All used trucks are not created equal. These five classic pickups have something others don’t: lasting appeal. When choosing top classic pickups from among the thousands made over the past century, things get even more complicated. Some people want muscle. Others want looks. The five trucks on this list have it all.
Enthusiasts Still Covet These Used Trucks
These classic rigs lack the creature comforts of modern trucks. Want air conditioning? Roll down the windows. And they have a strictly Bring-Your-Own Navigation system. Still, if you’re an old-school truck enthusiast and you see one of these vintage pickups rolling down the road, you can’t help but stare. What they lacked in modern amenities, they more than made up for in power and efficiency. Since they were built for work, they were serious haulers and were quite capable when the job took you off of paved roads.
You most likely will not find these used trucks at your local car dealership, and when you do find one available for sale, you’ll probably pay $20-50k, depending on the pickup’s condition and market demand.
1. 1975 Ford F-150
Not everyone realizes this, but Ford has been manufacturing the F-150 truck since 1948. As a result, many models are now considered classics. The 1975 Ford F-150 is one of the most popular versions.
A few factors make the 1975 F-150 so popular in today’s classic truck market. First, it was known for its heavy-duty suspension and impressive hauling capabilities. This Ford F-150 model also inspired many of the design details of today’s Ford F-150 Lightning.
2. 1956 Ford F-100
Finding this classic pickup is much more of a challenge, as Ford only built around 6,000 of them. Its unique style included a full-wrap rear window, earning this Ford F-series truck the nickname the “Big Window.”
Discovering this pickup is much more challenging than finding most used trucks. Even serious collectors can only get their hands on them if they have a lot of money to spend. Look for them at classic truck meets and shows, where they always create buzz.
3. 1946 Dodge Power Wagon
The Dodge Power Wagon debuted in 1945. It was the first medium-duty pickup to come from the factory with 4WD. Though the engine produced only 94 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, this model of Power Wagon was a beast by the standards of the time.
Based on the ¾-ton WC-series military truck used in WWII, the Power Wagon was one of post-war America’s favorite pickups. It remains popular among vintage truck enthusiasts today.
4. 1967 Chevrolet C/K10
Chevrolet’s C-series trucks filled an important gap in the mid-20th-century automotive market. The first generation was America’s first truck designed for the average driver.
The C/K10 wasn’t just a workhorse capable of transporting heavy loads. It featured touches of comfort and convenience that had yet to be included in pickup trucks. The new focus on drivability and luxury made the C/K10 an instant success.
5. 1979 Toyota Hilux
The third generation of the Toyota Hilux pickup was the first in the automaker’s lineup to offer optional 4WD. This small truck was unusual for its time, as most pickups were large, heavy, and more powerful.
Because the Hilux was smaller than its competitors, it could carry drivers to places other brands couldn’t manage. These used trucks changed the game, but since they were so economical, they’re relatively easy to come by in classic car markets.
These Used Trucks Are Gone But Not Forgotten
There’s some debate among today’s collectors as to what makes used trucks classics. Some feel that any truck over 20 years old can be a classic, while others think the cutoff should be 40. Others believe the label should only apply to trucks made before 1979.
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