They came factory assembly with the adapter and spin-on filter. The adapter was installed 1957/ or offered as an over-the counter kit.
EDIT -
Should read factory assembly came with assembly parts to use SPIN-ON filter. The assembly parts were then released in kit form (although the individual service parts could be bought separately) for prior 1957 assembly retro-fit.
Somebody at a Ford dealer told me back in the '70's that the spin-on version was made available in 1957.
But I can tell you this; I must have a really old one, because it is stamped of at least 16 gage or heavier metal. You'd need to swing a hammer pretty hard to make a dent in this one. The newer conversion plates are thin and you gotta be real careful installing them.