Ford trucks of future passed

Now that the sixth generation Ford Mustang has been revealed, the worst kept secret in Detroit is that theres a new F-150 on the way, too.

Ford wont talk about it, but the 13th-generation pickup is expected to make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in January and hit the road later in 2014.

Its rumored to be the most cutting-edge version of the F-Series yet, offering a selection of turbocharged engines, an extensive use of aluminum in its construction, and possibly a 10-speed transmission at some point in its lifecycle, all in the name of fuel economy.

Whats more certain is that its look will be inspired by the Ford Atlas concept that was unveiled at the 2013 NAIAS. Its a bold design filled with modern touches, but not exactly what youd describe as a work of futurism.

Sixty years ago, things were different.

Back in 1953, Fords designers sketched a couple of proposals that were straight out of the atomic age, and were recently dug out of the archives for FoxNews.com.

The first is of a stepside pickup appropriately hard at work at the observation bunker of a ballistic missile launch pad. It features a half-cabover layout similar to a 1970s Econoline van, its blunt nose complimented by square yet smooth bodywork, with large radius curves and flush door handles. Those air in the front fenders? Who knows where they led, but theyd show up again on the 1965 Mustang.

It was a vast departure from the production truck of the day, to be sure, although the third generation model that arrived in 1957 did retain its forward-leaning rear roof pillar and was the first F-Series to integrate the hood and fenders, and use a clamshell hood.

Whats more interesting today, however, is its front-end style. While the grille and lighting arrangement is similar to the 1953 F-Series, its surrounded by a large hexagonal enclosure thats the spitting image of Fords current family face, and an eerie premonition of the Atlas design.

Even more frightening, however, is a proposal for a van also created in 1953. The hearse-like profile and protruding, vampire-fang headlights giving it a dark and dreary demeanor enhanced by the desolate setting of the sketch.

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Ford trucks of future passed