In most cases, cars aren’t considered wise investments. That’s because they are not. Cars are essential for daily living, but they depreciate every passing moment. Depreciation of older pickup trucks at one time was even worse. Inexpensive, rudimentary, and tough-as-nails, they had one job. Carry cargo. Very few people purchased brand-new pickup trucks as investments. The irony of vehicle values is when they become ancient and start skyrocketing in value. Who would have guessed that some pickups would increase in value to 1000% of their original sticker prices?
Updated September 2022: Pickup trucks are no longer the work machines they used to be. In the modern world, a pickup truck serves as a work machine and family hauler, and their price tags rose accordingly. However, some enduring classic trucks never ceased to rise in value. We have updated this article with some cheap old pickup trucks that cost a fortune in 2022.
Most of these old pickup trucks have become rare, valuable gems that every collector wants. They draw a lot of attention at auto auction events. Some classic pickups now command the exact massive figures as a Ferrari or Duesenberg at the auction block, but classic pickup trucks have become increasingly popular with collectors.
14 1950s Ford F100 Pickups – $27,000
The Ford F series is a well-known nameplate. It has enjoyed massive success since it joined the pickup truck scene in 1948. The first generation was produced between 1948 and 1953. When talking about the Ford F series of the 1950s, the trucks in question are the 1953 to 1956 F100s – representing the second generation of the F series. These pickups are also among the coolest classic American trucks available today.
1956 Ford F-100, rear viewIn 1953 Ford offered two engine options. The first option was the 215 CID straight-6 that produced 101hp, and the second was the 239 CID Flathead V8 with 100hp. The trucks featured Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. In 1956, the engines offered were the 223 CID Mileage Maker I6 with 137hp and the most powerful 272- CID Truck 2V Y-block V8 that produced 300hp. When it debuted, the 1956 F100 had a sticker price of $1,580. Today, examples in good condition cost around $27,000. According to Hagerty, the most recent sale of this truck was $180,000, while the highest recorded sale was $418,000.
13 1939-1947 Hudson Big Boy Pickup – $41,950
The Hudson Motor Car Company is one of the most iconic independent companies in automotive history. Founded in Detroit in 1909, the company is responsible for some of the best and most iconic pickup trucks of the 1940s, which include the 1939 to 1947 Big Boy Pickup. Although it was best known for its NASCAR success, the Big Boy truck placed the Hudson Motor Car Company on the global map.
1947 Hudson Big Boy PickupThe truck developed a cult-like following that has remained alive until today, explaining why the old truck costs more than a modern HD pickup truck in 2022. While the most recent sale of the Hudson Big Boy pickup was $29,250, the average price of examples in good condition is around $42,000.
12 1946-1948 Studebaker M-Series – $32,527
Studebaker is better known for its uniquely styled cars, but the M series trucks, built before and after the Second World War, featured a more aerodynamic shape than most of its competitors. The truck featured design features that were unique to the M series. For example, the wind wing vents on the driver and passenger windows were not available on any other American-made truck during World War II.
11 1955-1957 Chevrolet Cameo – $63,478
The Chevy Cameo was a trendsetter when it debuted in 1955. It offered a combination of convenience features only found in cars, including fiberglass fenders and Chevy’s new 283-cubic-inch V8, the same engine found in the Bel Air and Corvette. Boasting an automatic transmission, deluxe interior, and two-tone paint, the 1950s Chevy Cameo blurred the line between cars and pickup trucks.
Although sales were not quite pleasing when this truck debuted, it set the stage for other stylish trucks, such as the Chevy Fleetside, Ford Styleside, and the Dodge Sweptside. More expensive than other trucks at the time, it sold for $1,981. Today, a 1955 to 1959 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier costs $63,478 on average. The highest sale stands at $154,000, while the most recent Chevy Cameo pickup of this age sold for $130,000.
10 1957-1959 Dodge Sweptside – $37,500
For 1957, Dodge modified its odd-looking C-Series pickups and introduced the upscale Sweptside model. Featuring an available Hemi engine and car-like tail fins, the stylish pickup truck featured numerous car-like amenities, including optional heaters, passenger-side sun visors, a pushbutton-controlled automatic transmission, and a stereo set.
Although the Sweptside trucks were a hit with Dodge dealers, they were never on the production line. Less than two thousand of these special custom models were assembled from 1957 through 1958 and were discontinued in 1959. The Sweptside is a favorite among collectors. A new one cost $2,124 back in the ’50s. Today, examples of these trucks in good condition cost around $38,000. A few models have sold for as high as $165,000.
9 1963-1973 Toyota Land Cruiser – $32,700
From 1960 to 1984, Toyota built the J40 Land Cruiser to compete with the Jeep and Land Rover. Most FJ40 series Land Cruisers were the traditional body-on-frame SUVs produced as 2-door models with slightly larger dimensions than the similar Jeep CJ
The production period between 1963 to 1973 left the world with models that have grown to become true automotive icons. The Land Cruiser offered buyers unlimited ways of modifying it. As a result, it developed a cult-like following that lives until today. The Toyota Land Cruiser has become one of the most sought-after collectibles in the classic pickup truck market. Collectors are specifically fond of the early trucks in near-mint condition. Examples in good condition are selling for around $33,000 today. According to Hagerty, the highest-selling model of the FJ40 Land Cruiser recorded was a $286,000 sale.
8 1970-1972 Chevrolet Pickup – $29,888
The 1967 to 1972 Chevrolet “Action Line” trucks have always been popular among collectors. However, later models are the most wanted among collectors, especially the luxurious and rugged Cheyenne. In addition to a new grille design, the package was composed of several comfort features, including an upgraded interior, more insulation and padding, carpet, and upper and lower side molding with tailgate trim.
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In 1971, Chevrolet introduced the factory-installed AM/FM stereos. Additionally, the front disc brakes were standard on all light-duty trucks. In the early 1970s, a Chevrolet C10 was priced at $2,680. Today, examples in perfect conditions sell for around $30,000. According to Hagerty, the most recent sale was recorded at $40,000, while the highest sale ever recorded was $225,500.
7 1969-1972 Ford Bronco Pickup – $48,400
The Ford Bronco Pickup experienced a gradual decline in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1971, Ford looked at the sales graph of the Bronco pickup, compared it with the Bronco wagon, and decided to build only 1503 pickups and 18,281 wagons. That low production is what has helped the 1972 Bronco pickup to become a rare piece of gem.
This generation of the Ford Bronco has kept pace with the rising Toyota Land Cruiser classic in collectors’ circles. A beloved vehicle to off-roaders, unmodified trucks in excellent condition are increasingly challenging to find. Lucky buyers can pick online for an average price of $48,400. These Broncos have sold for as high as $500,000.
6 1969-1972 Chevrolet Blazer – $50,000
The Chevy Blazer was built to compete with the Ford Bronco and the International Harvester Scout. A significant innovation, the Blazer was designed to offer a shortened pickup truck based on a shared platform, providing both increased interior space and a lower price.
The Blazer concept was an instant hit, combining the off-road capabilities of the Scout with the luxurious features like automatic transmissions and air conditioning routinely available on pickup trucks. By 1970, Blazer sales exceeded those of both of its older rivals. Although the more popular Bronco has long overshadowed today’s sales of vintage Blazers, the value of first-generation Blazers is gaining momentum. A 1972 Chevy Blazer now sells for around $50,000.
5 1931 Ford Model A Open Cab Pickup – $27,300
While the 1931 Model A pickup appeared to have only slight modifications from the 1928-1929 Ford Model A truck, it was significantly improved underneath. With a higher hood line and lower and wider fenders, the truck replaced the nickel-plated radiator and headlamp shells with stainless steel. Smaller wheels, balloon tires, standard vacuum wipers, and a higher steering ratio were added.
Although it used the same suspension as the long-lived Model T, the 1931 Model A truck was a superior design and far more sophisticated. It could reach a top speed of 60 mph, aided by a modern gearbox and electrical system. Mechanical brakes on all four wheels instead of only two gave it a more efficient stopping capability. 1931 Ford Model A open cab pickup trucks sell for an average price of $25,000 today. According to Hagerty, the most recent one sold for $38,500, while the highest recorded sale was $577,500.
4 1937 Hudson Terraplane – $46,798
The exterior of the Terraplane displays a typical prewar elegance with its streamlined bodywork and the Art Modern grille that would seem appropriate in a museum. The truck looks like a sedan with the body hacked off behind the front seat, and a cargo bed bolted to the rear fenders.
While many post-World War Two were mere combinations of cars and trucks, the Hudson Terraplane was purely designed from the ground up as a pickup truck. From 2001 through 2018, the average auction price for a restored 1937 Hudson Terraplane was $51,065, with the highest price recorded at $192,500. In 2022, good condition examples cost around $47,000.
3 1960 Chevrolet El Camino Custom Pickup – $58,758
Both the Ranchero and El Camino were ahead of their time. They were designed as crossover vehicles to appeal to truck and car buyers. The El Camino custom featured a variety of comforts and utility features. The vehicle was equipped with several engine options, including the 283-cu. in. Turbo-jet V-8 with two- or four-barrel carburetors.
1960 Chevrolet El Camino Custom PickupOn average, examples of the 1959-’60 El Camino Custom sells for $59,000. Classic.com shows a recent sale record of $97,000, with the highest sale recorded at $143,000.
2 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache Fleetside Deluxe – $34,000
Apache was the term Chevy used to describe all its light-duty pickup trucks. In 1958, the truck was redesigned to make it more appealing. The 1959 Apache continued with the front-end redesign implemented in the redesign. It included four headlights instead of the two-light setup. The other visual difference was a larger and more ornate hood emblem.
The Apache had a parallel-design frame, high-capacity front axles, cast spoke or disc wheels, tubeless tires, a ball-gear steering, and large brakes. Chevrolet offered six- and eight-cylinder engines and several other options to facilitate small to large jobs. The truck was good then and excellent today. They are among the most valuable classic pickup trucks on the market today. Bonhams has a listing of a 1959 model with prices ranging from $23,000 to $34,000.
1 1936 – 1938 Dodge Fore-Point Series – $23,500
The Dodge Fore-Point Series was a pickup truck lineup produced between 1936 and 1938. The truck was introduced to replace the Second Series. It saw a redesign to the platform that placed the front axle and engine further forward. This configuration created a much more usable space for the cab space and excellent cargo space.
The trucks were offered in various versions defined by model weights. The variants ranged between ½- ton to 3-ton models. The most polar versions were the ½, ¾, and 1-ton trucks. In 1938, the Fore-Point Series was replaced by the T and V Series. A 1936 to 1938 examples in good condition sell for around $23,500 today. However, the Dodge Fore-Point is also on record selling for over $40,000