Legends on Four Wheels
There’s something timeless about vintage pickups—the rugged lines, simple mechanics, and enduring charm make them legends. Many of these classics are still on the road, lovingly maintained or restored by enthusiasts. From American workhorses to global icons, here are the 25 coolest vintage pickups still rolling strong today.
#25 – 1972 Ford Courier
A compact pickup with a Mazda-built 1.8L four-cylinder making 74 hp, the Ford Courier introduced Americans to small trucks. Lightweight, durable, and easy to repair, it became a favorite for young drivers. Many are still spotted today, often customized with period-correct wheels and lowered stances.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
#24 – 1979 Dodge Lil’ Red Express
One of the wildest trucks of the ’70s, it packed a 5.9L V8 with 225 hp and loud vertical stacks. Dodge marketed it as a “factory hot rod,” and it delivered surprising speed for its time. Today, it’s a collector favorite and still seen at truck meets.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
#23 – 1985 Chevrolet S-10
The S-10 was Chevy’s first compact pickup, offered with four-cylinder and V6 options. Known for affordability and simplicity, it became a staple work and commuter truck. Many are still on the road, often modified by enthusiasts who appreciate its lightweight chassis and easy-to-fix design.
#22 – 1970 GMC C/K 1500
The GMC sibling of the Chevy C10, this truck offered straight-six and V8 options. Known for its square body style and comfortable ride, it’s a classic that defined ’70s American pickups. Restored or patinaed, many are still in service hauling and showing off at car meets.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
#21 – 1974 Mazda REPU
The Rotary Engine Pickup was a quirky gem with a Wankel rotary engine making 110 hp. Unique and ahead of its time, it’s prized today by collectors who love Mazda’s rotary heritage. A rare sight on modern roads, but enthusiasts keep them alive with dedicated care.
Bring A Trailer Auction - 1974 Mazda Rotary Pickup, Linberrrr
#20 – 1986 Toyota Hilux
Powered by indestructible four-cylinder engines, the Hilux became a legend for toughness. From farms to off-road adventures, it earned its global reputation. Many ’80s Hiluxes are still alive today, often running strong even with 300,000+ miles—proof of Toyota’s bulletproof engineering.
RL GNZLZ from Chile, Wikimedia Commons
#19 – 1979 Subaru BRAT
The Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter featured quirky jump seats in the bed and a flat-four engine. It blended pickup utility with Subaru’s AWD charm. Though never a big seller, enthusiasts keep these rare survivors alive, often showing them at vintage Japanese car gatherings.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
#18 – 1965 Dodge D100 Sweptline
With rugged styling and engines ranging from a Slant-Six to V8s, the D100 was Dodge’s workhorse. The Sweptline bed gave it distinctive looks. Many still survive in rural areas, loved for their simplicity and ability to keep running with basic maintenance.
1965 Dodge D100 Sweptline Goodguy's Indy Nationals 2015, ScottieDTV
#17 – 1971 Chevrolet C10
The “Action Line” Chevy C10 is one of the most popular classic trucks today. Offered with inline-sixes and small-block V8s, it became a favorite for both work and customization. Restomods and original survivors are frequently seen at shows and cruising the streets.
dave_7 from Canada, Wikimedia Commons
#16 – 1983 Ford Ranger
Ford’s compact Ranger debuted with four-cylinder and V6 options. Affordable and practical, it was a hit with first-time buyers. Many ’80s Rangers are still on the road today, loved for their simple design, reliability, and a strong aftermarket for restorations and mods.
Why the 1983 Ford Ranger Became a Truck Icon | Car Reviews, Car Review
#15 – 1960 Chevrolet Apache 10
This truck introduced Chevy’s independent front suspension for smoother rides. Inline-sixes and small-block V8s powered it, while its styling stood out with dual headlights. Surviving Apaches are popular among collectors, often restored with modern drivetrains while keeping the iconic body lines intact.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
#14 – 1978 International Harvester Scout Terra Pickup
A rare pickup variant of the Scout, it came with straight-six and V8 power. Known for rugged off-road ability, it was a competitor to Jeep trucks. Today, surviving Scout Terras are prized among vintage 4x4 fans and restored for both trail and street duty.
1978 International Scout Terra for sale Gateway Classic Cars #1770 Chicago, GatewayClassicCars
#13 – 1987 Jeep Comanche
Built off the Cherokee platform, the Comanche offered 2.5L and 4.0L engines with available 4WD. Known for Jeep toughness in a pickup package, it’s rare but still spotted today. Surviving examples are beloved by enthusiasts who enjoy its unique mix of utility and off-road skill.
#12 – 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Task Force
This mid-’50s Chevy introduced wraparound windshields and bolder styling. Available with inline-six and small-block V8 engines, it marked Chevy’s transition into modern pickups. Restored 3100s are still frequently driven today, cherished for their timeless looks and connection to America’s postwar automotive boom.
#11 – 1969 Ford F-100
Part of the fifth generation, the F-100 offered V8 engines up to 390 cubic inches. Known for durability and iconic styling, many remain in service or restored for cruising. The F-100’s simple charm makes it one of the most beloved vintage trucks still rolling today.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
#10 – 1972 Datsun 620
This compact Japanese pickup helped kick off America’s love affair with small imports. Offered with 1.6L and 2.0L engines, it was reliable and fuel-efficient. Enthusiasts still drive them today, often lowered with period-correct wheels, keeping their JDM heritage alive.
Stock #725 TPA 1972 Datsun 620 1.6L I4 4 Speed Manual, GatewayClassicCars
#9 – 1975 Dodge Power Wagon
The Power Wagon was Dodge’s off-road brute, with available 318 and 440 V8s. It became a legend for toughness on farms, ranches, and trails. Restored versions still see duty today, often lifted and upgraded for modern off-road adventures, proving their lasting appeal.
1975 DODGE POWER WAGON, Worldwide Vintage Autos
#8 – 1967 Chevrolet C10 Stepside
The Stepside version gave the C10 flared fenders and a distinctive bed design. Offered with straight-sixes and small-block V8s, it’s now a hot commodity among collectors. Many are still driven as weekend cruisers, blending vintage charm with usability.
MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
#7 – 1981 Toyota SR5 Pickup
Made famous in Back to the Future, the SR5 offered a bulletproof four-cylinder and optional 4WD. Its durability and pop culture fame make it one of the coolest vintage trucks. Surviving examples often fetch high prices, yet many are still used on roads and trails.
1981 Toyota SR5, Worldwide Vintage Autos
#6 – 1977 Ford F-150
The sixth-gen F-150 was the first to officially bear the F-150 name. Engines ranged from inline-sixes to big-block V8s. It’s still a common sight at vintage car meets, with many restored examples showing off Ford’s iconic late-’70s truck styling.
#5 – 1969 Chevrolet C10 CST/10
The CST/10 trim brought upscale styling to Chevy’s truck line, with options like bucket seats and two-tone paint. Offered with V8 power, it blended work and comfort. Today, restored CST/10s are collector favorites, still cruising highways and local car shows across America.
1969 Chevrolet CST-10 Test Drive! [4k] | REVIEW SERIES, BulletmotorsportsInc
#4 – 1985 Toyota Hilux SR5 Xtra Cab
These Hilux pickups were unstoppable, powered by four-cylinder engines with optional turbo-diesel. Known for reliability, they were popular worldwide. Many from the ’80s still survive, proving Toyota’s legendary engineering. Their rugged looks and reputation for indestructibility make them a favorite among vintage truck fans.
1985 Toyota SR5 xtra cab - MARTY'S TRUCK in BACK TO THE FUTURE, theAFICIONAUTO
#3 – 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454
While technically a car-truck hybrid, the El Camino SS with a 454 V8 was a muscle machine with a bed. Packing up to 450 hp, it blended muscle car speed with pickup practicality. Many El Caminos survive today as prized collectibles and weekend drivers.
1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454 Walkaround, Startup & Sound, Luciano's Classics
#2 – 1979 Ford F-150 Ranger
This F-150 generation offered engines up to the 460 V8 and became one of the bestselling trucks of its era. Surviving examples still work and play today, often restored or customized. Its bold square-body styling and sheer popularity keep it among the coolest vintage trucks.
#1 – 1965 Ford F-100 Twin I-Beam
The ’65 F-100 introduced Ford’s Twin I-Beam suspension, improving ride quality. With engines ranging from straight-sixes to 352 V8s, it became a versatile workhorse. Many ’65 F-100s remain on the road, loved for their rugged dependability and timeless styling—making it the coolest vintage pickup still rolling today.
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