What years did Ford make the Custom 500?
The Custom 500 name is not tied to a single model-year run. Ford used the Custom 500 badge as a mid-level trim across different models and generations, most notably on F-Series pickups, with its presence varying by body style and market. There isn’t one continuous block of years to cite for every vehicle that wore the badge.
Origins and how the badge was used
Unlike a dedicated model, the Custom 500 functioned as a trim designation within Ford’s broader lineup. Across decades, Ford rotated the badge onto different platforms—most prominently on trucks but occasionally appearing on full-size cars as well. Because trim naming shifted with each generation and regional market, the exact years the badge appeared differed widely from one model to another.
Custom 500 on Ford F-Series pickups
In the pickup line, Custom 500 served as a mid-range option during several generations. The badge could appear during various years within the mid- to late-1960s through the 1980s and into the 1990s, depending on the generation and body style. The presence of the badge often placed a truck between base Custom and higher-tier trims, but the specific year-by-year availability varied by model year and market. For precise year ranges, model brochures or factory catalogs for the exact generation are the most reliable source.
Custom 500 on Ford full-size cars
Among passenger cars, the Custom 500 badge appeared intermittently in the 1950s and 1960s as Ford used several “Custom” branding levels before later consolidating naming into newer lineups. Like the trucks, the exact years depended on the generation and market, and the badge was not universally applied across all full-size cars in every year.
How to determine the exact years for a specific vehicle
Because the Custom 500 name was used across multiple model lines and generations, pinpointing the precise years requires model-specific data. Helpful methods include:
- Checking the vehicle’s VIN trim codes and original build sheet to confirm the trim level.
- Reviewing factory brochures, sales catalogs, or dealership literature for the relevant year and model.
- Consulting reputable automotive archives or enthusiast databases that document trim nomenclature by year and model.
If you can specify whether you’re asking about a truck (F-Series) or a passenger car, plus the model year range or body style, I can provide a precise year-by-year window for that particular vehicle.
Bottom line
The Custom 500 was not produced as a single, continuous model line with one set of years. It was a versatile trim badge Ford used across multiple generations and body styles, especially on F-Series pickups, with usage that varied by generation and market. For an exact year range, identify the specific model and generation, then consult period brochures or VIN/trims data. I can help narrow it down further if you share the exact model and year range you have in mind.
Summary
The Custom 500 name spans several decades and multiple Ford platforms, most consistently appearing on F-Series pickups from the late 1960s through the 1980s and into the 1990s in some markets, with earlier use on certain full-size cars. Because the badge moved with each generation, there isn’t a single, universal year range. To get the precise years for a particular vehicle, the best approach is to verify the specific model and generation through factory literature or VIN/trim data. If you tell me the exact model and year window, I’ll pin down the definitive years for that vehicle.
