Did you know that the King Ranch^® Edition F-Series trucks and Expedition were inspired by a real working ranch? A ranch that still exists today? And that the King Ranch and Ford share a lot in common?

Both are American icons. Both were founded by visionaries – Henry Ford and Richard King. And both companies are leaders in innovation, conservation and preservation. With all that in common, collaboration between Ford and King Ranch seems rather fitting.

The King Ranch models of Ford vehicles feature the same uncompromising quality demanded by both American icons, along with the bold ruggedness and old-West heritage of the birthplace of American ranching. Be sure to visit ford.com to learn more about the 2012 Ford F-Series trucks and Expedition King Ranch Editions.

Back in 1853, Richard King, a former steamboat pilot, purchased a 15,500-acre Mexican land grant that would become the King Ranch. Located in Texas along the Santa Gertrudis Creek in an area others saw as a wasteland, King saw an opportunity for the cattle operation he had dreamed of for years. Known for its “Running W” brand, King Ranch had grown to 146,000 acres by the end of the Civil War in 1865.

Richard King went on to revolutionize ranching, implementing land management and breeding programs, while investing in railroads, packing houses, ice plants, and harbor improvements to bring his product to market. King Ranch even developed Santa Gertrudis cattle, named for the Santa Gertrudis Creek, the first-ever American-bred cattle.

Today, King Ranch spans over 825,000 acres, with properties in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and South Carolina. Yep, everything about King Ranch is big! In addition to its involvement in ranching, King Ranch’s citrus operations make it the largest citrus grower in the country. And King Ranch is the largest producer of turf grass in the United States, providing sod for thousands of lawns, athletic facilities, sports stadiums and golf courses.

And then there is the world-famous King Ranch Saddle Shop. The King Ranch Saddle Shop is a living, uninterrupted outgrowth of the original 1860s saddle shop created by Richard King when he was unable to find saddles and other tack that fit his cowboys’ demanding needs. King Ranch models look good and feel authentic because they are – just like the ranch that inspired their creation.

Ford King Ranch Edition F-Series trucks and Expedition wear the same “Running W” brand as the leather goods manufactured there, and share the same understated luxury and commitment to quality. After all, “The quality of the leather and craftsmanship along with what Ford stands for – that’s who King Ranch is,” says current King Ranch Chief Executive Officer, Robert Underwood. And all King Ranch Edition trucks and Expedition models proudly wear the “Running W” King Ranch logo on their floor mats, center caps and front fenders too.

The eight-passenger King Ranch Expedition and Expedition EL offer the flexibility of a power liftgate and a third-row power-folding seat, perfect for hauling around friends, family or a few ranch hands and their gear. And thanks to the standard rear view camera and rain-sensing-wiper, King Ranch Expedition drivers have a clear view of what lies behind and the open range ahead.

The King Ranch F-150 gets its giddyup and go from either the standard 5.0-liter V-8 or an available 365-horsepower EcoBoost^® engine that offers up to 11,300 lbs. of best-in-class towing*. Riding herd over big loads is a snap, with trailer sway control which uses motion sensors to activate braking and reduce torque.

Built to work, King Ranch Super Duty^® trucks, with available 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® engines rated at 400-horsepower and 800 lb-ft  of torque are as hardworking as they are good looking. Lighted step bars illuminate for easy access,while PowerScope trailer tow mirrors and available factory installed 5th wheel/gooseneck prep kit readies this workhorse to tow up to 24,500 lbs.

You can watch a video and learn more about the King Ranch at myfordmag.com.

We want to know what other people and places you think deserve a special edition of a Ford Truck. Leave us a comment below to add your voice!

And be sure to share your King Ranch stories, pictures and videos through Ford Social at Your Stories.