10 Powerful Vintage Pickup Trucks We Would Love To Drive

Every gearhead should get to experience what it feels like behind the wheels of these vintage trucks at least once in their lifetime.

Americans and pickup trucks have a long and colorful history. Pickups offer freedom and utility in a way that other vehicles cannot. The love story began when Ford mass-produced the Model T pickup. Since then, pickups of all shapes have become the most recognizable vehicles on the road. They are a testament to the history and evolution of the automotive industry. Modern pickups never stop to amaze us with their practicality and performance.

Today, some of the most powerful trucks owe their performance to the models on this list. These vintage models are the ones that started it all? They boast captivating designs that still turn heads today. Vintage pickup trucks are time machines that hold a lot of history within their sturdy frames. Not only are they nostalgic, but they are also practical and powerful. Besides looking stylish on the road, they can handle tough terrain and haul heavy loads. And while they are no match for today's rigs, some vintage pickups had engines that delivered impressive output. One example is the '78 Li’l Red Express which performed outstanding feats of quickness. Others, like the '46 Dodge Power Wagon and the '80 Toyota Hilux, were incredible workhorses despite boasting less than 100 hp. So let's take a look at ten powerful vintage pickup trucks we would love to drive.

Using data from Classic.com, Hemmings, and J.D. Power, here is a list of some powerful vintage pickup trucks we'd love to drive.

The 1946 Dodge Power Wagon was the world's first civilian production 4-wheel drive truck. Dodge's Power Wagon is an iconic pickup truck that was a direct descendant of the military WC series that served in World War II. It was a rugged and versatile vehicle that handled various tasks such as plowing snow, towing cars, and farming. The Power Wagon had a 3.8-liter flathead inline-6 engine that cranked out 94 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Trim

Top Sale

Lowest Sale

1945 Dodge Power Wagon

$405,000

$112

Power

94 hp

Torque

185 lb-ft

Maximum Payload

3,000 lbs

It also had a 4-speed manual transmission and a 2-speed low-range transfer case. Owners could use the power take off to drive various auxiliary equipment like a winch or saw. Boasting an 8-foot bed, the Power Wagon could haul up to 3,000 pounds. It was popular among farmers, miners, loggers, construction workers, and others who needed a tough vehicle for rough terrain. Besides, they also sported hardware that gave them exceptional off-road chops.

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The Toyota Stout was a light-duty pickup truck that Toyota introduced in 1954. It had a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and a ladder frame chassis. For 1965, it still shared a platform with the Dyna and boasted a new grille, headlights, taillights, and a larger cargo bed. Under the hood, a 1.9-liter inline-4 engine sent 85 hp to the wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. This was good for a top speed of 80 mph.

Trim

Avg. Used Market Value

Original MSRP

Pickup

$4,350 -- $19,600

$1,795

Power

85 hp

Maximum Payload

3858 lbs

Although rivals from Chevrolet and Ford offered more powerful engines, the Stout had a lower sticker price. Other equipment that came with the 1965 Stout are a recirculating ball steering and drum brakes on all four wheels. It also featured leaf spring suspension and solid axles at both ends. Though it was a stout and durable truck, it didn't sell too well in the U.S. market.

The Hudson Big Boy was a rare and stylish pickup truck that combined the features of a passenger car and a truck. Based on the Super Six sedan, it boasted a unibody construction. Hudson created the Big Boy for buyers who wanted style and comfort in their work vehicles. Unlike other pickups of the time, the Big Boy had a sleek and low profile. It featured a forward-tilting hood, a wood-lined bed, and a symmetrical dashboard with a Zenith radio.

Trim

Top Sale

Lowest Sale

1947 Hudson Big Boy Pickup

$67,200

$22,000

Power

102 hp

For 1947, its last model year, it ran on a 3.5-liter inline-6 engine mated with a 4-speed manual transmission. The engine churned out an output of 102 hp. But, the Big Boy was pricier and less practical than its rivals. Also, most buyers were more interested in practicality rather than style. Less than 3,000 units rolled off the production line in 1947.

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This classic pickup truck was part of the Chevrolet Task Force series that debuted in 1955. It featured a 4-wheel drive system from the Northwestern Auto Parts Company (NAPCO). The NAPCO system was an aftermarket conversion kit that allowed owners to transform their 2-wheel drive trucks into rugged off-road vehicles. Some of the equipment that made the switch possible was a 2-speed transfer case, a front driveshaft, and a front axle/differential.

Trim

Top Sale

Lowest Sale

1955 Chevrolet 3200 NAPCO

$110,000

$6,600

Power

123 hp

Torque

210 lb-ft

Maximum Payload

1,500 pounds

Power came from a 3.9-liter inline-6 engine that produced an output of 123 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission was a 3-speed manual unit, while the 3200 NAPCO had a top speed of about 55 mph. Also, it could haul a payload of 1,500 pounds. That is why it was popular among farmers and adventurers who needed a sturdy truck that could tackle all kinds of terrain.

The CJ-8 Scrambler, introduced in 1981 was a versatile and more practical variant of the Jeep CJ series. But unlike other pickups, it did not have a separate pickup bed. Instead, it had a removable half-cab that opened to reveal a small pickup-like cargo bed. Boasting a 103.5-inch wheelbase, the CJ-8 Scrambler was longer than the CJ-7 and could haul more payload. It had a rugged appearance with large tires and roll bars. The interior was simple but functional, with vinyl seats and a metal dashboard.

Trim

Top Sale

Lowest Sale

1984 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler

$81,500

$10,000

Under the hood, it featured a 4.2-liter inline-6 engine that produced 112 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. It also had a 2-speed transfer case that allowed drivers to switch between rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. Other equipment included front disc brakes, power steering, and a Dana 44 rear axle. The '84 CJ-8 Scrambler was also a capable off-roader.

Power

112 hp

Torque

210 lb-ft

Maximum Payload

1500 lbs

The 1978 Dodge Li’l Red Express was an underrated pickup truck with a blend of style and performance. Based on the Dodge D-150, the Li’l Red Express boasted a Gross Vehicle Weight of 6,100 pounds. This excepted it from emissions restrictions on the mandatory use of catalytic converters. It was able to run a 5.9-liter V8 engine that powered the rear wheels through a special 3-speed automatic transmission. Fed by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, the engine delivered 225 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque.

Trim

Top Sale

Lowest Sale

1978 Dodge Li'l Red Express

$78,600

$30,300

With this, the Li’l Red Express became the quickest American-made vehicle in 1978. It was a true hot rod that proved that performance was not dead in the late '70s. Besides the outstanding performance, the innovative truck also stood out with a coat of bright red and dual chrome vertical exhaust stacks. Only 2,188 units rolled off the production line in 1978.

Power

225 hp

Torque

290 lb-ft

Boasting a stellar reputation for durability and reliability, the Hilux is an iconic pickup truck that can withstand harsh conditions and abuse. The 1980 model was part of the third generation and had a simple but sturdy design. It had a ladder frame construction, leaf spring suspension, and solid front and rear axles. Besides, it had a spacious cabin and a large cargo bed.

Trim

Avg. Used Market Value

Original MSRP

1980 Toyota Hilux

$3,400 -- $12,700

$5,248

2-wheel drive versions had a 1.6-liter 4-banger as the standard power source, while 4-wheel drive versions had a 2.0-liter unit as standard fare. But there was also an optional 2.2-liter I4 unit that cranked out 90 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission was a 4-speed manual, while a 5-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic were optional. Thanks to a special gear-driven RF1A transfer case, the 1980 Hilux could climb almost anything.

Power

90 hp

Torque

122 lb-ft

The Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Super was a top-of-the-line trim on the Chevrolet C10's 1972 lineup. As part of the second-generation C/K series (Action Line), it introduced many innovations and improvements to the Chevy truck lineup. Its distinctive optional 2-tone paint job featured wood grain accents and full instrumentation. Other features of the plush cabin were bucket seats, a center console, and model-specific interior trim. It also had air conditioning and power brakes.

Trim

Avg. Used Market Value

Original MSRP

1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Super

$9,950 -- $50,900

$3,610

Power

330 hp

Torque

375 lb-ft

The 2-door half-ton Chevy featured a coil spring rear suspension for smooth and comfortable rides. Buyers could have it either with a short or a long bed. Engine options included a 6.6-liter V8 unit that produced an output of 330 net hp with dual exhaust. But since it came only as a 2-wheel drive vehicle, this luxury truck had limited off-road capabilities.

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The 1966 F-100 was part of the fourth generation of Ford's best-selling F-Series trucks. Boasting a spacious cab and durable body, the F-100 combines style and performance. It featured a new grille design and a flareside option for the bed. Two-wheel drive models sported an independent Twin I-Beam front suspension with coil spring in front. This helped to improve ride and handling.

Trims

Avg. Used Market Value

Original MSRP

1/2 Ton Flareside LWB

$12,600 -- $47,200

$2,105

1/2 Ton Flareside Shortbed

$13,800 - $54,800

$2,069

1/2 Ton Styleside LWB

$13,750 - $52,400

$2,121

1/2 Ton Styleside Shortbed

$14,800 - $55,600

$2,085

The range of engine options for the iconic 1966 F-100 included 3.9- and 4.9-liter I6 units. Both engines offered plenty of power and torque. But the top gun was a 5.8-liter V8 mill that churned out 208 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. A 3-speed manual transmission was standard, while a 4-speed manual unit was optional. The 1966 F-100 was a powerful truck that could handle any task with ease. It remains a sought-after collector's item today.

Power

208 hp

Torque

35 lb-ft

The Chevrolet Cameo Carrier is a groundbreaking pickup truck that arrived in 1955 riding the GM A platform. It was part of the Chevrolet Task Force series, which introduced many innovations and features to the truck market. For 1957, the Cameo Carrier wore a two-tone paint scheme and had chrome bumpers and a grille. The Cameo Carrier also featured a flush-fitting fiberglass bed.

Trim

Top Sale

Lowest Sale

1957 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier

154,000

$18,700

Power

220 hp

Torque

300 lb-ft

Available powertrain options for 1957 included a 4.6-liter V8 that produced up to 283 hp. That was an incredible one hp per cubic inch. Inside, it offered amenities like radio, air conditioning, and carpeting. It is a rare and stylish vehicle that combines the utility of a pickup truck with the style and comfort of a passenger car. It had a starting price of $2,273 back then, and Chevrolet sold only a little over 2,000 units. Today, it is one of the pickup trucks that are true collector's gems.

Jay Moren is a car enthusiast who loves everything with an engine. When he's not writing about cars, he plays the saxophone and keyboard. He also plays as a goalkeeper for a non-league side in his native Nigeria