Pickup trucks have become an absolute icon of American vehicles, as well as a vital part of American culture as a whole.
Pickup trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and all of them deserve love. These are the most spectacular trucks of all time, both classic and modern. Some of them are really bizarre!
Mercury M1
This pristine Mercury M1 is bound to be the center of attention at any car show it attends. Afterall, this pickup truck looks as if it had just left the factory! It's hard to believe that this particular unit is over 7 decades old.
Mercury's M Series first debuted in 1946, mainly as a rebadged Ford F-Series targeted at buyers in Canada. This line of trucks remained in production until the late 60s.
Chevrolet 3100
There is something special about American pickup trucks from the 1950s. This classic Chevrolet 3100 is a prime example. Its unique green and yellow paint job, complete with chrome bumpers and whitewall tires, all make this truck even better.
The 3100 was a part of the Chevrolet Advance Design, a line of gorgeous pickup trucks sold by Chevy between 1947 and 1955. It was eventually replaced by the popular Apache.
1955 Chevrolet 3100
The 3100 was Chevy's flagship pickup truck throughout the first half of the 50s. This particular unit was turned into an eye-catching show truck. Its orange paint job ideally matches the tough, off-road look.
1955 was the final production year for the Chevrolet Advance Design Series. It was eventually replaced in '56 by the Task Force, and then the C/K in the early 60s. Believe it or not, the Advance Design Series was never offered with a V8 under the hood.
1972 Ford F Series
This pristine fifth-gen Ford F-Series is definitely desired by collectors across the globe. '72 was the final year of production for this generation of Ford's flagship pickup truck, hence it's widely considered to be the best one among enthusiasts.
The fifth-gen F-Series came powered by a weak flat-six motor as standard, rated at just 105 horses. However, buyers had the option to upgrade to a V8 rated at between 201 and 255 horsepower, depending on the year.
1946 Dodge W-Series
Let's face it, seeing a 1940s pickup truck in regular traffic is virtually impossible. Most of them are either turned to hot rods or restored and put up for auction. This blue '46 Dodge W-Series is clearly an exception.
A quick peek at the photo above is enough to understand that this particular '46 is driven exactly how it should be, rather than collecting dust in a garage.
1940 Willys Pickup
This gorgeous Willys Pickup is yet another masterpiece in the world of custom trucks. It has been restored to look better than ever, with a set of sleek stylistic touches to complete the perfect look.
The thick tires fitted at the back indicate that this pickup packs a punch, too. Its standard 60-horsepower flat-four motor was certainly replaced by something a lot more powerful.
1958 Chevrolet Apache
The Chevrolet Apache was built by General Motors between 1955 and 1961. It replaced the previously mentioned Chevrolet Advance Series. The Apache was also the direct predecessor of the C/K. The Apache was offered either with a flat-six or a variety of small-block V8s.
This yellow '58 Apache is yet another old-school truck that looks better than ever. Its bright yellow paint job ideally matches the aftermarket rims.
1958 Chevrolet Apache
A custom build like this is surely going to infuriate purists, as well as fans of stock-looking trucks. Although it won't be admired by every petrolhead, there's no denying that this Apache is indeed one of a kind.
Suicide doors, gigantic chrome rims, and an attention-grabbing orange paint job. This custom truck really has it all, including comfy modern seats and a powerful V8 under the hood!
1970 Chevrolet K10
The second generation of the Chevrolet C/K Series was a direct predecessor of the iconic square body pickup trucks. Although not as popular as its younger brother, the second-gen K10 is an absolute beauty. This pristine unit is a prime example.
The base C/K truck came powered by a weak flat-six, though buyers had a couple of different optional V8s to choose from. Some units even came powered by a big-block 402-cubic inch motor.
1961 Ford F100
Ford unveiled the all-new fourth generation of the F-Series truck for the '61 model year. The revised pickup was longer, sleeker, and lower than its predecessors. The F-Series came with a flat-six under the hood as standard, though buyers had various optional V8s to choose from.
This pristine unit is preserved in its original state, including an absolutely jaw-dropping dual-tone paint job. This pickup truck belongs in a museum!
1958 GMC Series 101-8
This glamorous '58 GMC Series 101-8 was preserved in its original condition. It packs a 336-cubic inch V8 beneath the hood.
The fact that this particular pickup truck was once owned by Steve McQueen only raises its value even further. The truck's registration plate is a reference to McQueen's identification number back when he was a student. This valuable truck is a real gem for anyone who can afford it!
1937 Chevrolet Half-Ton
The Chevrolet Master was a line of cars, trucks, and buses built by Chevrolet throughout the '30s and the early 1940s. This particular unit dates back to 1937, though most of its components were custom-built and added on later.
For the last time ever, the design of the trucks and buses was nearly identical to the passenger cars. As a result, the half-ton Chevy trucks from the late 30s are easily one of the most spectacular ones of all time.
1965 Dodge D200
The D Series was first introduced for the 1960 model year. It remained in production for just five years, before being replaced by the slightly redesigned second generation of the truck.
This particular D200 is an exceptional resto-mod done by a Los Angeles-based workshop. The original truck was fitted with a modern chassis, taken from a heavy-duty Dodge Mega Cab 3500 from 2007.
1968 Chevrolet CST K10
Back in the late 60s, every truck fan wanted to get their hands on a CST K10. The Custom Sport Truck trim level came with sport bucket seats as standard, chrome touches, as well as a rad chrome gauge cluster.
This particular unit has been preserved in its original condition. You may be surprised to hear that the high suspension wasn't added later on- they came out of factory like that!
1970 Chevrolet C10
This '70 short cab Chevrolet C10 is yet another prime example that square body Chevy trucks look absolutely stunning when lowered to the ground. The dual-tone paint job ideally matches the large wheels that were fitted on this retro pickup truck.
The second-gen C/K Series has skyrocketed in value in recent years. The demand for custom square bodies is higher than ever before.
1974 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super 10
Square body Chevrolet pickup trucks have become highly sought-after by collectors, and the 74 Cheyenne Super 10 is no exception. Add in the beautiful dual-tone paint job along with a lowered suspension, and you end up with what could be one of the nicest square bodies around.
Back in '74, the Cheyenne Super 10 was the best variant of the third-gen C/K Series on the market. Buyers even had the option to upgrade to the powerful 454-cubic inch big-block V8 motor!
2007 Toyota Hilux Arctic Explorer
Ever wondered what kind of vehicles are used in extreme weather conditions? Arctic Trucks are among the most durable pickups on the planet. This decked-out Toyota Hilux is one of them.
This Hilux is heavily modified to be able to get around some of the most remote parts of the world. Some of its features include enormous mud and winter tires, custom-made wide fenders, and additional lighting.
1933 Ford Pickup
This '33 Ford Pickup is a dream come true for any fan of crazy hot rods. However, it certainly won't appeal to fans of trucks restored to Concours condition, as it's the polar opposite.
The first-ever hot rods were built in California back in the 1930s, and the entire hot rod culture was born shortly after. Petrolheads used to race their modified cars on dried-up lakes around Los Angeles.
1934 Ford Pickup
A custom build like the one in the photo above is a polar opposite of the previously mentioned '33 Ford Pickup. Rather than turning it into an insane hot rod, the owner of this '34 Ford decided to turn his truck into a custom show-stopper.
The final product is truly breathtaking. It preserves the car's original styling, paired with a powerful V8 motor beneath the hood and sleek aftermarket wheels.
1946 Dodge Power Wagon
This beautifully restored Dodge Power Wagon is a real head-turner! Inside is a SRT8 Hemi and a Whipple Supercharger, pumping out incredible power.
The owner customized the 1946 Dodge with 40" Maxxis Razor MT tires, mounted rear spare tire and AMP side steps to add to the appeal. This particular vehicles was customized by Truck Trend.
1929 Ford Model A
The Model A is unarguably one of the most influential vehicles of all time. It debuted back in 1927 as a replacement for the famous Model T, which had been in production for nearly two decades at the time.
This particular '29 Model A pickup truck has been restored back to its former glory, rather than being turned into a custom hot rod. It is one of the greatest pieces of automotive history anyone can own.
Chevrolet C10 Square Body
When it comes to the third generation of the Chevrolet C/K Series, commonly known as the Square Body, it does not get much better than this. A single cab remains the most desired variant among enthusiasts.
This particular C10 is slammed to the ground and fitted with enormous rims that barely fit. Look at that perfect fitment!
GMC SIERRA HD AT4 All Mountain
This one-of-a-kind build is easily the best pickup truck for any winter sports fanatic. As a matter of fact, it was built to celebrate GM's partnership with the Vail Ski Resort in Colorado.
This custom Sierra HD AT4 was fitted with snow tracks to improve its off-roading capabilities even further. It's also powered by the same 401-horsepower 6.6L V8 motor that can be found in the regular Heavy-Duty Sierra.
1948 Chevrolet 3100
Some trucks are all show and no go. Though this 1940s Chevy may be nearly 8 decades old, it can smoke many modern sports cars!
This '48 Chevy truck is a real beast. It's powered by a V8 LS motor borrowed from a Chevrolet Corvette, as well as a custom red interior. It has got to be one of the cleanest units of the Chevy Advance Design Series out there.
1977 Hoonitruck
This monstrous pickup truck was built for Ken Block. The famous rally driver drifted this truck in one of his viral Gymkhana videos. Earlier this year, the highly-modified '77 Ford F150 ended up on the market. The asking price was a whopping $1.1 million.
The Hoonitruck packs a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 motor, modified to produce 914 horses and over 700 pound-feet of torque.
1946 Ford Pickup
This vintage pickup truck could very well be considered a predecessor of the beloved F-150, America's best-selling pickup truck of all time. This particular unit was built just two years before the debut of the first-ever F-Series.
Like many other trucks from the same era, this '46 Ford Pickup was turned into a custom monster. The Corvette wheels indicate that there could be a modern drivetrain hidden under the restored classic body.
1966 Chevrolet C10
1966 was the final year of the six-year-long production run of the first-gen C/K Series. Like most of its predecessors, the first generation C10 was offered with an underpowered flat-six as standard. However, buyers once again had the option to upgrade to an eight-cylinder motor.
This '66 C10 is mint, quite literally. The unique paint job ideally matches the mid-60s design language. What a gorgeous truck!
GMC Sierra
This custom second-generation GMC Sierra won't appeal to everyone, much like any other dropped pickup truck. This second-gen single cab Sierra was slammed to the ground and fitted with a set of impressive wheels.
Aside from the drop kit and aftermarket wheels, this lady-driven pickup truck has been given a total visual makeover. The front splitter and a cool hood all make this short cab truck look extremely aggressive.
1955 Chevrolet Apache
This glamorous '55 Chevy Pickup is the second yellow Apache that has been featured on this list. It has been turned into a spectacular custom show truck, much like the previously mentioned Apache from 1958.
A 348-cubic inch V8 was the most powerful motor offered in the Chevrolet Apache. It peaked at 250 horses and was first introduced in '58.
1955 Chevrolet Apache
Chevrolet introduced the legendary Apache back in 1955. It revolutionized the pickup truck industry. One of its most notable features was a wrap-around front windshield, as well as a similar one in the rear available as an extra option on Deluxe cabs.
There is no denying that the Chevrolet Apache has gone down in history as one of the most jaw-dropping pickup trucks ever made. The design language is simply timeless.
1960 Chevrolet El Camino
Although the El Camino is perhaps the most famous American unibody pickup of all time, the first generation is criminally overlooked. It's a shame that this beauty was only produced for two years before being replaced by its successor.
A dual-tone paint job is a perfect look for a first-gen El Camino, that's for sure. Although not quite as powerful as a big block, the 348-cubic inch V8 under the hood is surely going to deliver lots of smiles per gallon.
2017 Ram 2500 Laramie
This gorgeous fourth-gen Ram may just have the perfect balance of old-school styling and modern comfort. Its 10" body lift paired with 26" rims may not be everyone's taste, though.
One of the most striking features of this 2500 Ram, other than its aggressive stance, is perhaps its custom patina wrap. No wonder it made an appearance at SEMA back in 2019.
1955 Ford F-Series
A blacked-out second-generation Ford F-Series with a V8 under the hood has got to be a dream truck for many petrolheads. Afterall, it's hard to think of anyone who wouldn't want to own one of these beauties.
The '55 Ford F-Series came with a flat-six motor rated at a mere 115-horsepower as standard. Buyers had the option to upgrade to a V8 motor, though it only raised the power output by an extra 15 horses. It was far from a high-performance machine, that's for sure.
1971 Chevrolet C10
1971 saw a minor facelift of the second generation of the Chevrolet C/K Series. The front end of the truck was redesigned, along with the interior. In addition, front disc brakes became a standard option from '71 onwards.
Who could have thought that a second-gen C/K Series truck would look this good in orange? This sleek pickup truck looks great with a drop kit and aftermarket wheels, too.
1972 Chevrolet C10
This C10 may be just a year younger than the last truck on this list, though it's a completely different vehicle. Slamming a pickup truck this low is surely controversial, but it does look good nonetheless!
The C10 is equipped with a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain. The owner did not sacrifice much of the truck's off-roading capabilities, as they were pretty bad to begin with. Lowering an AWD K10 would make much less sense.
1932 Ford Model B
The Model B debuted in 1932. It was a direct successor of the Ford Model A, the automaker's second major success in terms of sales. The flagship model was offered in various body styles, including a two-door pickup truck.
This particular Model B was turned into a custom build, although much of its exterior design was kept original. The thick tires are perhaps the only dead giveaway that this is far from your average 90-year old utility vehicle.
1987 Chevrolet C10 Square Body
This is yet another prime example that a short cab Square Body looks great in any color. The customized front fascia is a little different than the stock grille, though it does look cool and unique.
The awesome features of this Square Body go far beyond just the aftermarket grille, though. That's because this neat '87 packs a monstrous 454-cubic inch big-block V8 motor under the hood!
1969 Chevrolet C10
General Motors decided to lightly update the interior of the Chevrolet C/K Series in 1969. Although the exterior year-by-year changes were limited to a different hood and grille, the interior saw an all-new two-spoke steering wheel and a foot-operated parking brake.
1969 was also the first year of the optional dual-tone paint jobs offered by Chevrolet on the C/K trucks. This was easily one of the best-looking upgrades any buyer could get back then!
The Franken-Ford
You may be confused by this unique-looking rat rod. At first, it would appear that this pickup truck is based on a 1936 Ford. However, the front grille happens to come from a Chevrolet. What's more, the entire platform was taken from a '95 Chevy pickup truck!
The Franken-Ford is primarily made up of three different vehicles. There are even more creative touches, such as the car's taillights that are made from old refrigerator drawers.
1991 Dodge W350
When it comes to pickup trucks from the 1990s, it does not really get better than this. This '91 W350 is an absolute monstrosity, its lifted suspension enables the truck to perform exceptionally on any kind of terrain.
This lady-driven W350 is powered by a Cummins motor. These powerplants need no introduction, as they're widely considered to be the absolute best diesel engines of all time.
