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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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"
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.