Pickup trucks have all the time been the quintessential American automotive section. From being the go-to car for farmers and ranchers to changing into a rugged and versatile high-mileage munchers, off-road prepared machine, pickup vans are as essential part of American tradition as muscle automobiles.

Looking back at history, the primary pickup truck was the 1925 Ford Model T Runabout with a pickup physique, created by Henry Ford and was offered for $281. Ford is the truth is additionally credited with coining the time period “pickup”. Since then, the automotive world has witnessed innumerable pickup vans throughout the globe, however listed below are a few of the rarest pickup vans chances are you’ll by no means have heard about.

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10 1955-1961 Datsun 120 sequence

Estimated Value: Currently Unavailable

The Datsun 120 was a compact Japanese pickup truck made by Nissan from 1955 to 1961. The story behind how Japan made its first pickup truck is sort of attention-grabbing. After World War II, the necessity for gentle supply automobiles in Japan shot up, prompting automakers to make three-wheeled automobiles and motorcycle-based automobiles. They have been fast and nimble for his or her time, however removed from the pickups as we all know them as we speak. Datsun modified the sport in 1955 with the 120.

Production Specs

The Datsun 120 Paved The Way For Japanese Automakers To Enter The Global Market

The Datsun 120 was one of many first Nissan merchandise to be offered in Europe when an order of 200 items was shipped to Spain in 1956. Boasting a modest 860 cc engine generating 25 horsepower, it is payload and towing capability weren’t distinctive, however by Nineteen Fifties Japanese requirements, it obtained the job carried out. Its powertrain was mated to a four-speed flooring shift guide transmission, and three variations of the 120 have been obtainable: supply van, panel van (120 solely), and double cab.

• During its six years in manufacturing, six foremost fashions have been constructed: 120 (Jan. to Dec. 1955), 122 (Dec. 1955 to May 1956) and 123 (Jun. 1956 to Sep. 1957).
• For causes unknown, Nissan skipped the 121 designation.
• The L123 was the primary left-hand drive model constructed by Nissan, in response to requests from importers within the Middle East.
• The L123 additionally obtained the brand new hydraulic clutch system developed for the upcoming 210 automobiles and vans, as Nissan’s engineers didn’t need to use a rod to switch clutch pedal actions, fearing vibrations and noise.

9 1938-1949 Mazda REPU

Estimated Value: $19,210

Mazda and rotary engines are a love affair everyone knows about. While these engines might be noticed largely in sports activities automobiles, the Mazda REPU was an exception as a pickup. It was offered from 1974 to 1977 and was solely obtainable within the North American Market. The Rotary-Engined Pickup (REPU) had a four-port 1.3-liter 13B four-barrel carbureted engine, flared fenders, a battery mounted below the mattress, a special sprint, a entrance grille, and spherical taillights.

Production Specs

Mazda REPU Was The World’s First And Only Wankel-Engined Pickup Truck

The REPU was based mostly on the second technology Mazda B1500 pickup truck which was a household of Mazda B-series vans. Most items have been made for the 1974 mannequin yr (PA136 chassis), however the impact of the power disaster on gross sales triggered Mazda to restamp lots of the 1974 fashions with the prefix “S”, designating them as 1975 fashions. And if you happen to’re nonetheless questioning what kind of identify REPU is, it’s an abbreviation for Rotary Engine Pickup.

• While made by a Japanese automaker, the REPU was solely obtainable within the North American Market.
• The pickup retailed for about $3,500 (equal to $20,769 in 2022 cash); its noticed gas financial system was 16.5 miles per gallon.
• The REPU was offered for 4 years from 1974-77 with over 15,000 offered with greater than 14,000 of these gross sales in its first yr.
• Like many Mazda rotary automobiles, the REPU was raced. It took third place within the 1976 SCCA Mojave 24 Hour Rally pushed by Malcolm Smith and Jack Sreenan.

8 1961-1965 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Estimated Value: $21,518

The Chevrolet Corvair 95 had 4 fashions, of which the Greenbrier had the longest run. In the primary manufacturing yr of 1961, round 58,000 items have been produced, however like different fashions, manufacturing fell till it was phased out in 1965 with solely about 1,528 items offered.

Despite early success, when the Corvair automotive confronted stability points, Chevrolet made the Greenbrier, a classy compact van based mostly on the Corvair platform. With a rear-mounted air-cooled flat six engine, this truck shared the identical floorplan, drivetrain and engine because the Corvair, nevertheless it may accommodate round 9 folks or half a ton of cargo. What was unique and innovative about the Greenbrier was the unique side ramp version, which made it simpler to load and unload cargo.

Production Specs

Like The Corvair Cars, The Greenbrier Suffered Bad Press

The Greenbrier suffered bad press related to engine oil leaks and stability of the swing axle rear suspension. But mockingly, the swing axle impartial rear suspension underpinned a lot of the enchantment of the Greenbrier as a big passenger car by affording a trip extra snug than that of different comparable sized vans.

With the inventory 80 horsepower flat-six engine, the Greenbrier had double the horsepower of the Volkswagen van and a smother trip below a load. However, finally, the stiff competitors from the inexpensive Ford Econoline and VW van took a toll, leading to a brief manufacturing run.

• Compared to its opponents on the time, the Greenbrier had double the horsepower of the VW van and a smoother trip below a load.
• GM referred to the Greenbrier as a ‘station wagon’, however is extra precisely considered as a minivan/pickup, just like the carry-all of late-Twentieth century households.
• Some Greenbriers have been outfitted with a further set of doorways on the motive force’s facet.
• A camper bundle was additionally obtainable for the Greenbrier, with choices for the cargo house together with mattress cushions, a sofa, a kitchen counter, and even a Coleman range and cooler.

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7 1947-1959 GMC 100

Estimated Value: $37,061

If you are a fan of sizzling rods, this conventional design of the 1954 GMC 100 is certain to ring a bell. The old-school ‘beater’ look is imprinted on practically each hot-rod fanatic’s thoughts.

Under the hood of this basic pickup, you’d spot a sturdy overhead valve inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 269 cubic inches and 130 horsepower. The default transmission choice was a three-speed guide synchromesh unit, whereas an computerized or four-speed guide transmission might be chosen as an improve with completely different wheelbases and chassis lengths.

Production Specs

The 1954 GMC 100 Offered Modern Features In A Classic Era

The iconic 1954 GMC 100 was obtainable in quite a lot of configurations together with half, three-fourths and one-ton fashions. As far as engineering expertise go, the GMC 100 was a beast. And in as we speak’s resale market, it can easily fetch upwards of $30,000.

From semi-floating or full-floating rear axle configurations together with its tubular AR entrance suspension, to rear tubular management arms, adjustable coil-over suspension, and Willwood four-wheel disc brakes, this pickup had all of it. Plus, the 1954 GMC 100 was outfitted with fashionable conveniences akin to energy steering, a restricted slip rear axle, and a four-speed computerized transmission with overdrive.

• The GMC 100 was the half a ton model, with there being the 150 sequence weighing three-quarters of a ton, and the 250 sequence weighing one ton.
• This mannequin was the primary GM pickup, which was not only a useful truck, however a person car as effectively.
• In truth, this was one of many first household automobiles within the US.
• In its ultimate yr, the 1959 GMC Series 100 value roughly $1,880 to $2,675 when new.

6 1960-1966 Dodge D-100 (HPP)

Estimated Value: $40,700

In the early Sixties, Ford and Chevrolet had already claimed a justifiable share of the aggressive pickup truck market. Dodge discovered itself trailing behind these legacy automakers, missing newer fashions, sufficient choices, and extra engine choices. Unfazed, Dodge launched a game-changing particular version known as the D sequence High Performance Package (HPP).

Core to this bundle was the 426 Wedge V8, formidable in its time, boasting a whopping 375 horsepower. This was, apparently, the biggest and probably the most potent engine ever built-in right into a pickup truck at the moment. The HPP also introduced upgrades like bucket seats (as will be glimpsed in the video by Kinion Classics), a push-button 727 LoadFlite three-speed computerized, heavy-duty springs, and traction bars.

Production Specs

Only Around 50 Models Of The Dodge D Series (HPP) Were Produced

The downside was that the HPP choice value a whopping $1,235 – 67 % of the bottom worth (about $10,500 in as we speak’s cash). To order it, patrons needed to pay in full for the truck prematurely, with out Chrysler Corporation financing. Therefore, regardless of its spectacular look and efficiency, the HPP’s steep worth restricted its success. Only round 50 fashions have been manufactured over three mannequin years, with simply 31 recognized survivors as we speak, making the Dodge D sequence HPP a prize to personal.

• The Chrysler A engine of 318 cu in (5.2 L) was the smallest V8 choice. And all of Chrysler’s bigger engines, besides the Hemi engine, have been obtainable as manufacturing unit choices.
• Besides straight-sided beds (known as Sweptline), the D sequence additionally supplied step-sided slender beds (known as Utiline).
• The first technology of the D sequence got the Dodge and Fargo manufacturers. That is why the vans have been produced by the Dodge Division of the Chrysler Corporation.
• The 426 cubic inch engine produced 365 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, consistent with the muscle-car revolution that was then sweeping Detroit.

5 1939-1947 Hudson Big Boy

Estimated Value: $42,539

We all know in regards to the iconic Hudson Super Six. But crafted between 1939 and 1947, the Hudson Big Boy was a vastly progressive truck for its time. It was conceptualized by Betty Thatcher Oros, who was the primary feminine automotive designer within the U.S. Hudson employed her wanting a feminine perspective on automotive design.

With a concentrate on strong development and a smooth design, the Big Boy pickup was method forward of its time, that includes a singular Auto-Poise front-wheel management suspension, and a 212 cubic inch straight-six engine. The Big Boy was supplied in two foremost sequence: the sooner and rarer Series 98, and the postwar and extra frequent Series 58.

Production Specs

Restored Models Of The Big Boy Can Fetch As Much As $50,000 Today

Only 640 business automobiles have been produced by Hudson in 1939 and that determine was inclusive of 1/2-ton and three/4-ton pickups. Before World War II, Hudson supplied each half and three-fourth ton pickups, however the former was phased out proper after the conflict, till its manufacturing resulted in 1947, the yr by which solely about 3,000 items have been produced.

As far as security was involved, the duo-automatic brakes combining hydraulic and mechanical methods have been fairly an innovation. Today, the rarity and innovation in its period make the Hudson Big Boy a collector’s treasure.

• This automotive was a results of Hudson’s effort to merge the consolation of a sedan with the practicality of a pickup truck.
• Therefore, these vans have been formed within the entrance like a sedan and have been huge in proportions.
• Both half and three-fourths ton Big Boy pickups have been constructed on both a 116- or 128-inch wheelbase chassis.
• The entrance ends have been Hudson’s impartial “Auto-Poise Front Wheel Control” suspension.

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4 1955-1959 Chevrolet Apache

Estimated Value: $52,089

The 1958 Chevy Apache belonged to the Task Force series, and had a powerful metal unibody chassis with 5 eye-catching colours and a 115-inch wheelbase. Not solely was it fairly a classy design in its time, however with twin headlamps, tubeless tires, and an inside air flow system amongst different up to date options, the Apache was a sensible truck.

Production Specs

The 1958 Chevrolet Apache Is A Collector’s Prize

With a 283 cubic inch V8, the drive to the rear wheels was supplied by a Ford 9-inch rear axle. The engine was paired with a four-barrel Holley carburetor and linked to a easy shifting four-speed computerized 700R4 transmission. Even as we speak, the Apache can be spotted in a lot of collections, usually as a restomod.

The Apache’s inside comfortably match two folks and featured some pretty additions like a late mannequin Chevy tilt steering column and a thirty gallon bespoke fuel tank. Features extra fashionable by that point’s commonplace included the Willwood four-wheel disc brakes, 1955-1959 leaf springs, and Plymouth Valiant’s torsion bar suspension.

• The Task Force vans have been widespread throughout their run from 1955-1959, and so they have been successful with collectors and sizzling rod lovers ever since.
• The debut 1955 vans have been a giant departure from something Chevrolet had supplied beforehand, with extra car-like facilities and styling, together with curved windshields, a lot of elective vivid work, and even an extra-cost V8.
• Base-level Apaches additionally had a cream-painted grille, bumper and headlamp bezels and cream-colored hubcaps.
• What’s attention-grabbing is that even air-con was supplied, which was a primary for Chevy vans.

3 1947-1959 Chevrolet 3100

Estimated Value: $52,875

The 1947 Chevy 3100 was a quintessential a part of the Chevrolet’s ‘Advanced Design’ sequence, launched after World War II, recognized for its rounder, sleeker look than previous vans. This truck boasted a strikingly fashionable design with a commanding grille and wraparound windshield, and was constructed on the Chevy Task Force platform.

With an average retail price of $57,500 according to J.D. Power, a superb situation Chevrolet 3100 can fetch a resale worth as excessive as round $120,000. Revered by basic automotive aficionados, its resale worth is a transparent indicator of the enchantment of the Chevrolet 3100, which is well known for its sturdiness, reliability, and efficiency.

Production Specs

The Design Of The Chevy 3100 Was Reminiscent Of The 1957 Bel Air

The Chevrolet 3100 pickup had fairly a classy design even by as we speak’s requirements. The half-ton variant sported a 6.5 ft mattress and a 114-inch wheelbase. Housed below the elegant hood was the usual 235.5 cubic-inch inline-six engine that delivered 123 horsepower and round 210 pound-feet of torque, with elective upgrades together with a 265 cubic-inch V8 with 162 horsepower or a potent 283 cubic-inch V8 with 185 horsepower.

• The 3100 Series was a half-ton truck and underwent a number of refreshes all through its manufacturing.
• Initially, the gasoline tank was positioned on the passenger facet of the mattress, nevertheless it was later moved to upright.
• The modifications included the addition of vent home windows, a change in door handles, and transferring the transmission shifter from the ground to the steering column.
• During the retro-craze of the 2000s, the fashion of Advanced Design was used for the Chevrolet SSR roadster pickup.

2 1955-1959 Chevrolet Cameo

Estimated Value: $62,396

If you go down the annals of the historical past of pickup vans, you’d discover there was a time within the mid-1900s when automakers have been attempting to shrug off the fame of pickups as farm automobiles. For Chevrolet, that position was majorly performed by the Cameo.

Building on the revolutionary styling of Chevy’s redesigned 1955 “Task Force” light-duty pickup, the Chevy Cameo truck actually helped create the thought of a luxurious truck that might be trendy and nonetheless work exhausting too — a spirit that continues as we speak in tricked-out Chevys like the Silverado High Country.

Production Specs

Chevrolet Introduced The Iconic Fleetside Truck Bed With The Cameo

Before the Cameo, conventional pickups adhered to the step-side design of their truck beds. This was a manufacturing technique relationship again to the early Nineteen Twenties. The fleetside truck mattress design of the Cameo supplied a far more elegant look and a seamless design. It allowed for the utilization of the utmost mattress width, enhancing its means to hold a wider load. If that iconic innovation that had endured until as we speak wasn’t sufficient, the Cameo showcased its design potential with a V8.

• Rather than stamping metal bedsides for the Cameo pickup, GM determined to make the parts out of fiberglass, which was a comparatively new expertise within the Nineteen Fifties.
• The Cameo truck’s smooth mattress sides and different fiberglass elements have been in-built the identical manufacturing unit as early ‘Vettes.
• At the rear of every fiberglass fender, Chevrolet hooked up chrome tail-lights left over from manufacturing of the 1954 Chevy Bel Air.
• The 1955 Cameo truck featured a premium worth of $435 over the $1,400 base worth of a Chevy truck, and the design was an on the spot hit in the marketplace, however sadly, not for too lengthy.

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1 1938-1949 Diamond T201

Estimated Value: $80,000

The man behind that design of the Diamond T’s 201 was Charles A. Tilt, the son of a shoemaker, who started constructing automobiles in 1905, however he was making solely vans by 1911. Charles Tilt’s identify finally grew to become synonymous with one of many engineering features of his cabs – they have been tilted ahead to permit for engine upkeep.

It is claimed that as a result of their trendy design, the T201’s have been known as ‘the boss’ truck’. They had hanging appears to be like with all their chrome and chrome steel. The inside projected an govt air and had such attention-gathering equipment as electrical clocks, fancy steering wheels with a horn ring and break up vinyl-covered seats with armrests.

Production Specs

Charles Tilt Designed The 201 With Headlights And Bumpers Resembling Chrysler and Cadillac

The T201 was powered by a strong 236 cubic-inch inline-six Hercules engine, delivering over 90 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a Warner T-9 four-speed transmission and a Clark R650 full-floating rear differential. All 4 wheels obtained Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes.

One of the 201’s trademark options was its full-disc chrome hubcaps. They bore the Diamond T’s distinctive gold-bordered trademark – a inexperienced diamond with a T beside it. The trademark had been within the household since Tilt’s father was a shoemaker.

• The Diamond T201 was a one-ton mannequin, succeeding the three/4-ton Model 80 pickup vans that offered pretty effectively.
• The Model 201 was based mostly on a singular X-frame undercarriage that added assist to the already sturdy chassis, with an I-beam entrance axle up entrance, and 13-leaf rear springs.
• Both stake truck and panel supply configurations have been supplied on the Model 201 throughout its 11 years of manufacturing.
• Design components like a passenger car-inspired grille, twin fold-out windshield panels and car-like inside have been used to enchantment to the extra ‘refined’ truckers.