Hop in the Back as Cruise Down Memory Lane
Close your eyes and imagine a pickup truck—you likely envision your standard fares like big wheels and an impressive cab, but we’d like to walk you through some vintage beauts we still think about. Here are 20 classic trucks that still look incredible. 
Photo by Maxim Simonov on Unsplash
1. 1937 Ford
They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to, and it doesn’t get any more classic than a ‘37 pickup with rounded grilles and a V8 engine. Its chrome colors and curved fenders made this a standout model back in the day, but our jaws still drop at the sight of one today.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
2. 1937-39 Studebaker Coupe Express
This truck didn’t have the longest run but it certainly left its mark. Its design borrowed a little inspiration from the Studebaker Dictator, and the jury’s still out on whether it’s technically a pickup at all, but we’re giving this classic look a pass.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
3. 1945-80 Dodge Power Wagon
Kind of like a tractor, kind of like a pickup, the Dodge Power Wagon brought a lot to the table. You might even call it historic—it was America’s first civilian 4WD truck and modeled after Dodge’s WWII vehicles. With such a recognizable design, we’d spot it anywhere.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
4. 1947-54 Chevrolet 3100
We had seven good years of Advance Design Chevy trucks, a sentiment many agreed with given their popularity among motorists. Who could blame them? With a sleek design and all kinds of new features for the time, you bet drivers enjoyed AC in their fire red ride.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
5. 1948 Ford F-1
We all know and love today’s F-Series trucks, but if we asked you to picture one, your mind probably wouldn’t wander to the 1948 version. It should, though! This baby was innovative, built to last, and looked darn good doing it.
6. 1956 Ford F-100
Okay, we know we just talked about F-series trucks, but that was first-gen stuff. Second-generation vehicles introduced a whole new look with fresh cab doors and a dashboard overhaul, making it impossible to keep them off the list.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
7. 1957 Dodge Sweptside
We just can’t turn our back on a solid two-tone paint job and a good set of tailfins. Despite this truck’s incredible appearance, it never took off the way hoped, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still admire them it afar.
Alden Jewell;Cropped and levels/colors adjusted by uploader Mr.choppers on Wikimedia
8. 1957 Chevrolet Cameo
Two-tone paint, whitewall tires, and chrome bumpers? Count us in! Thanks to its automatic transmission, this little number also revolutionized the way people viewed pickup trucks, and we can’t help but gawk every time.
9. 1959 Chevrolet Apache NAPCO
Pour one out for these beautiful ‘59 trucks, the last year you could nab a NAPCO "Powr-Pak" 4WD conversion. Gone too soon, we still admire these rare vehicles and more than appreciate their aesthetics.
GPS 56 from New Zealand on Wikimedia
10. 1960-65 International Scout 80
They may have it in the name but Scout 80s were actually built between 1960-1965—a great time for outdoorsmen. Adventurous motorists not only drove a cool truck, but also had access to removable doors and fold-down windshields.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
11. 1963-87 Jeep Gladiator
If you’re into vintage pickups and rare automobiles, look no further than the Jeep Gladiator. It brought big cabs and bigger wheels together, but our hearts belong to the J10 Honcho. Only 1,264 were made but it’s still one of the greatest models.
12. 1967 Chevrolet C10
The C-Series models remind us of everything we love about classic cars and vintage trucks. They’ve got the look, they’ve got the space, and they’ve got eyes on them at every car show.
13. 1967-77 Ford F-250 "Highboy"
Ask us to name a durable truck with an awesome look and we’d have to pick these guys. The appearance and fascinating story behind them offers a little something for petrolheads everywhere.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
14. 1968-72 Chevrolet El Camino
If you’re thinking this truck looks more like a car, that’s because it’s technically both! Adapted from the classic Chevy station wagon, the El Camino looks like it starred in Gone in 60 Seconds, which is exactly why we love it so much.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
15. 1972-76 Ford Ranchero
Speaking of trucks confused for cars, the Ford Ranchero is often shunned in the pickup community. We can’t help but love it, though. Much like the El Camino, it too was adapted from a two-door station wagon and boasted a sleek look.
16. 1979-85 Toyota Hilux Pickup
Not only did these iconic pickups look cool, they also had the muscle to back it up. It practically had an unstoppable drivetrain and made off-roading even better for thrill-seeking motorists.
17. 1980 Chevrolet LUV
Color us in LUV with this Chevy truck, a marketed compact solution to your everyday gas-guzzling pickup. It was especially popular at the time, but we wouldn’t mind seeing on on the road today.
18. 1986-1993 Lamborghini LM002
We know this short bed pickup wasn’t meant for the public—that doesn’t mean we can’t lose our marbles at its design. Originally built for military use, the LM002 is the closest thing the 80s had to Bruce Wayne’s Tumbler.
Kieran White from Manchester, England on Wikimedia
19. 1990-93 Chevy 454 SS
The poor Chevy 454 SS never got as much attention as it deserved; it was fast, it was powerful, and it could do anything Ford’s pickup did. It may not come with a classic two-tone paint job, but it does come with an early 90s look that takes us right back in time.
20. 1993-95 Ford F-150 Lightning
Though we appreciate a good engine as much as the next guy, we’re particularly fond of the Lightning’s sophisticated interior. Past its beloved pickup exterior, Ford really reminded us that inner beauty is best.
