July 27: Ford produces its first truck, the Model TT, on this date in 1917

Long before the F-150 there was the Ford TT, Ford Motor Company's first one-ton truck that was introduced on July 27, 1917. It wasn't a complete truck you'd pick up at local dealership though -- the company only provided the chassis, engine and running gear, and for about $100 the rest was fabricated by independent carriage makers for its specified role.

Based on the Ford Model T car but with a stretched wheelbase and heavier frame and rear axle, the TT saw over 1.3 million units produced in its 10-year run, and was ultimately replaced by the Model AA in 1927. Costing about $600 initially ($10,000 today adjusting for inflation), the price dropped down by $200 in 1924 to $380. Torquey V-8s were still years away, and a stock TT had a recommended top speed of only 17 mph--which was considered pokey even in its day.

Photo: Sicnag via Flickr