Ford - Mercury Units in 300 Models

Ford and Mercury Units Available in 300 Models

Published December, 1957 in Motor Truck & Coach

Ford Trucks for 1958 are offered in a range of more than 300 models ranging from the smallest British-built Thames 800 van to the big heavy duty tandem units, according to Ford of Canada.

Increases in engine durability have been effected by modifying crankshafts, pistons, valves and camshafts. Improved performance is achieved through a new carburetor of advanced design. A new water pump of higher capacity and a modification of the ventilating system help boost engine efficiency.

Economy of six-cylinder engines is increased through modification of the accelerator pump system and an added spark control valve.

Duel headlights are standard on all Ford conventional and tilt cab trucks for better illumination at night.

Automobile inspired styling, recently introduced on the Ford truck line, has been further developed and enhanced. Two tone color combinations which were available in 1957 only on the Styleside pickup have now been extended throughout most of the line in 1958.

The heavy duty trucks, in addition to carrying major engine improvements, also have new heavier transmissions and optional heavier duty auxiliary transmissions. A new eight-speed transmission is available for the heavy and extra-heavy duty trucks.

Transmatic Drive, the optional automatic transmission offered on medium and heavy duty trucks, will feature improved retarding ability at higher speeds.

Increased stopping ability is provided through larger brake areas in the medium and heavy duty trucks.

Ford's pickup truck will incorporate the popular Styleside box, which offers 25% more payload capacity than pickup models of other manufactures.

Horsepower in the V8 engines for light duty trucks has been increased from 171 to 181 to give higher performance. As in the past, Ford will offer heavy duty engines as optional equipment in the medium duty line.

Mercury trucks for 1958 feature new engines and transmissions, greater capacity rear axles and a new extra-heavy duty series of conventional, tilt cab and tandem models.

Trucks, from the M100 Styleside pickup at 5,000 lbs. GVW. to the new tandem series at 75,000 lbs. GCW. can fill individual requirements of 98% of the total truck market.

Engines in the 1958 heavy duty series have been designed for longer life with new cylinder heads, pistons, crankshafts, intake valves, camshafts, distributors and crankcase ventilation systems.

A 181 b.h.p., 272 cu. in. V8 is offered for the first time in the '58 light duty trucks, giving high performance with good economy.

For flexibility of operation, Mercury presents a new eight-speed transmission, new three-speed auxiliary transmission and a new Transmatic automatic for heavy duty trucks. The automatic, Triple Drive Transmatic adds an extra driving range for complete adaptability to road and load conditions.

Greater brake lining area gives more positive braking action and longer brake life in medium and heavy duty trucks.

All Mercury trucks except parcel deliveries have quadri-beam headlights as standard equipment. The lighting gives 50% more illumination.