The American automobile production scene certainly has gained quite a large following over the past century. How could it not with some of the world's greatest vehicles manufactured by names like Ford and GMC.
Initially intended for industrial use, pickups started out as vehicles that were designed and produced with little regard to comfort or pleasant driving experience. But that quickly changed as newer amenities and options were added to pickups as a tactic by different manufacturers to gain a competitive advantage in the market. This led to a completely new era of innovative trucks that paved the way for several modern-day designs.
Despite being depicted as expensive vehicles in general, there are several well-built classic pickups known to be practical yet still came at fairly reasonable prices. Here are 14 classic American trucks that are surprisingly cheap, and 1 that's priceless.
14 Cheap: 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne
With a sporty front look that resembled that of the 1970 Mustang Shelby sports car, the Chevrolet Cheyenne gained a lot of attention with its simple yet sleek design. It was also produced at a time when a lot of industrial pickups weren't considered a comfortable ride, so being one of the few that were really added to its appeal. While it's a very reliable and nicely designed truck, it still comes at an affordable average price of $12,000.
13 Cheap: 1972 GMC C/K
Produced and sold under the Chevrolet brand from 1960 to 2002, and the GMC from 1960 to 1987, the C/K series had a well-deserved long run. One of the most successful models the series saw was the 1972 GMC C/K.
Being part of the second generation of the C/K family meant it came equipped with all the enhancements and improvements the first generation did not come with. From the changed more reliable brakes to the much better-looking interior, C/K certainly improved in a lot of aspects, both performance and aesthetic wise while still managing to sell at an average price of $16,000.
12 Cheap: 1971 Ford F100
There's a lot to say about the Ford F100 seeing as how it was one of the most iconic pickups of its era. Being part of the fifth-generation F-Series, the 1971 Ford F100 was the first of the series to have an AM/FM radio added as an option. Additionally, the F100 featured some changes over the previous models with new grille inserts, more vibrant colors, and a newer steering wheel design. It's surprisingly cheap as well with prices as low as $3,000.
11 Cheap: 1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express
With over 5,000 units produced in 1979, the unique looking and appealing 1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express was a hit with the public. Not only was a lot of attention to detail given in the making of this pickup as far as the exterior, but the engine was no less admirable.
Being considered one of the fastest ever American made trucks at its time, the engine packed a nice 225 horsepower at 3800 rpm. The price isn't too bad either, with an average of $15,000, making it one of the more affordable dodge classic pickups.
10 Cheap: 1989 GMC Sierra
With either a 160 horsepower 4.3-liter V-6 engine, or a 6.2-liter V-8 at 126 horsepower, the 1989 Sierra was definitely an admirable truck. The appeal of this pickup came from its straightforward and simple design as well as its formidable engine. The spacious interior as well adds a sense of care for driver comfort while still coming at a reasonable average price of $13,000.
9 Cheap: 1977 Ford Bronco
The first few years of the Bronco's production went by smoothly. Being one of the few off-road pickups back then, the 1977 Bronco certainly captured the attention of many. While initially being a pickup designed to endure some pretty tough terrains, it still managed to have a very eye-grabbing exterior.
Unfortunately, the Bronco went through a rework that left it without most of its off-road capabilities which in return lead to a slump in its sales. You can still find a lot of these amazing stunning pickups for sale at a price somewhere around the $12,000 mark.
8 Cheap: 1983 Jeep Scrambler
Jeep wasn't exactly known for producing top-notch pickups, but they've had their moments with vehicles like the 1983 Jeep Scrambler.
The engine packs more than enough power for this truck with its top speed of 78 mph produced by its 92 horsepower engine. Despite being a bit more expensive than the rest of its peers with an average price of $20,000, like the rest of Jeep vehicles, it's known for its durability which makes the pickup a good investment for a long-lasting truck.
7 Cheap: 1967 Chevrolet K-10
The 1967 Chevrolet K-10 was one of the pickups that were ahead of their time. With a very elegant and futuristic design, Chevrolet definitely did their fans right with the introduction of this model. Not only was it a very attractive pickup, but its performance was also something to talk about. Being able to dominate almost anything its wheels passed over, you'd think the K-10 would cost a pretty penny, but the classic beast's price was around $14,000.
6 Cheap: 1972 International 1210
The 1972 International 1210 was definitely a step up in design for the former manufacturing company. The vehicle was known for its endurance, capability, and long-run durability. The nice squarish design the pickup had gave it that sense of power and strength which reflected in its performance. The manufacturer also paid close attention to the interior making sure that the vehicle was as comfortable as it was practical. With a price tag of $16,000 on average, the International 1210 remains a fairly affordable option.
5 Cheap: 1993 Chevrolet Silverado
Unlike its peers, the 1993 Silverado came with a simpler and tidier build, which helped in enhancing the pickup's performance and speed given its lighter net weight. The eight-cylinder engine packed 290 horsepower at 4,000 rpm able to provide a top speed of 140 mph. It also comes at an average price of $14,000, making the pickup an even more desirable option.
4 Cheap: 1970 Dodge D100
There's a reason the infamous Dodge D/W series went under production for 32 years and it's because of models like the 1970 Dodge D100. Being produced just one year before Dodge's era of Sweptline pickups ceased, the D100 received a lot of love for being a high-performance pickup while still having a smooth feel to it. Unlike the previous models, the D100 included a padded front seat, carpeting, and several other features that made the D100 more comfortable.
3 Cheap: 1969 Jeep Gladiator
Manufactured two years before Kaiser-Jeep was bought by American Motors Company, a former American automotive manufacturer. the 1969 Jeep Gladiator was a truck that instilled awe and admiration into anyone who laid eyes on it. With a very aggressive look and a simple yet very comfortable classic interior, the car was a work of art.
The performance is just as aggressive as the exterior with a 250 horsepower V8 that is able to take this 7.6-ton pickup to a top speed of 110 mph. As far as the price, an average of 14,000$ is what it takes to own one of these stunning trucks.
2 Cheap: 1994 Dodge Ram
The 1994 Dodge Ram dominated the market upon its release, with sales reaching up to 400,000 units. The modern and bulky "macho" look accompanied by a 220 horsepower V-8 and an acceleration 8.7 seconds, one could tell why this pickup was a number one choice for a lot. Another thing that adds to its appeal is the affordability seeing as how one them sells for around 15,000$.
1 Priceless: 1957 Chevrolet Cameo
When the Cameo debuted, people saw trucks as barely anything other than an industrial vehicle, so luxury and a comfortable experience weren't anyone's priority. It wasn't until later on that the true value of the 1957 Chevy Cameo was discovered as a pickup truck that was way ahead of the game.
The experience of driving one of these was unparalleled as the interior was not only alluring and comfortable but also included different features and options that enhanced the driving experience. And the curvy build alongside the low stance and unique grille really gives the car its own personal look. So, considered the world's first Sports truck, it costs a hefty penny to get your hands on one of these, with prices easily exceeding $100,000.