Today, America's favorite and most recognizable ride grace all kinds of roads as the ultimate representation of the union between utility and freedom. The American love story with pickup trucks began in 1925 when Henry Ford designed and mass-produced the first civilian pickup by adding a truck bed onto a model T chassis. All early trucks borrowed most of their features from the cars of the time, and with time, they grew into something different with longer truck beds and more comfortable cabs.
Automotive enthusiasts worldwide revere vintage trucks and are always on the lookout to own the most iconic pickup trucks ever made. Many collectible vintage trucks in excellent condition command premium prices. Yet, it is possible to find an old gem at a pocket-friendly price. We used Hagerty's vehicle valuation tool to create this list of some cool classic trucks that are still affordable.
10 1953 Ford F100 ($20,800)
No truck fits the 'milestone pickup' bill better than the F-100. Ford went back to the drawing board armed with $30 million for R&D and brought out the second-generation F-Series truck line only five years after releasing the F-1. The aim was to build a driver-centric truck, which was the first case of incorporating ergonomics into the design of a truck. The result was a truck with better access to controls, wider seats, a more expansive windshield for better visibility, and better soundproofing.
The F-100 was one of the first post-war pickups to gain collector status with enthusiasts in the 70s. Today, a Concours-worthy F-100 goes for a hefty $58,500. However, those that drive well but are not in a perfect state can be bought for as low as $20,800.
9 1956 Chevrolet 3100 ($18,600)
Ford led the Big Three Manufacturer into the pickup market in 1925, but by the end of the second world war and into the 1950s, Chevrolet was selling more trucks than any of its rivals. In 1955, Chevy debuted the Task Force trucks that featured a modern wraparound windshield, covered headlights, and an egg-crate grille.
The half-ton trucks came with a standard 235-cid inline-six producing 140hp, with a 4.3-liter V8 option making 155hp. Today, a Series 3100 in good condition goes for about $18,600, while those in Concours condition fetch up to $56,800.
8 1952 Dodge B-2 B ($17,400)
After World War II, Chrysler rushed to freshen their aging light truck offerings like the rest of the big three. As a result, Chrysler released the Dodge B-series that ran from 1948 to 1953 and was quite successful. The 1950 Dodge B2B was released at the midpoint of this run and carried the same rock-solid, durable and economical flat-six that made the B-Series the go-to workhorses.
The 1950 B2B model came with a new steering-column gearshift and a 'T' handle parking brake release that was mounted under the center of the dashboard to free up additional cab floor space. Today, a B2B in good condition can be had for just $17,400. A Concours-ready option will set you back $50,600.
7 1959 GMC Series 100-22 ($16,000)
The 50s were a reasonably good period for GM as they saw significant successes, with Chevrolet boasting the Corvette and the new and revered V8-powered Bel Air. In 1957 GMC updated their humble pickup trucks with the Series 100 half-ton truck receiving an upgraded 6-cylinder 270cid engine producing 130hp with an optional V8.
Today, the truck is a popular base for hot rods, and a truck in fair condition, perfect for a project, can be bought for just $6,200. However, a 1959 Series 100 that drives as new costs about $40,600 while one in good driving condition is just about $16,000.
6 1968 Ford F250 ($14,600)
This three-quarter-ton, 4-door crew cab pickup came standard with a 6-cylinder 240cid motor pushing 150hp, with an option of an 8-cylinder V8 making up to 255hp. Ford had unveiled a new generation of its light-duty trucks in 1967, but they had the same architecture as their predecessor, only with the new styling. However, the factory catalog of crew cabs was a new entry in the form of larger pickups.
The F-250 came with car-like equipment, including power steering, power brakes, remote control mirror, stereo radio, simulated vinyl roof, and air conditioning. Today the trucks fetch about $46,700 in Concours condition and $14,600 in good condition.
5 1964 Jeep Gladiator J200 ($14,600)
The historic Gladiator was Jeep's first solid full-size pickup truck offering. While today the gladiator exists in the body of the mid-sized Wrangler, the bigger elder is still admired by classics lovers. The Gladiators of the 60s replaced the outdated Willys trucks and are still remembered among the most iconic vehicles from that decade.
The 1964 Jeep Gladiator was stylish, well-equipped, and different from anything in the market at the time. A 1964 J-200 in Concours condition costs just $37,600, while a more worn out but still in good condition option can set you back about $14,600.
4 1967 Dodge D100 Sweptline ($13,700)
The sleek Dodge 'Sweptline' D100 was introduced in 1961, featuring an elegantly styled exterior, redesigned underpinnings, and Chrysler's new and now iconic Slant Six engine. It also came with the first alternator in pickups. The Sweptline departed from a typical design by incorporating large flat panels broken only by a sweeping groove that formed the check at the rear.
The 1965 Sweptline introduced a massively framed single headlight per side as part of a full-width grille to replace the dual headlights. Today, Concours-worthy D100 Sweptline costs about $35,200 with more modest options in good driving conditions, fetching just $13,700.
3 1970 Chevrolet C10 ($13,200)
In 1967 Chevrolet released the new generation and revised version of the largely successful first series of their C/K pickup. While it retained most of its predecessor's underpinnings, it was crisp, clean, and more modern-looking on the outside than its Ford half-ton rivals. The 1970 model received the new Mark Iv big block 402cid V8, which made an impressive 310hp.
This generation of the Chevrolet C10 is one of the most treasured collector trucks on the market today. They look fantastic, have excellent build quality, are easy to drive, and have timeless styling. Those in good condition cost about $13,200, with those in Concours state fetching just $28,900.
2 1950 International L110 Pickup ($10,800)
International might have arrived late to the all-new postwar pickup party, but they took their time to release what was the most advanced truck at the time. In 1950, the L110 debuted with a wide three-person Comfo-Vision cab with two-piece rear windows and one-piece left or right-side opening hood. It was the first pickup with an all-insert bearing, a fully pressurized oil system, and an overhead valve engine.
The L-Series came with fashionable rounded sides and a generally panned grille. Today, an L110 pickup in good running condition goes for about $10,800, with a more elegant Concours-worthy option fetching about $27,800.
1 1970 International 1100D ($9,600)
The 1000D series included International's light-duty trucks built from 1969 to 1975 to replace a fast becoming outdated design. They were competitively styled to compete with the Detroit-based Big Three rivals. The 1100D came with a full line of step-side and restyled bonus load pickup boxes offered in various wheelbases.
All trucks were powered by a standard 6-cylinder 232cid engine producing 145hp with an optional V8 making 155hp. Today, 1100D trucks fetch up to $28,000 in Concours condition, $19,200 in excellent condition, and about $9,600 in good driving condition.
Sources: hagerty.com, hemmings.com, mecum.com.