Uncommon Pickup Trucks to Keep an Eye Out for
Not all pickup trucks were built to haul or lug tools. Some were made in small numbers, had cool or weird designs, or just didn’t get the love they truly deserved - until now. Buckle up, because these rare pickup trucks are turning heads and climbing in value faster than you can say “hidden gem.”
1990 Chevrolet 454 SS
The Chevrolet 454 SS is basically a muscle car in disguise. Chevy shoved a 454 V8 under the hood, giving it a mean, blacked-out look. This is a truck made for speed, not hauling hay, and collectors today love it for its raw power and unmatched ‘90s attitude.
1991 GMC Syclone
The Syclone was a turbocharged all-wheel drive rocket with the ability to smoke a Ferrari in a drag race. Only about 3,000 were ever made, so collectors scramble to grab one of these rare speed demons that are incredibly hard to find.
1978 Dodge Li’l Red Express
This truck turned heads in the late ‘70s with chrome stacks and a high-output V8 engine under the hood. It beat sports cars off the line and looked like a hot rod in pickup form. Today, it’s a powerhouse packed with nostalgia at any classic car show.
1993 Ford SVT Lightning
Ford’s answer to performance pickups came in the form of the Lightning. It was built by Ford’s Special Vehicle team and packed serious horsepower and slick handling. The Lightning is now climbing in value as more truck enthusiasts want a fast truck with that old-school charm.
1978 Subaru BRAT
The BRAT was a funky little truck with built-in rear-facing seats. You might be surprised to know this was to avoid import taxes. It was quirky, unmistakably ‘80s, and had incredible off-road capabilities. Collectors love it today for its retro appeal.
1962 Jeep Gladiator
The original Gladiator brought a bit of Jeep toughness to the pickup world. A vintage off-road treasure today that’s getting restored more and more today, the Gladiator had rugged looks and solid off-road cred that made it a fan favorite.
1974 Mazda Rotary Pickup
Mazda decided, “Why not put a rotary engine in a pickup?” And that’s how the Mazda Rotary Pickup came to be - the only rotary-powered pickup ever sold in the U.S. It was weird, rare, and rev-happy - everything you’d expect in a pickup.
1972 Datsun 620
Datsun’s compact Japanese pickup truck helped build the brand’s reputation for reliable, fun-to-drive small trucks. People loved its clean lines, and it had somewhat of a cult following. Today, it’s a prime candidate for vintage truck builds and restoration mods.
1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454
Chevrolet’s El Camino was part car, part truck, and all muscle. It had serious V8 firepower and a low, aggressive stance that made it stand out among the rest. These days, it’s seen as one of the coolest pickup trucks to race.
1967 Ford Ranchero GT
The Ford Ranchero was Ford’s stylish revival of the El Camino and came with a sporty GT trim, sleek lines, and one of the most powerful engines. Blurring the lines between muscle car and pickup, the Ford Ranchero is in hot demand for collectors wanting to snap them up.
1980 Toyota SR5 Pickup
The Toyota SR5 was immortalized by Marty McFly in Back to the Future. It quickly became the dream ride of many teens in the ‘80s. Fast forward a few decades, and the SR5 pickup is both rare and valuable, especially those with 4WD and the original black paint that made it fierce.
1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup
Volkswagen surprised everyone when they made a tiny, front-wheel drive oddball that was great on gas and surprisingly tough. They named it the Rabbit, and it quickly became a must-have for its hipster charm and retro flair. You’ll have trouble finding one today.
1976 International Harvester Scout Terra
The Terra wasn’t just a 4X4 - it was the pickup version of the Scout that was built to last and as rare as hen’s teeth. Who would have thought that it would gain fans who want something different from the usual Jeep or Bronco?
2003 Chevrolet SSR
A convertible, retro-styled pickup with a Corvette engine? Yes, please, and where can we get one? It was weird and pricey when it first came out, but collectors see its value today and want to get their hands on it for its bold charm and class.
1960 Studebaker Champ
Studebaker took a risk when they made the Champ, mixing and matching parts to build this truck. It gave it a one-of-a-kind look, and while it wasn’t a huge success back then, its rarity and cool vintage vibes are finally being appreciated.
1972 Ford Courier
Before the Ranger, Ford partnered with Mazda to bring the Courier to the U.S. in the early ‘70s. This pickup was compact and efficient and was totally overlooked for years before being noticed and making a comeback as a fun little collectible.
1989 Dodge Dakota Convertible
Did you know that Dodge made a convertible pickup? Well, it’s true. The Dodge Dakota Convertible was short-lived but is now a rare gem that turns heads everywhere it goes. Collectors love it for its quirky look, showing it off at classic car shows.
1978 GMC Caballero
The GMC Caballero was the lesser-known cousin of the El Camino but had similar looks and muscle. It had even rarer production numbers, making it a big hit among collectors who will do anything to get their hands on one of these babies.
1980 Nissan Hardbody SE V6
This pickup truck was nicknamed the “Hardbody” for its tough construction. But, it was its reliability and clean style that made it even more popular. Today, it’s the top choice for many retro builds and off-road mods, making it incredibly rare.
2002 Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood rolled off the production line in 2002 and was nothing more than a total flop. It had a fancy interior and strange fake wood bed, making it rare and oddly charming to collectors of weird and wonderful trucks today.
2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT
The Escalade EXT is where luxury truck meets utility. It had all the bling of a Cadillac and a folding midgate that made it a powerhouse on the road. Not many survived, though, so finding one that’s still in one piece today is a hot find.
2000 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71
The Avalanche was already an incredibly popular pickup truck. But the rare Z71 off-road version with its special trims are the real collector gold now. Not many were made, and they offered rugged looks and practicality neatly wrapped in early-2000’s nostalgia.
1940 Dodge Power Wagon
The Dodge Power Wagon was a post-war beast built tough enough for anything. It was military-inspired and practically indestructible, making it a rare find for collectors. Vintage 4X4 fans would do almost anything to get their hands on one today.
1971 GMC Sprint SP
The GMC Sprint was pretty much a clone of the El Camino, and came with big power and surprisingly low production numbers. We don’t have to tell you how this affected its popularity, as it’s now become a hidden gem that’s finally getting the love it deserves.
2006 First Generation Honda Ridgeline
Collectors are finally starting to notice how ahead of its time the first Ridgeline really was. It had a unibody frame, a hidden trunk, and a smooth car-like ride. It’s still considered a smart pickup truck wrapped in a quirky design.
1980s Mitsubishi Mighty Max Turbo Diesel
This tiny and super rare diesel truck was not only fuel-efficient but also incredibly tough. This made it a must-have for collectors who either restored it for shows or just wanted to add it to their garage. Those who find the Mighty Max Turbo Diesel better hold onto it tight.
1961 Dodge D100 Sweptline
The Dodge D100 Sweptline stood out from the crowd with its sharp lines and wide-bed design. It also had a minimalist interior and no-nonsense look that gave it serious retro appeal. Sure, it was once overlooked, but these trucks are now in hot demand as sleek cruisers with old-school toughness.
1980 Isuzu P’up
Don’t let the size of the Isuzu P’up fool you - it might be a little hauler, but it has a big heart. Collectors today love it for its classic boxy design and dependable nature, and it was one of the cheaper pickups on the market. Today, it’s a mini-truck icon.
1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier
The Cameo Carrier wasn’t just a truck - it was a trendsetter way ahead of its time. It added style to utility with fiberglass rear fenders and super elegant trim and was one of the first pickups made to look good and not just work hard.
1986 Jeep Comanche
The Comanche brought Jeep’s off-road ruggedness to the pickup world. It was initially based on the Cherokee and had real 4x4 chops and a strong following. This Jeep is a cult favorite for those who want a classic Jeep vibe with a truck bed.
1960 Ford F-100 Ranger XLT
Back in the day, the F-100 was fancy with its chrome trim, upgraded interior, and all the bells and whistles you would ever need in a pickup truck. It’s this upscale styling that makes it a favorite for restorers today, with just enough flash to make it pop at any classic car show.
1990 Toyota T100 SR5
The T100 was Toyota’s big step before the Tacoma, but it never quite got the love it deserved - until now, that is. It was roomy, super reliable, and packed with that legendary engineering Toyota was known for. Today, it’s a hidden gem for collectors wanting a no-drama classic.
1972 Chevy LUV
The Chevy LUV is a little truck with a big fan base. It was built by Isuzu and badged by Chevy and was compact, efficient, and fun to drive. The LUV, or Light Utility Vehicle, is a collector favorite for those who appreciate mini-truck culture and vintage imports.
1980s Nissan 720 4x4
Tough, simple, and ready for the trails - exactly what you’d expect from a Nissan truck, right? Its boxy design just screams ‘80s, and it handles off-road duties like an absolute champ. Import fans love it for its ruggedness and classic, no-frills vibe.
1982 Dodge Rampage
The Dodge Rampage was like nothing else truck lovers had ever seen. Part car and part truck, the Rampage had front-wheel drive, was easy on gas, and was oddly practical for a truck. Thanks to its limited production run, it’s become a cult collectible.
