by Mike –
Ford introduced the first purpose built pickup truck in 1925; it was based on the Model T. They called it the “Ford Model T Runabout with Pickup Body.” I guess Ford gets credit for coining the term “pickup” too.
By 1932 Ford had sold 3 million trucks and was the industry leader.
1940 Ford Pickup
These early trucks were strictly for work unlike the modern trucks we see today that can be a combination luxury vehicle and a work truck. That is if the owner doesn’t mind getting the truck bed dirty.
Ford Pickup
The classic trucks shown here are becoming more popular in the collector car world and I see more and more every year at local car shows.
I am still waiting for a pickup truck class at a Concours d’Elegance. It will happen it is a matter of time. We need an innovative Concours d’Elegance to step up and take the lead.
Chevrolet Pickup
Is “innovative Concours d’Elegance” an oxymoron? When the vast majority of Best in Show winners are still pre-war cars doesn’t that make you think the organizers and judges of Concours d’Elegances are not progressive or innovative?
Dodge Pickup
While you are pondering that question take a look at the slide show below.
Photos by Michael Menetto.
Over the years that we held the Glenmoor Gathering, we consistently had a commercial class where pickups were prominently featured. It was always a very popular segment of the event.
Thanks Myron, maybe I am too stuck in the California Concours scene where there are no pickup trucks. All of my pickup truck sightings and photos come from the Goodguys shows.
The Dayton (OH) Concours d’Elegance features a Pickup Truck class at this year’s event on 15-Sept. Class includes a rare 1936 Terraplane Express Cab Pickup.
Mike – thanks for that news – I am very happy to hear that innovation is still alive in Dayton. I graduated from the University of Dayton many years ago.
I don’t think the Dayton Concours was around then.
I see that the pickup trucks from the defunct companies, Diamond T and Studebaker, have been highly collectible over the last six months or so. Glenn in the Bronx, NY
Mike – I celebrate 20 years in 2013 working with Concours d’Elegance events across the United States. You pose a strong question and I will be interested to hear the response from major Concours organizers around the country. Many choose to keep the format extremely traditional with motorcars in designated classes, typically pre-1972. Several have introduced a Motorbike class, and even a Hot Rod class. The Palo Alto Concours in the San Francisco Bay Area even offered a Service Vehicle class a few years back as a specialty display that included some neat trucks along with police vehicles and more.
Slowly, an increasing number of Concours events are including vintage trucks in their format and organizers are realizing that they are true crowd pleasers.
It’s no coincidence that classic car dealers are selling vintage trucks like mad right now, and for good money. Most are amazed at how well they are moving. Late in life, my father is enjoying showing off his mid 50s fully-restored Chevy truck he “won” by purchasing a lottery ticket at Oregon State University. It has breathed new life into him. He has a ring in his voice and a twinkle in his eye when he talks about the truck and the events. Expect to see more for sale and on display. – Cindy (Truck Girl-Owner of an F150)