Your Old Truck Could Be Worth a Hefty Sum
You could probably have picked them up for a bargain when they first released, but now these trucks have risen in value and if you own one, you’re sitting on (or in) a small fortune! Here’s a selection of examples that have aged like fine wine. Whether it’s their timeless design, rugged performance, or nostalgic appeal, these trucks have become hot commodities.
Collectors and enthusiasts are shelling out big bucks for pristine models—and even beat-up ones aren’t exactly cheap anymore.
Chevrolet 3100 (1947–1955)
Post-WWII most trucks were still boxy and militaristic until the Chevy 3100 came along! It was curvy, smooth and turned a workhorse vehicle into a stylish expression of freedom. The classic look and a rising interest in resto-mods have raised its value through the roof. Today, restored or modified 3100s regularly fetch premium prices at auctions and online marketplaces.
Collectors love its iconic five-bar grille and art deco flair—it’s a symbol of postwar optimism now worth tens of thousands.
Ford F1 (1948–1952)
The F-series is the best-selling vehicle line in American history, and it all started with the OG F1, a post-war design that eschewed car-based platforms to become a true truck. Its history makes it collectible, but restorers and hot-rodders love its simplicity, too. Clean examples are now commanding serious prices thanks to rising demand, vintage appeal, and rock-solid build quality.
Whether bone stock or fully customized, the F1’s blend of form and function makes it a blue-chip classic in today’s market.
Dodge Power Wagon (1945–1980)
With roots in military trucks, the Dodge Power Wagon is a rugged, tank-like beast equally comfortable rolling across farms or battlefields. Its wrench-friendly mechanics and cockroach-like survivability give it a cult following, and mint examples are rare, adding extra interest. These trucks were built to last—and they did. Today, collectors pay top dollar for well-preserved originals or professionally restored models.
Their off-road prowess, iconic looks, and military pedigree make them prized possessions in the world of vintage utility vehicles.
Chevrolet Task Force 3100 (1955–1959)
When the Task Force 3100 came along, it represented practicality and aesthetics in one optionally v8-powered, chrome-covered package. The first year will have collectors doing cartwheels, but all of them are hot-rodder favorites; you’re looking at $120,000+ for top-end prices. Its wraparound windshield, bold grille, and two-tone paint options helped define 1950s truck design. These trucks are showpieces and investments rolled into one.
Combine that with solid engineering and timeless styling, and it’s no wonder this model has soared in value.
Ford F100 (1953–1956)
As its name suggests, the Ford F100 was a huge leap on from the F1, with better suspension and sleeker lines. However, the real money is in the ’56 model, which featured a wraparound windshield and vertical A-pillars that were only available for a year! Collectors go wild for that one-year-only styling quirk, driving prices sky-high. Restored models often command serious attention.
Especially those with custom touches or original V8s. The F100 is a golden-era icon that blends vintage cool with rugged capability.
GMC Blue Chip Series (1955–1959)
Offering a premium alternative to Chevy’s Task Force trucks, the Blue Chip Series had more chrome and inline-6 engines (or V8s, if you were lucky). They’re rarer than most Chevys of the era and frequently came with extra factory upgrades, making them even more valuable. Buyers today appreciate their upscale touches, distinctive styling, and lower production numbers.
Restored Blue Chips with original trim and matching engines can easily fetch high five-figure prices, especially when they sport rare dealer-installed options.
Jeep Willys Pickup (1947–1965)
Willys Pickup offers good, old-fashioned 4WD utility that could survive a nuclear apocalypse and still work well enough to haul away the debris. Off-road collectors love its early 4x4 heritage, and restored versions are a valuable, rare find. Its utilitarian design, flat fenders, and rugged drivetrain make it a favorite among vintage trail-ready builds. These trucks are increasingly hard to source in decent condition.
And well-preserved examples regularly command top dollar at specialty auctions and off-road enthusiast gatherings.
Chevrolet C10 (1960–1966)
The C10 was designed to look just as good hauling as it was parked outside a stylish 1960s diner and had proportions that Chevy fans salivate over. It’s also a popular choice for LS swaps and Resto-mods, adding to its desirability. The combination of clean lines, coil-spring rear suspension, and mod-friendly chassis has made the C10 a legend in the custom truck world.
Prices for well-built examples have skyrocketed, with top-tier builds often bringing in six figures at auctions and shows.
Ford Bronco (First Gen) (1966–1977)
The Bronco is a long-running series that has pop culture notoriety (thanks, OJ) but the first gen offered a competitive off-road flex and a removable top to make fans blush. Since its popularity skyrocketed, resto-mods and restored models are worth their weight in gold. Its boxy frame, short wheelbase, and go-anywhere attitude made it a true pioneer in the SUV segment.
These days, clean examples can fetch six-figure prices, especially when outfitted with tasteful upgrades or period-correct restorations.
International Harvester Scout 800 (1965–1971)
Tractor company IH essentially released a rugged tractor in a truck cosplay, and its charm adds value. Despite being bulletproof, many units were driven into the ground, so surviving examples are rare; however, high-end resto-mods have made them popular again. Collectors love their boxy styling, no-nonsense interiors, and true off-road DNA. With modern upgrades and vintage soul, restored Scouts often sell for surprising sums.
Their underdog status only adds to the appeal—and the climbing resale prices reflect that demand.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Pickup (1960–1984)
The FJ40 became legendary for being able to cross anything you threw at it - desert, snow, mountains or mud - with gusto. The pickup variant’s like a unicorn on muddied wheels, and in North America it’s even rarer! Collectors swoon over its bulletproof reliability, rugged build, and classic Toyota styling. Original or tastefully restored FJ40 pickups routinely command high auction prices.
Their scarcity, especially in usable condition, has made them one of the most sought-after Japanese classics in the off-road world.
Datsun 620 (1972–1979)
If you wanted truck utility without a V8 gas bill, the Datsun 620 was the go-to vehicle. It had durability, peppy performance and because it comes from Japan the JDM crowd go wild for it; their custom potential is huge. Lowered, bagged, or restomodded, the 620 is now a favorite at import shows and vintage truck meets.
Its boxy profile and chrome accents give it retro charm, and demand for clean examples has pushed prices up well beyond their humble origins.
Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1969–1972)
Combining 4x4 utility with recreational charm (courtesy of its completely removable top) the first gen K5 Blazer is a collector magnet, and its compatible parts with C/K trucks makes resto-modding super accessible. High-end prices can top $120,000+. Its short wheelbase, rugged construction, and open-air driving experience have made it a favorite among vintage SUV lovers.
Whether restored to factory spec or modified with modern touches, the K5’s blend of practicality and fun ensures it’ll stay in high demand for years.
GMC Jimmy (1970–1972)
The Jimmy is the K5 Blazer’s twin with slightly different badging and trim. At the time it didn’t stand out much, but now those slight alterations have made it a collectible, and the limited production numbers reinforce that desirability. Jimmy resto-mods are big business. Their rarity compared to Blazers gives them a slight edge with collectors seeking something unique.
Clean examples and thoughtfully modified builds regularly fetch premium prices, especially when restored with attention to originality or high-end performance upgrades.
Ford Ranchero GT (1970–1971)
When you combine the utility of a pickup truck with the performance of a muscle car you get the Ranchero GT, which could be optioned with a 429 Cobra Jet V8 engine for drag strip flex. They’re appealing to muscle car fans and pickup lovers alike. That rare combo of speed and practicality has made them a hot item on the collector market.
Clean GT models, especially with factory performance packages, can command impressive prices and turn heads at any car show.
Chevrolet El Camino SS (1970–1972)
Coming from the age where muscle cars roamed the earth, the El Camino SS is a muscle van that could leave a sports car eating dust while hauling hay bales like they’re nothing. The LS6 454 V8 engine models are especially rare. These beasts combined practicality with raw power in a way few vehicles ever have. Collectors drool over matching-numbers SS models.
And top-condition LS6 variants can bring six-figure bids. It’s an icon of absurd horsepower and blue-collar cool.
Toyota Hilux SR5 (1979–1983)
“Top Gear” tried to destroy the Hilux and it just wouldn’t die. Snow, mountains, volcanos… it can ride over anything with its bulletproof workhorse engine and its boxy design has come back round to being retro-fashionable; clean survivors can bring in $70,000+. Its legendary reliability, global cult status, and no-frills durability make it one of the most revered trucks ever built.
Whether restored or kept rugged, the SR5 Hilux is now a high-dollar icon of indestructible engineering and timeless style.
Dodge D100 Adventurer (1972–1980)
A sleeper muscle truck that the Fords and Chevys of its day overshadowed, the modern era is the time for the D100 and its Adventurer trim to shine! Few units have survived to the present day and mopar fans are vacuuming them up. With bold styling, V8 power, and just enough rarity to stand out, the Adventurer is gaining traction fast.
Restored or modified versions are climbing in value, and collectors are finally giving this underdog the respect—and prices—it deserves.
Ford F150 Ranger XLT (1977–1979)
The F150 was a hunk of a truck, but the ranger XLT trim turned it into a working class luxury hero with chrome by the bucketload, plush interior and paint louder than its sound system. It’s highly desirable, and hit just before the emissions cuts hit performance. That perfect timing makes it a favorite for collectors who want vintage looks with solid power.
Surviving models in good condition are getting harder to find—and more expensive with every passing year.
Chevrolet Silverado K10 (1973–1987)
Silverados are already collectible, and the K10 4x4 models even more so; they’re packed with upgrade potential and over the last decade their values have shot into orbit! A combination of short beds with two-tone paint are appealing, and resto-modders can’t get enough. Their square-body design, durability, and off-road chops make them a hit with classic truck fans.
Clean K10s, especially with original trim or tasteful upgrades, now command serious money—and they’re only getting hotter in today’s vintage 4x4 boom.
Jeep J10 Honcho (1976–1983)
The J10 series got a glowup with the Honcho trim - it really leaned into the off-road aesthetic with flared fenders, denim interiors and an AMC V8 engine that gave its bark some bite. It was rare when it came out, now it’s as rare as rocking horse poop. Collectors prize its bold graphics, beefy stance, and unmistakable 1970s swagger.
Surviving Honchos in decent shape are nearly impossible to find, and prices for clean examples or restored builds have surged in recent years.
Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck (1978–1979)
In 1978 the Lil’ Red Express Truck was the fastest american vehicle from 0-100 mph, and it was loud in more ways than one. In addition to its speed, its bright red paint job and chrome stacks made it legendary. Thanks to a loophole that let trucks bypass emissions regulations, it packed serious muscle under the hood.
Today, it’s a unicorn among classic muscle trucks, and well-preserved examples with original parts are fetching sky-high prices from Mopar fans and collectors alike.
Chevrolet S-10 Baja (1988–1991)
A super-limited production of S-10s were given the Baja variant treatment; true to its name, its fog lights, lifted suspension, tubular bumpers and rad decals made it look Baja 100-ready. Most were driven until they were scrap, so rare survivors with ’80s retro cool are hot stuff. Collectors love the period-correct styling and rally-inspired touches.
Finding one in decent condition is like spotting Bigfoot in the wild—and when you do, expect to pay a premium for the nostalgia.
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning (1993–1995)
The lovechild of a hauler and muscle car, Ford dropped the F-150, tightened its suspension and threw in a 5.8L V8 punch to create the SVT Lightning. It only built 11,500 units, and clean low-mileage versions are getting harder to come by. As one of the original sport trucks, it carved out a niche before the segment exploded.
With factory performance, everyday usability, and a dedicated enthusiast base, these trucks are quickly gaining value—and recognition as true modern classics.
Toyota Tacoma Xtracab 4x4 (1995–2000)
The first-generation Tacoma Xtracab 4x4 blended Japanese engineering with rugged American-style utility—and it nailed it. With a bulletproof 2.7L or optional V6 engine, off-road-ready suspension, and extra cab space for gear (or a dog), it became the go-to midsize for adventurers. Tacomas from this era are known to run forever, so finding a low-mileage, rust-free Xtracab is a goldmine.
Prices have jumped big time, and clean examples can now fetch over $30,000 from collectors and overlanding fans alike.
GMC Syclone (1991)
The unassuming Syclone was AWD with a turbocharged 4.3L V6 engine that could do 0–60 in 4.3 seconds… and that was in 1991! Its crazy performance has gathered quite the following, and only 2,995 were ever made, boosting its popularity. At the time, it was quicker than a Ferrari 348—and it looked like a sleeper S-15 pickup.
Today, the Syclone is a unicorn in the collector world, with pristine examples fetching sky-high prices from speed-hungry truck enthusiasts.
Chevrolet 454 SS (1990–1993)
The 454 SS looked like a truck but it had a muscle car punch thanks to the 454-cubic inch V8 engine Chevy stuffed into its bay. A combination of the big block engine and short wheelbase catches hot-rodder attention, while the Onyx Black paint job was limited production. With red accents, a lowered stance, and performance-tuned suspension, it delivered street performance in a pickup package.
Today, well-kept 454 SS models are rapidly appreciating and attracting collectors who crave that old-school, big block thunder.
Nissan Hardbody SE V6 (1986–1997)
NIssan saw the Hilux and answered with the Harbody. It looks like it belongs in a 1980s video game - which makes it retro cool now - and if you can get hold of a rare V6 model, it’s even more desirable. Its sharp lines, flared fenders, and factory graphics scream classic import truck styling.
Built like a tank and loved for its reliability, the SE V6 models are especially collectible today, with rising prices and growing demand from nostalgic JDM truck fans.
Land Rover Defender 110 Pickup (1983–1990)
A Land Rover in truck form with military ruggedness and a safari DNA, the Defender 110 wasn’t officially sold in the U.S. during its production years, so legal imports are magnets for Land Rover enthusiasts. Resto-modders will pay an arm and a leg for one. Its boxy silhouette, bulletproof drivetrain, and utilitarian charm make it a favorite for both collectors and off-road purists.
Prices for legally imported or well-restored models continue to climb, especially with custom builds flooding the enthusiast scene.
Mazda Rotary Pickup (REPU) (1974–1977)
The REPU is a quirky truck with a rotary engine that roars like a chainsaw and revs into orbit. It has a dedicated fan base - especially among JDM enthusiasts - and it released in limited numbers; combine that with few surviving members, and you have a popular truck! Its unique powertrain, screaming redline, and unmistakable engine note make it a standout in the collector world.
Restored REPUs are increasingly rare and expensive, often scooped up quickly by Mazda lovers and rotary purists alike.
Dodge Ramcharger AW-100 (1974–1981)
Dodge released the Ramcharger as an off-road bruiser to compete with the Bronco and Blazer, and boy, did it deliver! It had 4WD, V8 engine options and BTE (big truck energy) but the most appealing ones were the earlier models with removable tops. That open-air option combined with classic Dodge toughness has turned early Ramchargers into high-demand collectibles.
Clean, uncut examples are getting harder to find—and the market has noticed, with values rising steadily among vintage SUV and 4x4 enthusiasts.
Chevy Avalanche Z71 (2002–2006)
Before the cybertruck’s unique aesthetic, the Avalanche Z71 was pulling off a similar look, only it was also part Transformer - a fold-down panel could turn it into a pickup or SUV, and it had serious off-road muscle, too. It’s versatile, rugged, and values are sneaking up higher all the time. Its cladding-heavy styling, 4x4 capability, and innovative "midgate" setup have earned it a cult following.
As clean examples become harder to find, the Z71 is shaping up to be a future classic.
Ford SVT Raptor (1st Gen) (2010–2014)
With its Fox shocks, widebody suspension and V8 engine (or 6.2L in later models), the Raptor was essentially a road-legal desert racer that looked aggressive enough to scare small children. Off-road cred, first gen charm and naturally aspirated engines are all appealing in unmodified models. It set the benchmark for modern performance trucks and still holds a special place among enthusiasts.
Clean, low-mileage Raptors—especially untouched by mods—are commanding strong resale prices and gaining ground as early-2010s collector favorites.
Hummer H1 Alpha Pickup (2006)
When the civilian H1 levelled up it evolved into the Alpha Pickup, the last of the original Hummer line and the power to match its tank-like appearance. It looks like a Mad Max luxury vehicle, and collectors will sell their soul for one. With a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 and upgraded Allison transmission, it’s the most powerful and refined H1 ever made.
Production numbers were low, making it ultra-rare—and sky-high prices reflect just how coveted this beast has become.
Lincoln Blackwood (2002)
When Lincoln released the Blackwood - a pickup truck with a small bed covered in shag carpet - it wasn't just a huge flop - it was a laughing stock! It was too luxury for truck users and too truck-like for luxury drivers, so it was cancelled after a year. That very same short production life has led to a surge if interest and now its weird, quirky nature adds oddball appeal.
Today, collectors embrace its bizarre charm, and clean examples are rising in value as rare automotive curiosities.