A Century of Ford Tailgate Transformation and Innovation [Photos]

Vehicle Research•Photos 16•November 13, 2023

Before the Pro Access Tailgate graces the bed of the 2024 Ford F-150, let's rewind the clock and dive into the rugged history of Ford tailgates – the unsung heroes of the everyday worker's ride.

For almost a hundred years, Ford has been in the game of making trucks that roll up their sleeves and get the job done. And right there in the back, the tailgate has been the trusty sidekick, evolving alongside the needs of hardworking folks – from those loading up station wagons to the ones hauling gear in their trucks.

So, forget the fancy terminology. Pull up a crate or grab a spot on the tailgate itself, and let's flip through the pages of history. This isn't just about metal and mechanics; it's about the blood, sweat, and grit of the fleet driver.

From hauling tools on the ranch to delivery packages, these tailgates have seen it all. We're not talking high-tech here; we're talking about practicality, simplicity, and the kind of tailgate you can rely on when you've got a hard day's work behind you.

So, kick back, take a load off, and join us in celebrating the unsung journey of Ford tailgates – the real backbone of the vehicles that have been there for the blue-collar worker, day in and day out. It's not just a tailgate; it's a story of hard work and dependability that's been rolling strong for generations. Let's take a peek into the world where the rubber meets the road and the tailgate meets the dirt.

Topics:Ford Tailgates History Vehicle Research

The first factory-assembled Ford pickup debuts in 1925, featuring a cargo box and adjustable tailgate.
Photo: Ford

The Ford Falcon station wagon starts to resemble the station wagons most of us would recognize today. In 1960, it had a single-piece talgate with retractable rear window.
Photo: Ford

In 1966 Ford introduced the "Magic Doorgate." The tailgate could open down or to the side like a door. It was made standard on Ford Fairline station wagons and was an optional item on the Ford Falcon.
Photo: Ford

Cargo access in a pickup truck bed is a focus in 1987 when the F-Series tailgate is redesigned.
Photo: Ford

Power up! In 2003, the Lincoln Navigator offered an optional power liftgate.
Photo: Ford

More advanced technology was added to tailgates in 2011. Ford introduced gesture-based technology on the Ford Escape with the Hands-Free Liftgate.
Photo: Ford

More power for commercial and small business fleets. In 2021, Ford introduced the power tailgate with a work surface, holders, and additional options on the Ford F-150.
Photo: Ford

As trucks have increased in size, Ford introduced the Pro Access tailgate in 2023. Opening from the driver's side, the tailgate reduces the walking distance to the tailgate handle, allows for operation while towing, and includes a handle for opening the swing door 37, 70, or 100 degrees. What's going to come next? Only time will tell!
Photo: Ford

The Model A in 1929 is Ford's first factory-built station wagon. Still a bit different from the station wagons of today, the vehicle featured a tailgate with no rear window.
Photo: Ford

In 1946, the Ford F-1 was introduced with a tapered, rolled edge tailgate. In addition, anti-rattle drop chains held the tailgate flush with the floor or allowed it to swing all the way down.
Photo: Ford

Ford pickup trucks in 1961 were marketed as "grain tight," perfect for farmers. With a one-handed instant lock, Ford removed the steel lock chains and replaced them with Instant-Action latches. The tailgate was also made 13-inches wider.
Photo: Ford

The big news in 1964 were new "husky tailgate" support straps made of steel for the Ford F-Series, which folded into the tailgate and stayed out of sight. Ford's tagline? "Built like the big trucks with a big comfort bonus!"
Photo: Ford

The 1980s brought the removable tailgate. This 1981 model shows off the option that become standard on styleside Ford F-Series trucks.
Photo: Ford

With not many tailgate-related changes occuring for several years, cargo security became a growing concern. In 1997 Ford introduced the standard locking tailgate on the Ford F-150. All vehicle locks, including the tailgate, could now be operated with a single key.
Photo: Ford

The early 2000s had numerous tailgate-focused changes. In 2003 Ford offered Tailgate Assist on the F-Series, a feature that employs a built-in torsion bar to make opening and closing the tailgate easier. In 2005 a quick release tailgate was introduced on the Ford F-250 and Ford F-350.
Photo: Ford

In 2008, more of a driver focus was added with new tailgate step options for the Ford Super Duty. A stowable bed extended that latched onto the tailgate and allowed cargo be hauled with the tailgate down was also introduced.
Photo: Ford