Over the last few years, interest in vintage pickup trucks has increased in classic and collector car auctions throughout the United States.
At the 40th Annual Barrett-Jackson classic car auction, the vehicle which garnered maximum interest was a pickup truck, which was auctioned at $157,300. It was a highly customized 1955 Chevrolet 3100. The truck had 18 inch front wheels and 20 inch rear wheels. It ran with a 6.2-liter LS2 Corvette engine. The graphite metallic pearl painted exterior and red leather interior attracted a number of vintage collectors. In that auction week, a total of 50 classic pickup trucks found new owners.
Reasons for popularity
- Affordability – Classic pickups trucks are less expensive when compared to other classic cars, and spare parts are easily available. Trucks are a good starting point for new car collectors since it can also cost less to restore a vintage pickup truck.
- Ability to carry loads – Classic car experts also believe that pickup trucks have practicality of usage. They can be used for small transfers.
- In demand – These vintage pickups are getting more difficult to find, and as collector car psychology goes, whatever is the rarest, is most in demand.
Popular classic pickup trucks
- 1957 Dodge Sweptline – This truck in pacific blue and white has a 314.6-cid V-8 and an automatic push button transmission. The two door vehicle has a 1959 Eagle Cushman motor scooter in its bed. This is considered a good deal, since you get two vehicles at the price of one. It was sold at the Mecum Auction event in Florida and had many bidders vying for it.
- 1937 Hudson Terraplane – This is a pickup truck with interiors like a car. Only 10 of such cars are available. Terraplane was known for its powerful engine when it was launched and was known to be a favorite with bootleggers. The vehicle also had a heater, spare tires and a tool box.
- 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache Fleetside Deluxe – This Apache has a NAPCO 4×4 system. The NAPCO system was extensively used during World War II in US military trucks. After that the system was offered in regular cars. The truck won “Best Non-Passenger” vehicle honors at the 2011 Desert Classic Concours. The auction estimates the value of this vintage automobile at $85,000.
If you have your heart set on a vintage pickup truck, remember to find the right kind of classic car insurance for your collector vehicle. Call Classic Auto Insurance at 888-901-1338 or visit our website for a free classic truck insurance quote!
About the Author
Drew Yagodnik is Vice President of Classic Automobile Insurance Agency, Inc. Classic Automobile Insurance Agency has been protecting collector, classic and exotics since 1992.