The 1960s weren’t just about muscle cars and sleek coupes. Pickup trucks of the decade carved out their own kind of cool—machines built for work but with style and presence that made them unforgettable. They were tough, simple, and straight to the point, yet their designs were bold enough to leave a lasting impression. These trucks weren’t trying to be luxury vehicles or lifestyle accessories. They were honest workhorses, and that authenticity is exactly what makes them so appealing today. Expanded here with more history and detail, these are twelve trucks from the 60’s that still exude pure cool.
Chevrolet C10
The Chevy C10 is the quintessential classic pickup. Its squared-off body lines, wide stance, and subtle details gave it a clean look that has aged beautifully. Back then, it was seen as the perfect farmer’s truck, but today it’s one of the most customized and collected pickups on the planet. Enthusiasts slam them to the ground with modern suspension, tuck big wheels under those fenders, or restore them to showroom condition. Whether bone-stock or radically modified, the C10 has the kind of enduring charm that few vehicles can match.
Ford F-100
Ford’s F-100 of the 60’s carried the DNA of what would later evolve into the world’s best-selling truck line. Its grille designs shifted slightly throughout the decade, but the truck always kept a timeless, blocky shape that shouted ruggedness. Farmers, tradesmen, and small businesses loved the F-100 because it worked hard and rarely quit. Enthusiasts love them today for their simplicity and classic styling. Park one at a car show, and it draws admiration not because it’s flashy, but because it represents an era when trucks were honest and purposeful.
Dodge D100
The Dodge D100 of the 60’s gave buyers something different in a market dominated by Ford and Chevy. With the “Sweptline” bed design, it had clean, stylish lines that made it instantly recognizable. Under the hood, V8 options gave it plenty of grunt, making it as capable as it was handsome. The D100 may have been overlooked in its time, but today collectors prize them for their rarity and unique styling. Restored examples stand out as some of the most eye-catching pickups of the decade.
International Harvester Pickup
International Harvester wasn’t about flash—it was about toughness. Their 60’s pickups looked utilitarian and rugged, but that no-nonsense styling is exactly what makes them cool today. Farmers and ranchers swore by them because they were built like tractors on four wheels. With flat, boxy panels and simple interiors, these trucks embodied durability. Enthusiasts now view them as hidden gems of the classic truck world, a badge of authenticity that separates them from the mainstream.
GMC Stepside
GMC’s Stepside pickups were siblings of Chevrolet’s but carried their own subtle identity. The pronounced rear fenders and step cutouts gave them a vintage, almost hot-rod flavor. In an era when fleetsides were becoming more common, the Stepside kept its old-school curves, and that has made them especially beloved among collectors today. Pairing a simple bench seat interior with a throaty V8, the Stepside had just the right balance of grit and style to exude timeless cool.
Jeep Gladiator (SJ)
CZmarlin, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Launched in 1962, the Jeep Gladiator brought Jeep’s off-road pedigree into the pickup truck arena. Built on the Wagoneer’s platform, it blended rugged capability with surprising comfort for the time. The Gladiator looked muscular, with squared-off lines and a strong stance that made it stand out. Its ability to tackle rough terrain gave it instant credibility, and today vintage Gladiators are highly collectible, especially among off-road enthusiasts who love its blend of utility and adventure-ready styling.
Studebaker Champ
The Studebaker Champ might have been built during the twilight years of Studebaker’s survival, but it carried one of the most unique looks of any 60’s truck. Borrowing design cues from the Lark sedan, it blended passenger car style with pickup utility. The Champ wasn’t as common as its Ford or Chevy rivals, but that rarity adds to its appeal today. Its quirky charm and distinctive profile make it a favorite for enthusiasts who appreciate trucks with a story.
Chevrolet Apache (Early 60’s)
The Apache carried over from the late 50’s into the early 60’s and remains one of the most iconic vintage pickups ever. With its wide, bold grille and rounded styling, it had a presence that was both friendly and tough. The Apache embodied a post-war optimism—practical enough for farmers and tradesmen, but stylish enough to be a source of pride. Restored Apaches are sought after today, often used as weekend cruisers or retro showpieces.
Ford Ranchero
Part car, part truck, the Ranchero was Ford’s answer to blending utility with style. Based on the Falcon in the 60’s, it had sleek car lines with the added practicality of a pickup bed. While not a heavy-duty hauler, it exuded cool as a lifestyle vehicle for surfers, young families, and anyone who wanted something different. The Ranchero became a cultural icon, proving that pickups didn’t always have to be purely utilitarian.
Dodge Power Wagon
By the 60’s, the Dodge Power Wagon had transitioned from its military origins into civilian use, but it never lost its rugged edge. With its utilitarian styling, tall ride height, and incredible off-road ability, the Power Wagon was a truck that looked ready for anything. Its presence alone exuded toughness, and even today it’s considered one of the coolest vintage 4x4s around. Collectors prize them for their go-anywhere attitude and unmistakable silhouette.
GMC Suburban Pickup (Carryall)
Before SUVs dominated the road, GMC was experimenting with blending passenger space and truck utility. The Suburban Carryall of the 60’s blurred the line between family hauler and workhorse. While more niche than other pickups, its unique role in automotive history gives it plenty of cool factor today. Restored versions stand out at shows for their unusual design and retro personality.
Mercury M-Series
Exclusive to the Canadian market, the Mercury M-Series added a twist to the Ford F-100 formula. With unique Mercury badging and trim, it gave Canadian buyers something their American neighbors couldn’t have. That rarity has made them highly collectible today, especially among enthusiasts north of the border. For anyone who loves 60’s trucks, the M-Series carries an extra layer of cool simply because of its exclusivity.
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