Post-WW2 American Trucks
With World War Two nearly over, civilian truck production resumed in August of 1945. Unlike cars, trucks had been built continuously through the war years, making post-war production easier to start up than for passenger cars.
Chevrolet was able to resume civilian truck production first. Newspaper and magazine ads started promoting new 1946 truck models, which were really a continuation of the fender-mount headlight, waterfall-grilled pre-war pickups.
Years later, Chevrolet Chief Engineer John Woods explained how truck production was able to be started up before the cars were: "Long before the war ended, the government permitted Chevrolet to begin production trucks for civilians on the same lines on which military vehicles were being built."
Debuting in May of 1947, Chevrolet's new 'Advance Line Trucks' started a whole new look for pickups. Chevy was the first to introduce new truck models in 1947, with Dodge and Ford following in 1948.
In 1948, Ford introduced their F-series truck line. Aside from drivetrain and 114-inch wheelbase, the new 'Bonus-Built' truck series were completely different than the car-based trucks they replaced.
The second-series F-series , produced from 1953 to 1956, have long been favorites with restorers and hot-rodders alike.
In mid 1955, Chevrolet countered back with their new 'Task Force' trucks, which not only shared Chevy's passenger car good looks, but their hot new V-8 as well.
Chevy "Advance Design" 1947-1955
Chevy Cameo Pickup 1955-1958
Chevy "Task Force" 1955-1959
Car or Truck?
There's always a debate about whether the El Camino is a car or a truck. Well, it's built on a car chassis, has car suspension and brakes, and the interior is certainly car-like, so it's really closer to a car. However, the reader will notice we've listed it under 'Classic Trucks.'
Chevy El Camino 1959-1960
Ford Trucks
Ford F-Series 1948-1952
Ford F-Series 1953-1956
Ford Econoline Pickup 1961-1967
Dodge Trucks
Dodge Power Wagon 1946-1968
Jeeps
Willys-Overland Jeep 1941-1945
Willys Civilian Jeep 1945-1953
Kaiser-Jeep CJ5 1954-1969
AMC Jeep CJ5 1970-1983
Classic American Truck Gallery
Classic trucks from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s!