F-150 History Question

[2AActuary]

Good morning,

This topic isn’t completely related to the Gen14 2021 model.

My son and I were talking about my pending truck (2021 Platinum that is replacing my 2016 Platinum) and we were talking about all the features that the ‘21 has over the ’16. When I was growing up, my Dad always had an F-150. I vividly remember his ‘82; ‘86; ‘89, etc models. ‘89 was his first super-cab that could fit a few extra people in jump-seats.

While we were talking, I was explaining how the luxury segment has really redefined itself over the past ~30 years. I told him that back in the ‘80’s and arguably into the ‘90’s most cars were cloth interior only and didn’t have even an option of leather. Going on to say that leather back then was generally found in true luxury brands, such as Lincoln, Cadillac, and of course the european brands.

So - I guess my two questions are:

1. Would most people agree with this timeline?
2. When could you first even get leather in a F-150? Growing up, I don’t believe I ever saw leather in a F-150, Silverado, etc until mid-2000’s. I do remember seeing true leather in the full-size SUV segment in the ‘90’s though. Perhaps I’m wrong about the timeline of when you could start to get leather in the full size half ton truck segment.

Thanks.

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[05RubiconLJ]

The 10th Gen (1997-2004) was the first F-150 to have leather as an option, if I recall. Cloth and vinyl were the only way to get one before that unless the dealer put in leather, which did happen. The 5th Gen Bronco, which shared parts with the 9th Gen F-150, did have leather on the Eddie Bauer, but I don't believe that was an F-150 option.

As far as 80's cars having leather, for the most part you are correct. Your low and mid level brands hardly ever had leather. For that matter, many of our up market cars did not have leather as the standard seating appointments. There were tons of Cadillac's (Seville, Deville, Fleetwood, Eldorado), Lincoln's (Continental, Town Car, Mark), and Chrysler (too many to list) that all came standard with cloth seats. Leather was, for many models, an option that was available dating back well before the 80's. Almost every car my parents owned in the late 70's & 80's had leather (Mercury's and Lincoln's). By 1990, I think leather was coming into it's own.