10 Best Vintage Pickup Trucks For Restoration

These vintage pickup trucks make for the perfect restoration projects with their classic style and aftermarket potential.

Vintage pickup trucks define American culture better than anything. These classic vehicles are the epitome of rugged durability and timeless style. Inspired by a fascinating sense of nostalgia, these powerhouses always get the edge over modern trucks whenever you ask someone who truly appreciates American automotive history. And this is why they make the best choice for restoration projects.

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The good thing is that there are several of these old trucks available, but that can also lead to a dilemma when deciding which one to choose for restoration. Fear not, as today, we’re looking at some of the best vintage pickup trucks you can restore. Before you go find cheap trucks for sale, make sure to consider some of these classics first!

There are plenty of reasons why the Dodge Power Wagon is an iconic truck. It was the first mass-produced four-wheel drive manufactured in the US and is pretty much the pioneer of the category. Today it is one of the most popular classic trucks known for being truly unique and rugged by restoration enthusiasts, something which you wouldn't find very easily even in the modern market.

This is definitely why the mid-duty truck is still very popular at car shows and continues to be a perfect choice for restoration projects. Its strong frame can support several upgrade options without compromising efficiency in terms of traction and towing strength. As far as looks are concerned, to put it simply, the Power Wagon's vintage feel is very hard to top.

The Ford F-Series include some truly legendary trucks that have remained iconic for decades. The 1948-1952 generation of Ford F-Series is famous for being known as the "Million Dollar Cab" and was the most popular truck in the 1950s. It was produced when pickups were transitioning from utility-based functionality to car-like features for comfortable transportation. But what really makes this F-Series timeless is the classic design, which is something restoration lovers have plenty of fun with nowadays.

The 1948-1952 Ford F-Series has a distinctive wide grille with rounded fenders that are instantly recognizable. Thanks to a solid frame and body construction, the truck is pretty easy to work on and can be brought back to its former glory with just a little bit of dedication. Parts are also readily available, so it makes restoration convenient for sure.

International Harvester pickups are a rare find these days because only a limited number were produced, and this includes the 1956-1960 S-Series. Finding a well-preserved model to restore is difficult, but that also adds to the truck's value and appeal.

The 1956-1960 International Harvester S-Series is best known for its classic cab design with the "Golden Jubilee" grille that will make any restoration enthusiast drool. Thanks to a sturdy frame and chassis, there's plenty of muscle available for heavier upgrades. More importantly, the S-Series was built for commercial use, so reliability is out of the question. You'll be using it for years to come, and that makes it a serious candidate for a rewarding restoration project.

Unlike other vintage trucks on this list, the Chevy Task Force was designed with functionality and style both in mind. So even if you look for one today, odds are you're more likely to find one in good condition. Speaking of style, its chrome accents and two-tone paint schemes provide an unmistakable vintage look that you’ll enjoy restoring.

It also helps that the Chevrolet Task Force is super customizable, with plenty of room for design improvements and other modifications. If you want to restore a truck to your specific taste and needs, this Chevy is the best choice. Plus, it belongs to an era of trucks that have a strong and dedicated community of enthusiasts and collectors, which makes restoring a Task Force truck a great way to connect with other vintage truck restorers.

During the 1967-1972 generation, the Ford F-100 underwent a significant redesign. This gave the truck a new look that set it apart from the ones before. This F-100's bold and squared-off design is instantly recognizable even today, with a front grille and bumper that call back to the most vintage era for pickups.

It's pretty easy to find a 5th generation Ford F-100 truck despite them being produced five decades ago. The F-100 from this generation was also produced en-masse, so parts for restoration are quite easily available. Depending on your intended result for the restoration, you can also choose between the economical six-cylinder or the powerful V8 engine options. This kind of versatility is hard to find in other vintage truck restorations.

General Motors produced the Chevy 3100 during the post-World War II era, and it ultimately became the top choice for farmers, contractors, and everyday drivers alike. The truck exudes vintage charm unlike any other, thanks to sleek, rounded lines and an iconic grille.

While original parts are no longer in production, there are still plenty of companies that specialize in reproduction parts still faithful to the original design. This is why the Chevy 3100 is a great choice for restorations and one that's best for beginners. It can be found in numerous colors and trims, but all feature the same sturdy frame that is perfect to support upgrades and customizations. Also, you’d be surprised to know how expensive a restored Chevy 3100 from this era can be.

The Lil’ Red Express is as legendary as you can get. This high-performance pickup by Dodge was the fastest American-made vehicle when it was launched. The eye-catching and unique design definitely makes it a collector's dream, with bold graphics and chrome exhaust stacks that protrude through the bed. In other words, the Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck is one of the most underrated pickups of all time.

The company marketed it as an "adult toy" and this lil’ red monster still lives up to that moniker. Limited production numbers make it a difficult find, but restoring this vintage truck is a highly rewarding experience as it means you can preserve a piece of automotive history while also enjoying a thrilling drive of a high-performance vehicle.

The Studebaker Champ is one of the most unique vintage pickups ever. Based on the Studebaker Lark car platform, the truck has a lower center of gravity which means you get better handling as well as a more comfortable ride, that's something that you can have a lot of fun with in terms of customizations while restoring. It also helps that Studebaker pickups are great for mods and custom touches to a point where they can compete with modern trucks.

The Champ's innovative design helped it stand out in the category when it was launched in the 1960s. It's also why restoring a Studebaker Champ is a fun project for those who appreciate the unique and innovative nature of this vintage truck. It's definitely a truck that sparks conversation everywhere it goes, and that makes it one of the most restore-worthy options on this list.

The GMC badge has a lot of pedigree as GMC trucks were way ahead of their time. The C/K series is particularly great as these trucks were built to last with thick and sturdy body panels and durable frames. This is why they make for great restoration projects, and they’re easier to restore than some other trucks from the same era.

The "wraparound" windshield is distinctive and recognizable which is another reason why you’ll love restoring this one to its former glory. The fact that aftermarket parts are easily available also means you have enough flexibility to customize the GMC C/K series pickup to your liking.

A bold two-tone paint scheme, special emblems, and an upgraded interior trim; the Custom Sport Special still has plenty of design elements that still make it perfect for restoration. Dodge produced this pickup for a limited time, so you probably won't find it as easily as others on the list.

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Its rarity is the main reason why the Dodge Custom Sport Special is among the most expensive vintage trucks today. This makes restoring it all the more rewarding. Sourcing hard-to-find parts to customize this one to your specific taste can be very engaging, especially for hardcore restoration lovers, and the result would mean you get to own a unique, vintage piece of automotive history!

Fazeel is a gearhead extraordinaire with a passion for all things automotive. With almost a decade of experience writing long-form content, Fazeel is an expert in his field and knows how to rev up the engines of his readers. When he's not behind the wheel, you can find him sitting at his keyboard, crafting articles that are both informative and entertaining.