In the past pickups were tools, something you needed for work, and not necessarily something you wanted.
That perception has changed over time. Today, many of us desire to own a pickup. They have become almost as refined as cars with the added benefit of having the extra load capacity when you need it, even if you don’t necessarily need the vehicle for work every day.
They are the multi-tools of the automotive world, and we love them for that. That change in mindset is a big part of why there is such a big market for classic pickup trucks today. Trucks that were overlooked in the past are coveted today. Here are five classic examples that everyone seems to want, and five old workhorses that remain affordable.
10 Every Enthusiast Wants: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45
Interest in the FJ40 and FJ45 Land Cruiser have never been higher, as restored and resto-modded vehicles are fetching huge sums of money all over the world.
It is for good reason that they have become popular. They come with an incredible, borderline bulletproof drivetrain, and a near perfect rugged aesthetic. Their reputation precedes them though, and they are now overpriced as a result.
9 True Bargain: Mazda B-Series
All things JDM are now in, and all things from the '80s are also in. Yet, somehow, the B-series remains well and truly off the radar.
This is actually a good thing for those of us who like them, and as much as their standard powertrain options left much to be desired, the engine bay has more than enough room for whatever your heart desires (including a V8 like the one pictured).
8 Every Enthusiast Wants: Land Rover Defender 110
All things Land Rover seem to have become desirable. While their off-road ability is second to none, their powertrain has however always let them down.
That is why several tuners have started refurbishing these now legendary machines and fitted them with more reliable American V8 engines as well as Tesla powertrains. These incredible machines command a premium though.
7 True Bargain: Jeep J10
Jeep’s first pickup, made under the watchful (or is it lazy) eyes of AMC had several issues. Chief among which was corrosion, most especially the bed which always seems to rust from the inside out.
They are very capable though, and as long as you get one with the reliable inline-6 and treat the rust issue before it goes too far, there are bargains to be had.
6 Every Enthusiast Wants: Ford F-100
In so many ways, the first generation of the F-series pickup is the very definition of a pickup truck.
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These were true workhorses, hence, not many survived. Those that did have pretty much all been fully restored, and they command a premium.
5 True Bargain: Ford Ranchero
The term “muscle-truck” has come back into the vernacular, but it certainly isn’t anything new. Back when Ford were selling this and Chevy were selling the El Camino, they were getting sold with big blocks.
If you are a Ford fan, then the Cobra Jet equipped Ranchero should really be on your radar, because for whatever reason, they remain pretty affordable compared to the El Camino.
4 Every Enthusiast Wants: Chevrolet C10
Few pickups get resto-modded quite as much as the C/K Chevy. As a result, there is now a burgeoning aftermarket for them.
Anything from bespoke suspension solutions to powertrain, you can get just about anything "off the shelf," which means spares won’t ever be an issue. Unfortunately, it also means these are all too often priced unreasonably.
3 True Bargain: GMC Sierra Classic Crew Cab
Pretty much everything that fits that C10, will fit one of these old crew cabs, and even though GMC effectively positioned these above the regular C10, they remain more affordable today.
They generally didn't get beat up quite as much and because they were the first crew cabs, they were either used by foreman or for leisure purposes.
2 Every Enthusiast Wants: Dodge Power Wagon
The old war veteran is a living legend and quite frankly deserves all the attention it has been getting in recent years.
However, it is not practical by any stretch of the imagination, with an old inline-6 that makes it terribly sluggish. Changing those engines would also be sacrilege (and ruin its value).
1 True Bargain: Dodge Ram
Specifically, a Ram with a Cummins turbo diesel engine. They have become incredibly popular among enthusiasts, but are not quite out of reach just yet.
They can also pull just about anything and for the most part remain reliable. Paying a bit more for a good example will be worthwhile. These were after all work vehicles and some work vehicles just don't get maintained.