandless, the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos and more signed autographs and “talked shop” all day long. As hot as temps were Thursday, something even hotter took over Carlisle too; Dodge and its drag and drift thrill rides. Lines cued for over an hour as guests anxiously waited for the best 60 seconds of their life. Saturday wrapped with over 2 hours of stage excitement, including a burnout contest, marriage proposal, Daisy Duke contest, Demon walkarounds and even a special award presented to one passionate car owner via the Historic Vehicle Society. The annual Mopar Hall of Fame also took place Saturday evening, with a wide array of industry icons being inducted.

Sunday saw the 50,000+ guests and nearly 2,700 cars head home until next year. Before they left; however, they stuck around for one more opportunity to ride with Dodge, pick up awards, say goodbye to friends and make plans for next year.

In addition to the amazing array of classics and modern muscle at the fairgrounds, just across the way at the Carlisle Expo Center was something new, something fresh; the Carlisle Hurst Nationals. Nearly 200 Hurst-branded machines took center stage, including some rare barn finds, prototypes and more. Hurst weekend also included guests special to the brand, including Bob Riggle, Dennis Kirban, Bill Campbell and Don Glover just to name a few.

In all, the weekend was just what everyone expected it to be. Not only do Chrysler and Hurst enthusiasts arrive early, they stay late, with some of the last cars and vendors leaving the grounds on Monday morning, July 17. Save the date, because the biggest and best all-Mopar show in the world returns July 13, 2018 and includes the second annual Hurst Nationals. Get tickets now and learn more at www.CarlisleEvents.com.