Before trucks had fancy features, powerful engines, and comfy seats, they were made for one main reason—hard work. Early pickup trucks were simple and tough, built for farmers, shop owners, and workers who needed to move things. Back in the early 1900s, they focused more on doing the job than looking good. As more roads were built across the country, these trucks became even more important. The ten early pickups built between 1903 and 1931 helped shape what would become one of the most popular vehicle types in the world.
1903 International Auto Wagon
International Harvester’s 1903 Auto Wagon wasn’t just a farm vehicle—it was a revolution on wheels. With wooden wheels, chain drive, and a high ground clearance, it looked more like a horse cart than a truck. But for its time, it offered unmatched practicality. Farmers could haul goods over muddy roads, townspeople used them for deliveries, and early businesses discovered the power of mobile commerce. Though slow and basic, the Auto Wagon introduced the idea that a vehicle could be more than transportation—it could be a tool. It set the tone for over a century of pickup innovation.
1913 G.W. Harris “Auto Buggy” Truck
The Auto Buggy Truck by G.W. Harris was one of the earliest American examples of modifying passenger vehicles for utility. Built off carriage-style bodies, it replaced horses with early engines and added a cargo area. These were local, small-scale builds, made by entrepreneurial manufacturers who recognized the growing need for rural freight solutions. While it didn’t see mass production, the Auto Buggy helped spark the idea of factory-built pickups. The design included wooden beds, spartan interiors, and just enough power to get a few hundred pounds down a dirt road—a true early blueprint of the modern pickup.
1917 Ford Model TT
The 1917 Ford Model TT is often seen as the first real pickup truck. It was built on the Model T but had a stronger frame and a tougher rear axle so it could carry more weight—up to a ton. Ford sold it as just a chassis, so people could add whatever kind of bed or box they needed. It quickly became popular with farmers and workers who needed a reliable way to haul things. Thanks to Ford’s assembly line, it was affordable and easy to get, starting a whole new kind of vehicle made for everyday jobs.
1924 Dodge Screenside Commercial Car
Dodge’s Screenside Commercial Car arrived in the 1920s as a flexible delivery vehicle for small business owners. The Screenside design featured partially enclosed cargo areas, ideal for delivering goods like produce or dry goods while offering visibility and airflow. It was based on Dodge’s passenger car platform but built with utility in mind. Businesses embraced the Dodge for its solid build, easy-to-maintain engine, and sturdy suspension. It marked Dodge’s early commitment to commercial utility, a focus that continues today through Ram. This truck’s form and function were precursors to both vans and pickups in modern fleets.
1925 Chevrolet Series 490 Light Delivery
Chevrolet’s Series 490 Light Delivery truck hit the market as a rival to Ford’s Model TT. It featured a basic open cab and chassis that allowed buyers to install their preferred type of bed—flat, stake, or enclosed. The 490 got its name from its original $490 price tag, making it an accessible tool for small businesses. Its 4-cylinder engine was reliable and easy to repair, which boosted its popularity. Though it never outsold Ford, it gave Chevrolet a foothold in the work truck space. It helped position Chevy as a long-term contender in the growing utility vehicle market.
1925 Ford Model T Runabout with Pickup Body
Ford’s 1925 Model T Runabout was the company’s first factory-built pickup truck, featuring a steel bed with wooden sides and a 500-pound load capacity. It eliminated the need for third-party modifications and offered a ready-to-work truck straight from the dealership. This marked a major shift: for the first time, everyday people could buy a purpose-built pickup without having to assemble one themselves. It retained the Model T’s legendary simplicity, with its affordable price and dependable performance, but added more function. The Runabout cemented Ford’s role in putting America to work—one delivery, bale of hay, or crate at a time.
1927 Graham Brothers Pickup (Dodge)
The Graham Brothers partnered with Dodge in the early 1920s and were absorbed by them by 1926. By 1927, the Graham Brothers name adorned sturdy, reliable work trucks that carried Dodge components. These trucks were among the first to offer factory-installed beds and closed cabs, giving drivers shelter from the elements. Built with simplicity and toughness, they appealed to farmers, delivery drivers, and municipalities. These pickups laid the groundwork for Dodge’s truck reputation and were instrumental in the evolution of the brand’s later commercial models. They are some of the earliest examples of full integration between body and drivetrain in one unit.
1929 Studebaker Dictator Pickup
Though better known for its passenger cars, Studebaker also dipped into light-duty trucks with models like the Dictator-based pickup. Using the Dictator’s chassis, the truck maintained car-like comfort but added a reinforced rear frame and a modest cargo bed. The name “Dictator” hasn’t aged well, but the vehicle itself was a forward-thinking combination of luxury and utility. It helped appeal to customers who wanted refinement in a work-capable vehicle. These pickups were not produced in massive numbers, but they added style and innovation to the commercial truck scene of the late 1920s.
1931 REO Speed Delivery Truck
Founded by automotive pioneer Ransom E. Olds, REO built a series of versatile commercial trucks, including the stylish Speed Delivery. Though technically not a pickup in the modern sense, it offered configurations that included flatbeds and open cargo areas. These trucks were well-built, reliable, and uniquely styled for their time, making them popular among urban delivery businesses. REO focused on driver comfort and durability, helping set a higher standard for working vehicles. The Speed Delivery helped expand the vision of what a commercial truck could be—more than a tool, it could be a brand representative for a growing business.
1931 Hudson Big Boy Pickup
The Hudson Big Boy Pickup was among the earliest heavy-duty trucks built on a passenger car platform. It offered a stronger suspension, bigger brakes, and a longer wheelbase. This gave it the strength to handle larger loads without sacrificing ride comfort. Its car-like styling and smooth inline-six engine made it popular with drivers who wanted the utility of a truck without giving up the feel of a sedan. Although it wasn’t mass-produced in huge volumes, the Big Boy reflected a shift toward dual-purpose vehicles and helped pave the way for the more versatile, comfortable pickups we know today.