Ford D series

The Ford D series was a range of middle-weight trucks that Ford UK introduced in 1965 to replace the Thames Trader, apparently as a more modern rival to the Bedford TK. In 1965 it covered rigid trucks of 5.2 to 12.75 British tons gross weight and tippers of 10.8 to 12.75 tons, with twin-axle and articulated versions soon added. Three new diesel engines of 3.97, 5.42 and 5.95 litres were developed, the smallest a four and the others sixes, claiming 82.5 to 128 brake horsepower, and petrol versions of 129 and 149 brake horsepower were offered for export. The flat-fronted forward-control cab tilted forward on a torsion-bar hinge, with the engines installed at 45 degrees to give a virtually flat floor. The Phase II D1000 series of April 1967, powered by 7.7-litre Cummins V8 diesels and rated to 28 tons, was the largest truck Ford of Britain had made. A 1978 facelift brought the square-headlamp Aeroflow face, and in 1981 the Cargo replaced the range in Europe. Hyundai built the D-750 and D-800 under licence from 1969 to 1972 as its first commercial vehicle.