1915 International MWX
Brian Woodcock It's no mistake that the earliest trucks resembled wagons; they originated as a speedier version of a horse-and-buggy for rural consumers. This high-wheeler (the rims measure 36" tall) topped out at 20 mph, no care or feeding of horses required. Just 181 MWXs were made, making this a rare ride.
Value: $35,000
1929 Ford Model A Roadster Truck
Brian Woodcock When the Model A debuted in 1927, it proved more user friendly than its Model T predecessor thanks to enhanced suspension and upgrades like exterior door handles. (Model T owners had to open doors by reaching inside the cabs.) Ford kept the price affordable at $395 through ingenious (and eco-friendly!) practices like reusing shipping crates in the truck beds.
Value: $22,000
1939 Chevrolet Half-Ton
Brian Woodcock This shiny model was hailed as the best-looking truck in Chevrolet history. (Check out those fenders!) It was also a workhorse that could haul a 1,060-pound load and get over 20 miles per gallon. As with all post-Great Depression pickups, seats got wider and cushier for a more car-like cab.
Value: $12,000
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1941 Mack ED One-Ton
Brian Woodcock In 1938 Mack, along with fellow big rig makers like Federal, tried to get in on the pickup truck game. This model was the short-lived result. (When the U.S. entered World War II, the military became Mack's sole client.) They produced just 2,686 EDs between 1938 and 1941—all sporting the famous bulldog hood ornament. Only 50 are known to exist today.
Value: $50,000
1948 Chevrolet Truck
Brian Woodcock 1955 International R120
Brian Woodcock Although the name has faded from memory, International, as well as other now defunct brands such as Studebaker and Diamond-T, were among some of the most successful pickup producers of the 20th century. At a time when a Ford hauler could cost upwards of $3,000, this one could be had for only $1,480—and that got you an all-the-rage two-tone paint job.
Value: $15,000
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1963 Dodge D-100
Brian Woodcock Dodge—part of the U.S.'s "Big Three" truck brands with Ford and Chevy—billed the D-100 as "low-slung, so you can step in and out almost as easily as a car." Big and boxy, it also had the best hauling capacity around. This example sports the original "Desert Turquoise" color, indicative of a time when aqua defined the automotive industry.
Value: $4,000 (Dog not included!)
For more information on the trucks featured here, contact Ragtop Picture Cars.
Melinda Page is a freelance writer.
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