1953 FORD F-100

Today pickups are the best selling models Detroit produces with all the comfort and luxury once reserved for cars. But in 1948, when Ford introduced the first "F" series pickup, the "F1", trucks were expected to work for their living. In 1953, the F-Series was given a classic new style and the F-1, F-2, and F-3 were renamed F-100, F-250, and F-350.

STUDEBAKER 2R PICKUP

Studebaker became famous for producing wagons and carriages in South Bend, Indiana. In the early 1900's they started manufacturing electric vehicles before switching to gasoline power. Eventually a truck line was added to replace their horse drawn wagons. The 2R designed by Robert Bourke was the most popular of Studebaker pickups. The Series was produced from 1949 through 1953.

1953 CHEVROLET 3600

Chevrolet's "Advanced Design" pickups were introduced in 1947. Featuring more cab space, these trucks were the best sellers of the period. The 1953 model was the last to have a split windshield. 

FORD MODEL A CLOSED CAB PICKUP

The Ford open cab or roadster pick-up truck had been designed to meet the demand for an inexpensive light delivery vehicle. Although it was more costly, it was the closed cab model, which provided much better protection from the weather, that would prove to be the most popular.

INTERNATIONAL MODEL KB

The KB was powered by a 214-cid flathead six IH called the "Green Diamond". KB pickups were available on 113 and 125 inch wheelbases. 

DIAMOND T MODEL 201

 

Charles Tilt's Chicago based company first began producing cars in 1905 but switched to trucks in 1911. In 1958, Diamond T was bought by the White Motor Company and in 1967 merged with Reo to form Diamond Reo. From 1938 to 1949 Diamond T produced the classic Model 201 one ton pickup truck. Power was provided by a Hercules six-cylinder engine.