They don’t build pickups quite like they used to! Here are ten of the greatest classic pickup trucks to ever hit the road.
Pick up trucks have become part of the American tradition. From rugged and hard-working to vintage and cool, pickups have a long history in the American car making story.
Before they were built to the workhorse, they were built for sport and cruising. Like classic cars, classic pickup trucks are part of the Americana.
Check out these 10 classics pickup trucks. You’ll be hard-pressed to choose a favorite.
- 1946-1978 Dodge Power Wagon
One of the best classic trucks of all time. The Power Wagon was first built as a 4 x 4 for the Army. Then in 1946, it landed on Dodge dealerships for the public to grab up.
Built with friendly amenities for the public, it had a styled bed and an enclosed cab. It was only available in the U.S. until 1968.
- 1955-1958 Chevrolet Cameo
The Chevy Cameo lived a short life, but it is an old Chevy truck that is considered the best of all time. Its short life can be attributed to its cost, not its style.
This truck was as comfortable working on the farm as it was styling in the city. It included features likehubcaps, chrome trim, carpeting, and a radio. The beds were made of fiberglass from the same people building the Chevy Corvette bodies.
- 1963-1987 Jeep Gladiator J Series
You know Jeep built a good truck when it stayed in production without a ground-up redesign for 24 years. This series of truck replaced the Willys and Forward Control Jeep truck.
The Gladiators came with an advanced six-cylinder engine and the option of a V8 engine. By the late 1970s, the J trucks had a new frame and even offered a disco Honcho package.
- 1967-1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne
This old Chevy truck was only around for five years but is still considered one of the best looking of its time.
While it did the work of a truck, it came with some “fancy” features for the time. The Cheyenne included front disc brakes, a radio, a rather luxurious interior, and an insulated cab with carpeting. The special trim package helped to present it with some car-like features, while still being a workhorse kind of truck.
- 1978-1979 Dodge Lil’ Red Express
In the late 1970s when cars were facing strict laws for emissions and fuel standards, the Dodge Lil’ Red Express came to life. It didn’t have to follow those same strict rules because it was a truck.
Ranked as the fastest the year it was introduced, it could go from 0 to 100 in a flash, even beating Chevy’s Corvette.
It came loaded with a 5.8-liter V8 engine which cranked out 225 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque. Another memorable feature, its 18 wheeler like smokestacks.
- 1991 GMC Cyclone
GMC took the Sonoma body and put in280-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine into the body. While it wasn’t around for long, this truck could go and go fast. It even beat out a Ferrari in road race testing.
While some might have less favorable reviews of most of the GMC truck lineup, this one has remained strong.
- 1993-1995 Ford Lightning
A lowered suspension,shocks, springs, anti-roll bars, and big ole’ 17-inch tires put this Ford truck into the instant classic category. It was made in response to Chevy’s 454 SS.
This bad boy had some power. Instead of giving it a bigger engine though, Ford made modifications to their 5.8-liter small-block V-8 inside and out to deliver 240 hp and a solid 340 lb-ft of torque.
This truck was so sought after, no matter how many miles it racked up, that Ford had a second-generation comeback for it 1999.
- 1994-2001 Dodge Ram
Be honest, when you think of classic pickups, your immediately think Ford and Chevy. The Ram model struggled with this for years and years, never really getting a strong following.
Then in 1994, they rebuilt the Ram, gave it a real makeover and a new star came onto the market. In 1993, they held only 7% of the market with big trucks. In 1994 after this Ram came out, their market share tripled.
The Ram featured the roomiest standard cab and first reclining seats in a regular cab pickup. By mid-1994, Ram offered aV-10 engine producing 300 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.
- 2007 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Supercharged
Harley Davidson and Ford both know about building vehicles with some power. These two giants have been collaborating since 1999. In 2007, they came out with the Supercharged model boasting 450 horsepower of strength.
Even for pickups that like to show off their power, 450hp is serious stuff. With500 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle looks like a truck and performs like a muscle car.
To give it the Harley twist it features the Harley badge, something they don’t share lightly. It also has big chrome wheels and special paint options.
- 2019 Ford F-150
2019 as a classic truck, how can that be you are asking? Let’s face it, the Ford F-150 will always show up any best classic truck list going forward. It is the best selling truck in America.
The Ford F 150 offers leading towing and hauling abilities. It has a powerful engine while being spacious and comfortable.
Combining luxury features and a tough worker mentality, this truck is here to stay. If you make the investment in the truck, make it even better by adding a bed liner. Bedliners for trucks only increase the quality and performance of your truck.
Best of the Best Classic Pickup Trucks
Spanning over a half-century of innovation American car makers love their trucks. Americans love their trucks too. Classic pickup trucks are part of the makeup of the American worker and a way of life.
It makes sense though. Classic pickups through the years have been both power and style trendsetters. With so many great choices, it’s hard to choose a favorite.
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