Modifications are car enthusiasts' way of redefining their vehicles, talking through it, and showing who they are. However, when it comes to classic trucks, not all enthusiasts share the same idea. To many, mods are a must no matter what. To others, classic trucks hold an outstanding quality the new models lack; they have spirit. The second group believes modern trucks are giant machines that go fast, whereas the old ones looked good, worked perfectly well, and felt good to drive. Above all, they are of great historical value.

While restorations and some mechanical mods usually result in higher efficiency, exterior modifications could be a big mistake ruining the look and the value if done on the wrong trucks. All in all, experience shows that many classic trucks are acceptable to be modified, yet some should never be since they are too beautiful to be modified. Here is a list of 10 classic trucks that are best to left stock.

10 1948-'58 Land Rover Series I

Military green Land Rover Series I driving on a green hill

Mr. Wilkes's version of the American Jeep was initially built to save the company after WW2 when the scarcity of steel damaged many automakers. To their surprise, Land Rover Series 1 became a favorite of all-time not only in Britain but in many countries worldwide. As brilliant as it sounds, Wilkes decided to use aluminum for the bodywork, resulting in the powerful yet lightweight Land Rover.

Military green Land Rover Series I parked on the lawn in front of a tent

This 4x4 featured sturdy flat panels and two big headlights, looking tough and exciting just as it was. The design is unique, and it has a history. It's like a precious old crown, and no one would mod an old crown.

9 1963-'71 Jeep Gladiator

Pale blue Jeep Gladiator parked on the lawns

The Jeep Gladiator came with the same frame construction as the popular Jeep Wagoneer. Just like a Gladiator, it was not monster-sized but still competent. Gladiators were used on farms, in everyday life, and even as ambulances. Moreover, their simple boxy body would turn many heads.

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Pale blue Jeep Gladiator parked on the lawns

The series was in production until 1988; however, from 1971, it went on without Gladiator in its name. By looking at it, one could immediately conclude that the original exterior parts perfectly match to bring about the simple, sturdy yet attractive look. Modifications? No need, thank you.

8 1958-'59 Ford Ranchero

Blue and White 1958 Ford Ranchero carrying a Cushman Eagle bike parked on the tarmac

Ford's car-based truck was an adaption of the Australian Utes. With the integrated cab and bed, the Ranchero was both a right car and a helpful truck. With Ranchero, Ford brought the classy look of a sedan and the capability of a light truck together in one vehicle.

Blue and White 1958 Ford Ranchero carrying a Cushman Eagle bike parked on the tarmac

It was offered in two versions, one basic model for those who needed a truck, and a luxurious one offering the same options as those of a Fairlane inside a stainless steel-body in two-tone colors. Considering the Ranchero's identity as a Ute, any mods would make it either less than a car or less than a truck.

7 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache Fleetside Deluxe

Satin beige and white 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache Fleetside Deluxe parked on a dirt road
via Car.info

The Apache was initially built to replace the Cameo in 1955. Then, in 1959, the Fleetside Deluxe was introduced. Both the Stepside and the Fleetside versions were iconic and popular. Both variants came with fabulous big rear windows and super cool headlights. However, the unique stainless trim on the bed was only available in the 1959 model year.

Satin beige and white 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache Fleetside Deluxe on mountains

The fleet-side also featured wheel covers colored to make this cool guy look as handsome as possible. Considering it's one of the rarest trucks out there today, who needs any mods to downplay its original unique options?

6 1981-'85 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler

Olympic White Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler on the mountains
via The Jeep Blog

The CJ-8 was the long wheel version of the CJ-7 with graphics on the body as well as unique edition wheels to define it. The wheel and graphics package gave the name Scrambler to these CJ-8s. What made the Scrambler's style unique was using a removable half cab, rather than following the usual separate bed trend.

Olympic White Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler on the mountains

This small-sized pickup was so convenient to drive that even President Reagan fell in love with it. Although it seems like a perfect truck to modify, it is merely unique by itself. So, why would one let mods steal the show?

5 1957-'59 Dodge Sweptside

Red and white Dodge Sweptside parked across a path among a city park

To compete with the Cameo, Dodge had to create something unique. So they did. With its outstanding tail fins, two-tone paint, and full wheel covers, the Sweptside was a knockout.

Red and white Dodge Sweptside parked across a path among a city park

To meet customers' demands, the SEG manager, Joe Berr, had Dodge wagon's fenders and bumpers joined to the half-ton extended wheel-base pickup. Moreover, these trucks are famous for being hand-built. However, a few units were ever made, and even fewer are now available. With all that said, isn't a stock Sweptside too cool to be modified?

4 1946-'47 Hudson Pickup

Black 1946 Hudson Pickup on the tarmac next to a wall

The most memorable truck among the few ever made by the respected Hudson company was built after WW2. Long before the appearance of Rancheros, Hudson joined a pickup bed to the Commodore sedan and created a stunning cab pickup to remember. It was an extended wheel-base pickup offering a large cargo box to be loaded.

Black 1946 Hudson Pickup on the tarmac next to a wall

With its unique nose style, roofline, and whitewall tires, Hudson Pickup has been long regarded as one of the most stylish cab pickups ever. Today, the original ones are more than trucks; they are a heritage of the once-loved Hudson company.

3 1967-'77 Ford F-250 "Highboy"

Red 1966 Ford F-250 Highboy Classic Truck
favcars

Because they were taller than other Ford trucks, the F250 series was given the nickname Highboy by the enthusiasts. As a result of using a divorced transfer case, most 4x4 pickups were lifted on their arrival. However, Ford was one of the last companies to lower the stance. So, Ford Highboys were among the last trucks of the era.

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Rangoon red Ford F-250 "Highboy" parked on the road shoulder

With its height, 35-inch tires, and boxy style, the Highboy has been hugely loved and admired as a cool, tough-looking pickup ever since its launch. That's why any exterior mods would be unnecessary or only too much.

2 1946-'56 Dodge Power Wagon

Red Dodge Power Wagon on an autumn day

Dodge Power Wagon hit the market after WW2 when Dodge decided to launch the civilian version of its military WC trucks. Being the first mass-marketed 4WD, the Power Wagon has since been hailed as an icon.

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Red Dodge Power Wagon on an autumn day

The design and styling were mostly similar to its predecessor. It was a powerful, reliable, rugged-looking truck that served its purpose. Every part of it contributed to the truck's utility, from wheel-base to big fenders. That said, mods are simply not Power Wagon's thing. It is a no show, "just go do the job in the best possible way" kind of truck.

1 1937 Hudson Terraplane Pickup

Ocean Blue Hudson Terraplane Pickup parked on an old alley

It is not a truck but a priceless antique. Hudson Terraplane is one of the oldest cab-pickups ever. The front end looked just like a car meeting a pickup bed at the back.

Ocean Blue Hudson Terraplane Pickup parked on an old alley

In contrast to what the Bumpy Art Deco Design suggested, it was an immensely capable truck to use. The Double-Drop 2X frame, as well as the 7-foot bed, had brought about a real work truck to rely on. With its big fenders shading the white wall tires and unique grilles, the Terraplane is too fancy and precious to be modified.

NEXT: 5 Perfectly Modified Trucks (5 That Look Ridiculous)