For over 40 years, the most popular vehicle in America has been the Ford F-Series, while the second and third are the Chevy Silverado and Ram pickups. Americans love trucks. Here are the 20 most iconic classic pickups ever.
20. 1948 Chevrolet Advance Design
The Advance-Design is a light and medium-duty truck series, marking the first major redesign by Chevrolet after World War II. Chevy set new standards, like a roomier cab and more powerful engines, significantly influencing truck design in the late 1940s. The 1948 Advance-Design was also the first truck to offer a three-speed transmission with a car-like column shift.
19. 1948 Ford F-1
This is the light-duty truck series that started the best-selling truck line in America. Its innovations included a more ergonomic interior and integrated headlights. Ford offered the F-series in eight different weight ratings: p, panel truck, parcel delivery, cab-over-engine (COE), conventional truck, and school-bus chassis body styles. The F-series also earned a reputation for durability and reliability.
18. 1950 Chevrolet 3100
Part of Chevrolet’s Advance-Design series, the 1950 model was roomier and came in HP 1⁄2 ton, HR 3⁄4 ton, & HS 1 ton iterations. For this model year, Chevy introduced telescopic shock absorbers. In particular, the 3100 series was noted for its increased glass area and more refined and streamlined design, enhancing comfort.
17. 1953 Ford F-100
This 1953 model increased both in size and power, furthering Ford’s reputation for strength and reliability. In the first year of its second generation (1953-1956), The half-ton F-1 became the F-100. The cab underwent a major revision, featuring a wraparound windshield, new doors, a redesigned dashboard, and an optional panoramic rear window.
16. 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier
In 1955, Chevrolet introduced its Task Force series, and midyear, it introduced the Cameo Carrier pickup truck. This model paved the way for the Fleetside. It featured many car-like features and stylings, such as rear fenders that continued the cab’s body lines. It offered an optional V8 engine and was the first truck to offer an automatic transmission.
15. 1957 Dodge Sweptside
The 1957 Sweptside was Dodge’s answer to the Chevrolet Cameo. In a car-like styling, it featured dramatic tailfins, attempting to appeal to the personal-use market. Part of the Dodge C series line (1954-1960), the standard engine was a 230 cu in (3.8 L) Flathead I6, delivering 120 hp. However, V8 engines and push-button automatic transmissions were offered.
14. 1958 Chevrolet Apache
In 1958, integrating the Fleetside bed design, the light-duty Chevrolet Task Force was renamed “Apache.” The line was given a second set of headlights, a shorter/full-width grill, and other minor changes. The body style was smoother and more integrated, making it a big hit in the market. It also featured increased cargo space and factory-equipped air conditioning.
13. 1961 International Scout 80
Although a truck, the Scout 80 could almost be considered an early compact SUV. It paved the way for utility vehicles that offered comfort on and off-road. The Scout 80 featured removable sliding side windows, a fold-down windshield, and removable doors. These features made the Scout 80 an instant hit among outdoor enthusiasts.
12. 1964 Chevrolet El Camino
The El Camino was first produced from 1959-1960 and revived from 1964-1987. It was originally adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform. The 1964 was similar to the Chevelle wagon. However, Chevelle’s most powerful engines weren’t available. Initially, Chevy offered six-cylinder engines, followed by V8s. It appealed to owners looking for a vehicle that could do it all.
11. 1965 Ford F-100
The fourth generation of the Ford F series was produced between 1961-1966. Ford made a dramatic style change with trucks that were longer and lower. In 1965, the F-series introduced the “Twin I-Beam” front suspension that continued until 1986 on the F-150. There was also a new engine and gearbox choices. The “Ranger” name also appeared for the first time.
10. 1965 Chevrolet C/K
The first generation (1960-1966) replaced the Task Force range with its own truck chassis, no longer sharing the GM A-body platform. The pickup used a drop-center ladder frame which allowed for a lower cab, lower center of gravity, and independent front suspension. The result was a better car-like ride quality.
9. 1966 Ford Bronco
The first generation of the Ford Bronco used a chassis developed specifically for its model, and all had four-wheel drive to compete in the off-road market. The initial engine was a 170-cubic-inch inline six, delivering 105 HP, derived from the Ford Falcon, and modified with solid valve lifters. Its straightforward boxy design has amassed a cult following.
8. 1967 Chevrolet C10
Representing the second generation of the C/K series, it underwent a ground-up design to adapt the model line towards multipurpose use. Its frame design and other features set new safety standards in the industry. The 1967 Chevrolet C10 featured coil spring suspension, improving its ride quality, as well as safety features such as a dual braking system.
7. 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS
For its third generation (1968-1972), Chevrolet introduced a longer El Camino based on the Chevelle station wagon wheelbase. It shared its exterior and interior trims with the Chevelle Malibu. Chevy introduced a new, high-performance Super Sport SS396 with optional engines, including a powerful L-78 V-8 with an 800 cfm Holley four-barrel on a low-rise aluminum manifold, delivering 375 horsepower.
6. The 1970 Toyota Hilux
Toyota has produced the Hilux pickup from 1968 to the present (now called Toyota). This classic pickup helped establish Toyota’s reputation for reliable and durable pickups. Its simple and robust design catered to functionality and practicality. The Hilux won the favor of consumers seeking out a capable yet economical pickup.
5. 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Super
The last model year of Chevrolet’s and GMC’s C/K second generation saw the introduction of the Chevrolet Cheyenne and GMC Sierra nameplates. Durable, with powerful engine options, it’s noted for its drop-center ladder frame and coil-sprung rear axle. This was one of the first trucks to offer power windows and air conditioning, previously only available in luxury cars.
4. 1978 Dodge Li’l Red Express
Part of the Dodge D series, between 1978 and 1979, the company produced several special models. The Li’l Red Express featured vertical exhaust stacks and bold styling. It was one of the fastest American vehicles of its time due to its powerful 360-cu-in V8 engine. Due to noise standards, it wasn’t sold in California, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, or Washington state.
3. 1979 Chevrolet LUV (Light Utility Vehicle)
The fuel crisis of the 1970s made economical pickups more desirable. Chevrolet introduced its LUV (Light Utility Vehicle) in 1972. It was designed and manufactured by Isuzu. The first generation (1972-1980) was a variant of the Isuzu Faster. It was one of the first mini-trucks introduced by an American manufacturer.
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2. 1981 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
The 1981 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler combined the features of the pickup with the off-road capabilities of a Jeep. This eighth generation of the CJ line was a long-wheelbase version of the CJ-7. It featured a removable half cab that created a pickup-style box rather than using a separate pickup bed. The Scrambler was produced between 1981 and 1986.
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1. 1988 Chevrolet Silverado
A standout for its advanced features, comforts, technology, electronic fuel injection, and more, the Silverado nameplate was a top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks since 1975. In 1988, the fourth generation C/K, for all intents and purposes, internally known as the GMT400, is a Silverado. The Silverado became the successor to the Chevrolet C/K model line in 1999.
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