by Mike Gulett –

Ford introduced the first purpose built pickup truck in 1925; it was based on the Model T and was called the “Ford Model T Runabout with Pickup Body.” I guess Ford must get credit for coining the term “pickup”. 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, family vehicle and 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 and on the road. There also have been more old pickup trucks that have been restored as restomods with modern engines, suspension and brakes. Some of them being sold at auctions for a lot of money.

Chevrolet Pickup

Pickup trucks were originally pure work trucks used on farms, in construction, goods transport, delivery and other businesses where manual labor and hauling were required. Now they are a fashion statement.

The Ford F-150 pickup truck has been the best-selling vehicle in the US since 1982. Full-sized pickup trucks are a rare sight in Europe, where high gas prices and narrow roads make them difficult to use regularly.

When I was a teenager I spent some time behind the wheel of a 1941 GMC pickup that belonged to my father. I helped him swap the original engine, which had been destroyed, for a Chevrolet 350 cid along with the entire drive train. That truck was quite a bit faster and more fun after that was done.

Dodge Pickup

In Australia and New Zealand pickups are called Utes, short for utility vehicle. The Australians and New Zealanders have always been innovative with and lovers of cars and trucks.

Ford Ute owned and driven by Ron Lee (it has been converted from right-hand-drive to left-hand-drive) – Carmel, CA (2018) – photo by Mike Gulett

Early pickup trucks had wood-plank beds, which were largely replaced by steel in the 1960s. Ute liners like BT50 Tub Liner at HSP UTE Lids protect the bed of the Ute from damage caused by normal use.

Classic pickup trucks, or Utes, like the ones shown here likely do not see much activity in the cargo bed because that would risk scratching the bed and getting the truck dirty!

In my opinion the trend toward pickup trucks (both new and classic) is here to stay and we will continue to see more on the road and at classic car events.