Classic truck enthusiasts will surely be familiar with the Chevrolet Suburban. Originally introduced in 1934 and still around today, the Suburban is the longest-running automobile model name of all time. But far fewer know about Ford's attempt to capture a slice of that same market: the Ford B-Series Carryall. Better known under its designations B-100, B-150, B-200, and B-250, the Ford B-Series was a line of full-size SUVs based on the F-Series truck platform. However, it was only sold in Mexico and South America, so they're quite rare in the United States. In this article, we'll delve into the history, design, and features of the Ford B-Series Carryall.
Photos courtesy of The Ford Era & Solomon Lunger
Carryall SUVs from South of the Border
In 1963, the Ford F-100 pickup was quite popular worldwide, but Ford's Latin American branch determined there was also significant demand for an enclosed Carryall version (what we'd now call an SUV). Rather than committing to building the Carryall in-house, Ford formed partnerships with coachbuilders who could convert the F-100 chassis with a long roof, additional seats, and an enclosed cargo area.
This automaker-coachbuilder partnership has been used many other times to craft experimental vehicles, from GM's NAPCO 4x4 trucks to the Hurst T-Tops, so it made a lot of sense for this region-specific variant.
According to Motor Trend, Ford worked with 13 different coachbuilders in Mexico to convert F-Series trucks into B-Series SUVs. Each started life as a complete frame and cab. The rear portion was added by coachbuilders and could be configured with 3 doors, 4 doors (asymmetric, like the Suburban), or 5 doors. Some featured a truck-style tailgate and hatch, while others had van-style barn doors.
After being built in Mexico, the B-Series Carryalls were distributed and sold throughout Central and South America. You'll still see them on the roads in places like Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina.
These trucks offered three rows of seats for 8 or more passengers, a huge cargo area, and all the rugged utility of a Ford F-Series pickup. Essentially, they were the precursor to the Ford Excursion, and were decades ahead of their time in that regard.
Above: This 1975 Ford B-100 panel truck sold on auction site Bring a Trailer for only $16,500 in 2023.
Coachbuilders offered a wide range of configurations for the B-Series, including panel work truck, minibus, ambulance, and camper setups. Other creature comforts like rear windows and split second-row seating made these vehicles more accommodating to rear passengers.
Above: This 1979 B-100 was imported to the United States from Colombia by The Ford Era. The exterior was repainted in Nardo Grey during the restoration.
YouTuber Solomon Lunger has imported, restored, and resto-modded several B-Series Carryalls from South America, documenting each on his channel The Ford Era. Strangely, the red 1977 B-250 on the left came with a Nissan diesel engine swap. The 1974 B-250 4x4 on the right features school-bus-yellow paint. Both are set up with asymmetric 3-door cabs.
Above: F-150-based B-150 photo courtesy of BlueOvalTrucks.com
Many B-Series trucks still feature F-Series badges on the cab. At first, short-wheelbase models might resemble a Ford Bronco, but those only share the same cab and frame — the cargo compartment is totally different.
While the VINs of these Mexican-built trucks reflect their F-Series origin, dealer window stickers and advertisements clearly labeled them as B-Series Carryall models (not to be confused with Ford's B-Series medium-duty buses). The production run ended in 1994, leaving these classic SUVs as an interesting footnote in Ford truck history.
A few B-100, B-150, and B-250 models have been imported into the United States under the 25-year-old vehicle import law, but they're incredibly rare to see on the road. If you spot one, consider yourself lucky!
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