These Rare Pickup Trucks Are Hard To Find These Days
Most car collectors dream about sleek European sports cars or tire-shredding American muscle machines. Meanwhile, rare pickup trucks are usually left sitting quietly in the corner of the garage—seriously underrated and wildly overlooked. But some of these trucks pack jaw-dropping horsepower, bizarre one-of-a-kind designs, and production numbers so low they’ve become collector gold.
From forgotten oddities to high-performance beasts, these rare pickup trucks prove that practicality and legendary status can absolutely share the same tailgate.
Oleg Mirabo, www.shutterstock.com
GMC Syclone
The GMC Syclone had a limited production run, mostly in 1991, with a total just shy of 3,000 ever made. In 1992, only three Syclones were built; one was used for DOT crash testing, and two were privately purchased.
But its rarity isn’t the only reason the Syclone is a sought-after vehicle among collectors and performance enthusiasts—wait till you see what’s under the hood.
skinnylawyer, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
GMC Syclone
The GMC Syclone is fast—seriously fast. Built with a souped-up, turbo-charged V6 engine, the Syclone left some contemporary sports cars in the dust. Despite having the aerodynamics of a brick, it could easily go from 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds, with an insane top speed of 210 mph.
It also boasted a sport-tuned suspension and four-wheel anti-lock brakes—making it more similar to a sports car than a typical pickup.
dave_7, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ford SVT Lightning
While it might look like a traditional pickup truck, the Ford SVT Lightning is another that might surprise you.
It may not be as rare as some others on this list, with about 28,000 units made, special editions and unique models added to its rarity.
But once again, this truck packs a punch.
Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ford SVT Lightning
Truck enthusiasts like the SVT Lightning, particularly the second-generation models, because of its incredible power and sharp handling—far superior to other pickups.
The second-generation SVT Lightning featured a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine that produced 380 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. It could go 0 to 60 in only 5.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 147 mph—making it one of the fastest production trucks of its time.
Jeep J10 Honcho
The Jeep J10 Honcho is certainly not your ordinary pickup. It was a limited edition in the late 70s and early 80s—which means few are left in good condition today. Not to mention only about 1,200 units were ever made.
The Honcho is considered a rare and valuable classic today. Aside from its bold-striping and decal designs, Levi’s denim interior and roll bar—it’s built just like you’d expect a Jeep to be.
Jeep J10 Honcho
The J10 Honcho was built for serious off-roading use, with solid axles front and back, and a powerful AMC 360 engine—which is known for its strength.
The Honcho typically featured AMC’s reliable inline-six engines, particularly the “258” inline-six, known for its torque and durability. But many owners opt for the powerful V8 upgrades.
CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons
Dodge Ram SRT-10
The Dodge Ram SRT-10 was produced between 2004 and 2006, and is said to be “a pickup unlike any other”. In fact, you'll find of these beauties in Arnold Schwarzenegger's garage. And with just over 10,000 units sold, the value of this pickup continues to rise, making it a future collector’s car.
But its rarity isn’t the only thing that makes this truck a sought-after collectible.
FaceMePLS, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dodge Ram SRT-10
The Dodge Ram SRT-10 wasn’t designed to politely haul lumber—it was built to terrorize highways. Stuffed with the same monstrous 8.3L V10 ripped straight from the Dodge Viper, this pickup unleashed a wild 500 horsepower and moved more like a sports car than a work truck. Somehow, this giant beast could rocket from 0 to 60 in just 5.2 seconds before charging toward a top speed of 147 mph.
Everything about it screamed performance, from its aggressive lowered stance to the massive 22-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Pirelli tires. Add in Bilstein mono-tube shocks built to keep all that power under control, and you get a pickup many enthusiasts still describe as a muscle car disguised as a truck.
Lincoln Blackwood
While the last truck was built for power, this one was built with luxury in mind. Featuring plush leather seats, wood trim, and a power bed cover, the Lincoln Blackwood is super rare, with only 3,383 units ever made.
While it was known for having the comfort of a high-end sedan—this unexpected pickup had more to offer than you might think.
LukaCali, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln Blackwood
While the Lincoln Blackwood wasn’t exactly intended for the everyday dirty work of a pickup, it still boasts a 5.4L V8 engine capable of producing 300 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque. It also has a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs and a payload of 1,200 lbs.
Unfortunately, the demand for a luxury pickup truck was obviously low, and the Lincoln Blackwood didn’t sell well, which is what led to its discontinuation.
LukaCali, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Subaru BRAT
If you’re looking for a more classic pickup, look no further. The BRAT (Bi-Drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter) had more units produced than most on this list (120,000), but the quirky design as a practical, small off-road vehicle has made it a popular collectible.
Jacob Frey 4A, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Subaru BRAT
The small, two-door, four-seater pickup was introduced in 1978 but discontinued after 1986 in the US. Most of the 100,000 units sold in North America were used as work trucks, and many are now in disrepair—which adds to its rare allure.
Let’s take a look under the hood.
Wheeler Cowperthwaite, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Subaru BRAT
This unique vehicle is often referred to as a “car-truck” or even a “trucklet”, and while collectors may enjoy its distinctive look—it wasn’t exactly built for power.
The BRAT initially came with a 1.6L boxer-four engine, producing 67 hp and 81 lb-ft of torque. It was later upgraded to a 1.8L resulting in 73 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque.
Even still, it was well-loved on the trails and even praised for its fuel efficiency.
Jacob Frey 4A, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Chevrolet SSR
Another unique looking pickup that is now considered rare is the Chevy SSR—an otherworldly vehicle that is unique from the inside out.
From the outside, the SSR features smooth lines and a sleek design with a convertible hard top that folds down behind the front seats. But under the hood, it packs a surprising punch.
Chevrolet SSR
The 2006 Chevy SSR looked like something straight out of a retro fever dream—and that’s exactly why collectors still love it. Beneath its vintage-inspired styling sat a powerful 6.0L LS2 V8 pumping out 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, enough to launch this quirky pickup from 0 to 60 in just 5.2 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission.
What really made the SSR stand out, though, was its bizarrely cool combination of a pickup truck and a retractable hardtop convertible. Chevy only sold around 24,000 of them, and their unusual design turned them from oddball experiments into sought-after collector favorites years later.
Mazda Rotary Pickup (REPU)
The REPU (Rotary Engine PickUp) is said to be a “testament to automotive experimentation”—even though it wasn’t exactly a wild success. In its three-year-production run from 1974 to 1977, only 15,000 units were made.
The Mazda Rotary was the only pickup truck to ever be powered by a rotary engine, the Mazda 13B—which marks it as a rare collector’s item.
Motohide Miwa, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mazda Rotary Pickup (REPU)
With its relatively lightweight and high-revving rotary engine, the REPU delivered more of a car-like driving experience—uncommon for a pickup.
The rotary engine’s design was fundamentally different from the common piston engine, but its special construction gave it a higher power-to-weight ratio and a smoother operation.
C0rbin99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
International Harvester Scout II Terra
This gorgeous classic pickup was produced between 1976 and 1980 with a limited number produced. Today, the Scout II Terra—a variant of the Scout II but with a much longer wheelbase—is considered rare, especially those in good condition.
It was built tough, with a durable construction and off-roading capabilities making it a favorite for adventurous drivers.
Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Wikimedia Commons
International Harvester Scout II Terra
This rugged 4x4 pickup features a variety of engine options, including a four-cylinder, inline-six, and V8, making it stand out on the trails.
The Terra model specifically includes design features that add to its charm, like dual chrome door-mounted mirrors and chrome bumpers. Reviews claim it also boasts a surprisingly comfortable ride, despite its agricultural roots.
Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup
Produced for only four years from 1980 to 1984, the Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup—known outside the US as the “Caddy”, is a small pickup based on the compact car Volkswagen Rabbit. This unique pickup isn’t available in the US, and given its short production, is now considered relatively rare.
But just because it’s rare, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s sought-after. Unlike some of the others on this list, the Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup was said to be a “hot mess”.
Jeremy, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup
The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup offers both a 1.6L engine with a mere 52 hp, and a 1.7L engine with 78 hp. It wasn’t exactly known for its power. Instead, this pickup was more notable for its useful, compact design, comfortable ride, and decent fuel efficiency.
While the Rabbit Pickup may not be as impressive as the rest, this next one is said to be the rarest pickup truck in the world.
Jeremy, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
1962 GMC Railroad Crew Cab
Built for the railroad industry and produced in incredibly tiny numbers, the 1962 GMC Railroad Crew Cab was decades ahead of its time. With only six ever made, this unusual machine became one of the earliest extended-cab pickup trucks ever created. Even stranger, it could travel on both regular roads and railroad tracks while carrying a full six-person rail crew—making it look more like something from a forgotten industrial sci-fi movie than a work truck.
But the real surprise wasn’t just its rare design—it was the hardware hiding under the hood.
1962 GMC RailRoad RARE CREW Cab 1 of 6 with 9ft Stepside, Rodder Files
1962 GMC Railroad Crew Cab
The Railroad Crew Cab offered a range of engine options, including a 305 cubic-inch V6, as well as V8 and even diesel powerplants, with transmissions including Hydramatic four-speed automatic and manual options.
It could also be equipped with diesel engines, such as the Detroit Diesel 6-71 (later replaced by the 6V92), Cummins N-series, or Detroit Diesel 8V71 and 8V92.
The combined durability and practicality of this pickup made it a reliable workhorse for anything from construction to transportation—and it continues to be a unique, sought-after collector's item today.
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1962 GMC RailRoad RARE CREW Cab 1 of 6 with 9ft Stepside, Rodder Files
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