The pickups are arguably the class of vehicles that built America. The favorite transportation of millions of working-class heroes, handymen, farmers, and adventurers, the simple pickup truck has been so much to so many people. But the pickups that built this country weren’t the fancy, well-equipped, and comfortable machines of today. Quite the contrary, they were rugged, tough, but endlessly charming trucks with simple mechanics but enormous souls. Here they are.
1. Ford Model T Runabout with Pickup Body
The Ford Model T revolutionized the auto industry and put the world on wheels. With over 15 million units produced, it was the best-selling car until the VW Beetle took the crown. Early on, the Model T influenced the pickup truck market, with independent shops converting them into utility vehicles. Recognizing the demand, Ford introduced the Model T Runabout with Pickup Body in 1925—one of 15 available body styles.
It wasn’t the strongest hauler but was durable, dependable, and practical. Even after the Model T line ended in 1927, the pickup variant lingered. It became the cornerstone for making Ford the world’s leading pickup truck manufacturer.
2. Willys Jeep Pickup Truck
Before WWII, Willys was a budget car company. It became famous for building Jeeps for the U.S. military during the war. Post-war, Willys smartly repurposed leftover Jeep parts to build civilian vehicles. In 1947, it launched the Willys Jeep Pickup, targeting farmers and ex-soldiers familiar with its ruggedness.
This truck stood out by offering four-wheel drive, a rare feature then. Early models had a modest 63-hp four-cylinder engine but were strong, durable, and excellent off-road. Willys later offered six-cylinder engines and sold over 200,000 units before ending production in 1965.
3. International Harvester Travelette
Today, four-door crew cab pickups are standard, but they didn’t exist in the 1960s. International Harvester changed that with the Travelette, which is part of their C-Series lineup. Known for building agricultural and heavy-duty machinery, International created the first factory-built crew cab pickup.
The Travelette could seat up to six people and carry gear in the bed, making it ideal for work crews. It shared parts with the Travellall SUV, and the innovative design eventually paved the way for all major manufacturers to offer crew cab trucks.
4. Chevrolet C/K Pickup
Pickup trucks in the ’50s were basic and uncomfortable. That changed in 1960 when Chevy introduced the C/K series. These trucks came in rear-wheel (C) and four-wheel drive (K) configurations, bringing a major innovation: independent front suspension on rear-wheel-drive models.
This gave trucks better ride quality, steering, and comfort—something unheard of then. Although only C models received this upgrade initially, it marked a new era of smoother-driving pickups. Chevrolet’s bold move helped redefine expectations for what a truck should be.
5. Jeep Gladiator
In 1963, Jeep launched the Gladiator, an evolution of the Willys Pickup, packed with modern engineering. Although Chevrolet introduced independent front suspension earlier, Jeep became the first to offer it on a 4×4 truck. Given the mechanical challenges of powering the front wheels with such a setup, this was a big leap.
But Jeep, a brand known for its off-road prowess, succeeded. With available straight-six or V8 engines, the Gladiator became a go-to for off-roaders and was even used by the U.S. military for various roles.
6. Studebaker L5 Coupe Pickup
Though largely forgotten today, Studebaker was a respected name in early American motoring. The 1938 L5 Coupe Pickup was one of the most stylish trucks of its time. Based on a passenger car, it had elegant lines, fender-mounted spare wheels, and upscale features.
It showed that pickups could be more than rugged tools—they could be beautiful machines, too. While not a huge sales hit, it helped plant the seed for the idea of the stylish, lifestyle-oriented truck.
7. Dodge Ram Cummins
While diesel pickups existed before the 1990s, none matched the capability of the Dodge Ram Cummins. Launched in the late ’80s, the standout year was 1991, when Dodge updated the truck with improved power.
Under the hood was a 5.9-liter inline-six turbo diesel delivering just 160 hp but a massive 400 lb-ft of torque—ideal for towing and heavy-duty work. Even by today’s standards, this truck remains a legend. Its rugged simplicity, 4×4 capabilities, and bulletproof engine earned it a cult following.
8. Chevrolet Task Force
In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the Task Force series, replacing the Advanced Design trucks. These new models embraced bold 1950s styling with larger bodies, sleek lines, and chrome trim.
Buyers could choose between two V8 engines (265 and 283 cid) or a standard 235 cid straight-six. Chevy also offered an automatic transmission, luxury features, and multiple bed lengths. The Task Force series was a turning point: it proved trucks could offer the style and options of passenger cars, foreshadowing today’s high-end pickups.
9. Dodge Power Wagon
Few trucks have the legacy of the Dodge Power Wagon, introduced in the 1940s. Based on a military design, it was built for rugged use with a solid chassis, four-wheel drive, and a dependable six-cylinder engine.
Although not fast or powerful by modern standards, the Power Wagon was durable and capable. It quickly became a favorite among farmers, construction workers, and international buyers. Its nearly 20-year production run speaks to its legendary status.
10. Ford F-100
Introduced in 1953, the Ford F-100 helped evolve the humble work truck into much more. As the second generation of Ford’s F-Series, the F-100 brought smoother rides, stronger frames, and better engines like the Y-block V8.
Though not considered luxurious, the F-100 offered unprecedented comfort for the time. It showed that trucks didn’t have to be rough, bare-bones machines—they could be refined, versatile vehicles. Production ended in the early ’80s as the F-150 took over, but the F-100’s legacy remains strong.