Classics That Still Win Hearts
When it comes to trucks, not every classic fades into the past. Some trucks still remain in use even after decades, proving they're never quite done yet. As for their drivers, they display their vintage rides with pride. There's a kind of loyalty they inspire that modern rides just can't replicate no matter how hard they try. So, let's take a closer look at 20 of these beloved vintage trucks.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
1. 1971 International Harvester Scout Pickup
The 1971 Scout Pickup, born from the tough Scout SUV, earned its stripes on rough trails and farmland alike. With IH's farm-friendly kits, it became a rural icon—now often reborn as overland rigs built for adventure beyond the backcountry.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
2. 1957 Dodge Sweptside Pickup
This rare bird borrowed its outrageous tailfins from Dodge's own station wagons, making it one of the only pickups bold enough to flaunt that space-age swagger. No wonder collectors nickname it the "rocket truck." Interestingly, only 1,263 units were ever built.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
3. 1985 Toyota Pickup (Hilux)
You'd have a hard time killing this truck, literally. With its bulletproof 22R engine and off-road grit, the '85 Hilux became a cult classic. It even carries the look of 80s action shows and still hauls gear in remote backcountry today.
4. 1981 Datsun 720 King Cab
Looking cool was just the start for the Datsun 720 King Cab. The bold striping and extended cab gave it street appeal, and its sporty suspension made for a surprisingly smooth ride. That mix of style and performance made it a surf-and-skate favorite.
1981 Datsun 720 King Cab For Sale - Walk Around Video (66K Miles) by GR Auto Gallery
5. 1983 Chevrolet S-10 Durango
Chevy's first compact pickup, the S-10, took a bold approach. Visually, the Durango trim added chrome and flashy decals, and a lightweight frame kept it nimble in traffic. Best of all, it welcomed mods, making it a budget-friendly favorite for hands-on customizers.
1983 Chevrolet S10 Durango Sold! by Takrourin’ Motors
6. 1972 Chevy C10
Catch a C10 rolling by, and you'll see why GM's "Action Line" is so adored. Whether it's the burly Big Block V8 or those cruise-worthy coil springs, this one's a favorite for weekend restorations and easy Sunday drives.
Kieran White from Manchester, England on Wikimedia
7. 1976 Subaru BRAT
The 1976 Subaru BRAT was a quirky little pickup with rear-facing jump seats that cleverly dodged the U.S. "chicken tax." Small and full of personality, it stood out from the crowd. Even Ronald Reagan owned one, sealing its cult-status charm.
Are '70s Cars ANY Good in the Snow? Let's Find Out with the Subaru Brat! by TFLclassics
8. 1964 GMC Stepside
This bold beauty screams backroad tales and moonshine mischief. With signature fenders and a no-fuss six-cylinder engine, it was easy to fix and fun to flaunt. No surprise it's a backyard restorer's dream, and a guaranteed head-turner wherever it rolls.
'64 GMC C10 Step Side LS Powered Restomod on Air Suspension by Autotopia LA
9. 1978 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale 4x4
Square body, serious ground clearance, and 4WD that could handle just about anything—the K10 was built for the backcountry. In its heyday, hunters loved it. Now, mountain folks still keep these beasts running strong.
10. 1986 Dodge Ram D150 Prospector
The 1986 Dodge Ram D150 Prospector mixed tough looks with shiny chrome flair. Its rugged trim and reliable 318 or 360 V8 made it perfect for towing boats or campers. Down South, you'll often find them gleaming—proof that some legends age gracefully.
My dads 1986 dodge d150 prospector 440 around 600 by robert77156
11. 1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside
This nostalgic gem blended full-width bed flair alongside sculpted rear fenders. Toss in those unforgettable two-tone paint jobs, and boom—you've got an icon. No wonder it still pops up on Route 66 postcards and classic car calendars everywhere.
1959 Chevrolet Apache 3200 Fleetside Pickup | For Sale $18,900 by Unique Classic Cars
12. 1977 Ford Courier
Built by Mazda and imported by Ford, this quirky pickup carved its own lane in truck history. It even toyed with a rotary engine. Light, nimble, and efficient, it's now a cult favorite among mini-truck customizers.
13. 1965 Chevrolet El Camino SS
Muscle car up front, pickup bed in back—the El Camino SS didn't believe in sticking to one role. Packing a 327 Big Block and a cinematic flair, it's still a hit at classic car shows, and vintage film buffs love spotting it.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
14. 1967 Ford F-100
Right before Ford gave its pickups a "bumpside" makeover, the '67 F-100 made its mark thanks to Twin I-Beam suspension. At the same time, flash wasn't the goal; that suspension delivered a smooth ride, perfectly matching the tough, no-nonsense work ethic that made it a blue-collar hero.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
15. 1979 Chevrolet LUV Mikado
Although it was built by Isuzu, Chevy's badge gave it the domestic stamp of approval. The Mikado trim turned this modest hauler into a mini-luxury ride, complete with bucket seats and sharp details. Even so, it was ahead of its time with radial tires as standard.
1979 4x4 Chevy LUV Mikado by Larry Miller
16. 1969 Dodge D100 Adventurer
Dodge brought swagger to pickups with the D100 Adventurer—vibrant paint, rare trims, and options like air conditioning. Think cowboy boots dressed in chrome accents. This pickup was both hardworking and flashier than your average farmhand.
17. 1970 GMC Sierra Grande
Forget bare-bones utility, the 1970 GMC Sierra Grande brought style and substance. The truck offered amenities such as tilt steering and a woodgrain dash, proving that pickups could have class. Though based on Chevy's C/K, it took the premium path.
18. 1956 Mercury M-100
Born north of the border, the M-100 stood apart from its Ford sibling with upscale trims and a standout grille. Limited production numbers only add to its mystique today among vintage truck fans in both Canada and the United States.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
19. 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier
Style met utility head-on here. The Cameo's car-like chrome flair and fibreglass fenders turned heads in the '50s. Collectors now shell out six figures for this design pioneer that reimagined what a pickup could be.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
20. 1980 Jeep J10 Honcho
The 1980 Jeep J10 Honcho flaunted signature stripes, a roll bar, and up to a 401ci V8 muscle. Built on the Gladiator platform, the rare Honcho remains an iconic, adventurous American pickup eager for more off-road action.
*SOLD* 1980 Jeep J10 Pickup 4.2L inline 6 / 4 Speed / 4x4 #053269 by PC Classic Cars
