The first Ford FK series arrived in 1951, in three weight models: the 2-tonne (4,400 lb) FK 2000 with a 3.3 liter four-cylinder G28T petrol engine with 52 PS (38 kW); the 3-tonne (6,600 lb) FK 3000 with a 57 PS (42 kW) version of the same; and the 3 ¹⁄₂-tonne (7,700 lb) FK 3500 with the 95 PS (70 kW) G29T petrol V8 engine (this engine gained five horsepower in 1952).
The FK's headlights were integrated in the fenders and the prominent grille consisted of seven horizontal chromed strips.
The earlier, smaller Ford Rhein-series of trucks had been built with a petrol V8 engine, but as it was not very economical Ford decided to install a diesel engine.
The choice fell on a 94 PS (69 kW) 4,080 cc (249.0 cu in) unit from American engine manufacturer Hercules; the engine was built under license for Ford by Knorr in Munich with a Bosch fuel injection system.
This was installed in the Rhein series, but also in the 3 ¹⁄₂-tonne (7,700 lb) FK 3500D and the 4-tonne (8,800 lb) FK 4000 which arrived in 1953.
Reliability concerns prompted Ford to quickly detune the diesel to 85 PS (63 kW).

In 1953, the underpowered four-cylinder engines, carried over from the 1932 Ford BB and developed from the 1927 Model A's engine, were discontinued.
In June 1954 the FK 4000 S/D arrived, this had a 4,460 cc (272.2 cu in) version of the Hercules diesel with 90 PS (66 kW).
The comparatively high-revving, low-compression Hercules diesels had a very bad reputation for quality and served to hurt Ford's reputation in the truck market.
At this time the Ford Köln also received a redesigned cabin, with a square, chromed grille, a split windshield, and a shorter bonnet.
The shorter cab allowed for a longer cargo space with better weight distribution.

Forward control versions were also offered to market, but only a small number of units was actually sold.
The first Ford FK series arrived in 1951, in three weight models: the 2-tonne (4,400 lb) FK 2000 with a 3.3 liter four-cylinder G28T petrol engine with 52 PS (38 kW); the 3-tonne (6,600 lb) FK 3000 with a 57 PS (42 kW) version of the same; and the 3 ¹⁄₂-tonne (7,700 lb) FK 3500 with the 95 PS (70 kW) G29T petrol V8 engine (this engine gained five horsepower in 1952). The FK's headlights were integrated in the fenders and the prominent grille consisted of seven horizontal chromed strips. The earlier, smaller Ford Rhein-series of trucks had been built with a petrol V8 engine, but as it was not very economical Ford decided to install a diesel engine. The choice fell on a 94 PS (69 kW) 4,080 cc (249.0 cu in) unit from American engine manufacturer Hercules; the engine was built under license for Ford by Knorr in Munich with a Bosch fuel injection system. This was installed in the Rhein series, but also in the 3 ¹⁄₂-tonne (7,700 lb) FK 3500D and the 4-tonne (8,800 lb) FK 4000 which arrived in 1953. Reliability concerns prompted Ford to quickly detune the diesel to 85 PS (63 kW).
In 1953, the underpowered four-cylinder engines, carried over from the 1932 Ford BB and developed from the 1927 Model A's engine, were discontinued. In June 1954 the FK 4000 S/D arrived, this had a 4,460 cc (272.2 cu in) version of the Hercules diesel with 90 PS (66 kW). The comparatively high-revving, low-compression Hercules diesels had a very bad reputation for quality and served to hurt Ford's reputation in the truck market. At this time the Ford Köln also received a redesigned cabin, with a square, chromed grille, a split windshield, and a shorter bonnet. The shorter cab allowed for a longer cargo space with better weight distribution.
Forward control versions were also offered to market, but only a small number of units was actually sold.
Ford FK