9 Best Classic Trucks
Classic trucks have been around since the early 1900s. They are the best trucks to buy because they are reliable, easy to drive, and cost-effective.
Some of these classic trucks can be a bit pricey, but they're worth it if you want a quality truck that will last for years. They are different from modern trucks because they are not as fuel efficient and don't have all the safety features that modern vehicles have.
However, the designs are vintage and timeless, unlike anything being built today. They also have a sense of rarity to them, which explains why the prices remain so high.
Below you will find some of the best classic trucks ever made that are still available for purchase today.
1. 1971-1975 Ford Baja Bronco
The Ford Baja Bronco is one of the best classic trucks. It is a four-wheel drive sporty truck built in the 1970s. This Bronco was created to tackle challenging terrain and has been proven an excellent off-road vehicle.
The engine is robust and reliable but not too big, so it won't weigh you down when driving off-road. The design included a Ford 302ci V8 Engine with 125 horsepower and an automatic transmission.
This made driving on paved roads easy if you don't need all four wheels to grip the road at once. The engine was also designed with off-road usage in mind, so it would not break down quickly when used on rough terrains.
This truck also included full power steering, durable front disc brakes, and massive 33-inch tires. Its unique suspension system allowed it to be used off-road like a jeep.
The truck's interior was equipped with bucket seats made out of high-density foam. There were also two small windows on the sides of the truck that allowed occupants to see outside while driving on rough terrain.
2. 1960-1984 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser
The Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser is one of the best and most famous classic trucks. The FJ40 is a 4x4 pickup truck that has been used for military, construction, and off-road use. It was produced from 1960-1984.
The FJ40 was initially designed to be used in harsh environments like the desert and jungle. The truck had a steel frame with an aluminum body that could withstand harsh weather conditions.
It has a 4.2L 4-cylinder engine, producing up to 135 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque to easily get you through rugged terrain and obstacles. The front grille is also very distinctive, with a memorable finish.
The interiors had a dual front bench seat with plenty of room for passengers and an optional rear bench seat or a single front bench seat. The design included additional winches and foldable seats for better towing and storage capacity.
It remains a trendy choice for off-road enthusiasts and those who just want a reliable vehicle that can take them anywhere they need to go. This ranks as one of the rarest Land Cruisers ever too.
The current average price for this classic truck is $35,568, but the sales range is based on condition. For example, the lowest recorded sale recently was for as low as $4,500, while the highest was $270,000.
3. 1957-1965 Jeep FC-150
The Jeep FC-150 is a classic truck. It was first produced in 1957 and had a short production run until 1965, when it was removed from the market. The truck has many features that make it an excellent choice for any classic truck collector.
This was a medium size truck, with a wheelbase measuring 81 inches and a length of 147.5 inches. It was not the most powerful option as it only included a 4-cylinder engine with 72 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.
It has an independent front suspension with coil springs and leaf springs in the rear for better traction on rough terrain. This truck's frame is also made of steel for added durability and strength.
This truck can withstand harsh environments, heavy loads, and rough terrain, but it isn't something worth considering if you want excellent payload capacity. The design also includes a 134ci F-head engine.
This is also one of the more affordable classic trucks, with high prices only ranging from around $30,000 to $40,000. On average, you can find a reliable option available for only $10,000 to $15,000.
4. 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne
The 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne is one of the best classic trucks ever made. It's been a favorite among truck enthusiasts and has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials.
This truck was first introduced in 1967. It was one of the most popular vehicles on the market then. It is known for its durable design and powerful engine.
This model year was part of the second generation of C10 Cheyenne trucks with some impressive features. The truck had multiple engine designs, a 3-speed automatic transmission, and an advanced fuel system.
This truck has a long list of features that will make it a great buy for any buyer. It has a durable design, a powerful engine, and plenty of room for passengers.
The 454ci V8 engine is extremely powerful, with 175 horsepower and excellent handling capabilities. This model also received some new upgrades, like molded-plastic door panels, to improve exterior durability.
The design also includes a drop-center ladder frame chassis and an independent front suspension. The 1972 models also came in various transmission and drivetrain pairings.
It is possible to find this truck for an extremely low price of $5,000 to $8,000, but it will need lots of work. Or you can opt for a newer model in excellent condition for prices ranging between $30,000 to $60,000.
5. 1969-1972 Chevrolet El Camino
The Chevrolet El Camino was introduced in 1959, and this truck was in production until 1987, with a brief pause between 1960 and 1964. The car was very popular with all Americans because it had been designed in America by Americans.
The El Camino is a classic truck that looks like a muscle car but has an integrated cab and cargo bed in the design. The 1969-1972 models were part of the third generation with a length of 208 inches and a wheelbase of 116 inches.
It is one of the best and most unique classic trucks ever because it has some really cool features, like the rear-facing seats, which are not found on other trucks. It was a revolutionary design in its day, with an innovative front end and rear end.
The 396-cubic-inch V8 was insanely powerful and effective, and you could expect a maximum horsepower of nearly 375. Multiple variations were available, including a stronger model with an LS6 454 CID engine and 450 horsepower.
The El Camino is classified as a coupé utility vehicle, making it one of the most innovative designs of its time. On average, you can also expect to pay between $20,000 to $40,000 for this classic truck, with some rarer models going for over $50,000.
6. 1965 Dodge D-Series
The 1965 Dodge D-Series was one of the most impressive classic trucks ever. It had a sleek design that made it stand out from other trucks on the market.
It also had some features that were unique to this truck - like an engine with dual carburetors, a low center of gravity, and an independent front suspension. The 383 2-barrel engine provides power with top-notch handling.
The Dodge D-Series is best known for its low center of gravity which makes it very stable on rough terrain. The independent front suspension allows for better handling and easier steering, and this truck drives with precision.
It also has a distinctive look with its sharp angles and long shape. The high ground clearance makes it perfect for off-road driving and easy to get through snow drifts. The front grille is an iconic feature that makes it stand out from other trucks on the road today.
This Dodge truck was known for the Chrysler engine, which provided between 373 and 415 horsepower, depending on the model type. However, don’t expect to find this truck for cheap, as it usually goes for around $35,000 to $40,000.
7. 1987 Ford Bigfoot Cruiser
The 1987 Ford Bigfoot Cruiser is a top-rated classic truck that was made to be a heavy-duty off-road truck. It is classified as a light truck but has an impressive 7.5-liter EFI engine that can move up to 460 horsepower.
The exterior design is quite unique with its rounded front end, large headlights, and chrome-plated grille. The interior design also looks really cool with its two-tone leather seats and wood trim.
It is a 4x4 pickup truck with an extended cab, and it is powered by a 4.9L V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. This vehicle has won many awards over the years for its durability, reliability, and performance.
This pickup was modeled after the BigFoot monster trucks and provided the same high-level performance on the roads. This extremely rare classic truck comes at a premium if you can find one for sale.
For example, a newly restored model was recently for sale for $69,900 with low miles. There were only 300 total 1987 Bigfoot Cruisers ever made. Avoid this rare beast if you are searching for a classic budget truck.
8. 1991 GMC Syclone
The GMC Syclone is a truck that has been around since 1991 and has been in production for over 20 years. It is one of the best classic trucks ever made and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
The GMC Syclone was built to be a tough truck that could handle any terrain. It was also built to be an off-road vehicle that could easily take on the toughest of trails.
This truck also has a lot of power under the hood because it has a V6 engine, producing up to 280 horsepower for those who want a mix of power and reliability.
This is a surprisingly expensive truck, and the average model is priced between $40,000 to $60,000 on the market right now. The Turbo V6 and excellent durability make this a solid daily driver classic truck too.
Ultimately, this is due to the rarity. In 1991, a total of 2,995 vehicles were produced, and in 1992 only 3 more were built. This production run ended here, leaving less than 3,000 total vehicles available.
9. 1945-1968 Dodge Power Wagon
The Dodge Power Wagon is one of the best classic trucks ever and has been around for over 70 years. It was a tough and rugged truck with a lot of power, durability, and performance.
The Dodge Power Wagon was introduced in 1945 and was discontinued in 1980. It was a full-size pickup truck with a cab over the engine design. It was designed to be a go anywhere, do anything truck.
The vehicle had a 251-cubic-inch engine, which provided power to all four wheels, and an automatic transmission that allowed for both forward and reverse gears.
However, today this truck technically still exists under the Dodge Ram 2500 name. It was brought to market again in 2005 and is still in production, but with a much different look and feel on the road.
The model that ran between 1945 and 1968 was a “Military-Type” truck that weighed over 8,700 pounds with a maximum payload of around 3,000 pounds. This spanned three model releases with slight tweaks to the style.
While this isn't the rarest truck, it certainly isn't something you will see every day. During this 23-year production run, there were only between 1,000 to 6,000 models released per year on average.
What To Look For In A Classic Truck
A classic truck is a type of vehicle that has been around for a long time and has been well-known for its durability and reliability.
There are many things to consider when you're looking for the perfect truck, like your needs, how much money you're willing to spend, and what kind of features you want in your truck.
Mileage
When looking for a classic truck, the first thing to consider is the total mileage it currently has. This is because you need to know how much fuel it will use and how much maintenance you will have to do in the long run.
You want to ensure that there are no hidden issues with the vehicle and that it’s in good condition. The fewer miles the truck has, the better its quality and performance will be.
Modifications
When looking for a classic truck, consider the modifications and if any have been made to the truck already. It is important to know what has been done to the truck before you buy it.
Many people don't know that many modifications can be made to trucks, and some of them can change the value of your purchase. This could be a way to find value in the market.
However, it can also present a risk because it provides you with a level of unknown when buying a used vehicle. Try to get all of the details you can to avoid getting ripped off.
Condition
When looking for a classic truck, one of the most important things to consider is the vehicle's condition. This is because this condition impacts the price; if it's not in good shape, you might pay more for a new one.
The condition of the vehicle is determined by age and mileage. A truck that is older than 10 years old has a high chance of having problems with its engine, transmission, or other parts.
For example, if the truck has been restored, then you may have to pay more than if it was in its original condition.
Rarity
When it comes to finding your next purchase, you might want to think about the item's rarity. The rarest choices typically are much more expensive.
The rarer a vehicle is, the higher its price will be. This is because fewer of these vehicles are on the market, and they are in high demand.
When considering a purchase, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into and factor in how much you can expect to pay for this item.
What Classic Trucks Last The Longest?
The 1971-1975 Ford Baja Bronco will last the longest compared to all of the classic trucks in this guide. However, due to the rarity, we don’t recommend putting it to the extreme test off-road that often.
The Ford 302ci V8 Engine runs like new for up to 200,000 miles, and it has an extremely durable exterior finish with the chrome front bumper and heavy-duty tires.
The 1960-1984 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser has many similar performance features, but the durability and longevity are not quite as good. The key to these classic trucks is to treat them with care and not overuse them.
Both of these trucks have a collectible item reputation rather than daily driving. Because of this, you would be better suited to drive something like a 1990 Bronco instead.
Are Classic Trucks Easy To Maintain?
When it comes to classic trucks, they are generally easier to maintain and repair. However, major problems can be much more difficult and expensive to fix.
They still require a lot of time and effort to keep them running well. However, they are still an option for those who want a traditional truck that is hard to find these days.
Compared to classic cars, trucks require more maintenance than other types of vehicles because they often have bigger engines and transmissions, which create more friction and heat.
The mechanical components of a classic truck are generally easy to maintain. However, some safety features must be taken care of, including the steering and suspension system.
These vehicles also require a lot of fluids, such as oil and transmission fluid, which can cause corrosion if not properly maintained. Overall, the level of maintenance will vary based on the truck’s condition and amount of use.
How Much Do Classic Trucks Cost?
Classic trucks are popular vehicles, but they can also be very expensive to purchase. But this depends on many different factors.
The cost of a classic truck can be anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on its condition and age. It may take some time before one can find one that is of good quality at an affordable price.
On average, you will pay at least $20,000 for any decent classic truck with any collectible value. Anything less likely needs a major restoration or upgrade due to bad conditions.
Once you begin to look at extremely rare vehicles like some of the 1970s Broncos, you notice how quickly the price can rise. These all sell for around $80,000 to $150,000 because they are so rare.