Ten Most Influential Pickup Trucks of All Time

From Ford to Nissan and Renault, a whole range of manufacturers has long dominated the spotlight in the trucking world. But among the never ending range of models, there are some that stand out. Here is a list of the ten most popular pick-up truck models in the world.

10. 1958 Datsun 220

It was Nissan's first pickup truck under the brand Datsun, which was introduced in the year 1958. With America's love for the trucks surging upwards, Nissan sighted an opportunity in North America and launched the vehicle as an economical product. It was an instant hit back and helped Datsun to secure a respectable market share. Based on the Datsun's 210 sedan, this pickup-truck is powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine capable of outputting 48bhp of maximum power.

9. 1989 Dodge Ram Cummins Turbodiesel

It was perhaps the most influential models in the pickup truck market. It changed the fortunes for Dodge in pickup market in 1980s. The 1986 Dodge Ram was among the America's first 3/4- and 1-ton pickup truck. It was equipped with a turbocharged 5.9-litre diesel engine comprising straight-six cylinders. Back then, it used to churn out just 160 bhp of maximum power, but generated a hammering torque 400 lb-ft at only 1,700 rpm. This influenced the world of towing so much that most number of heavy-duty pickups of today are powered by a turbo-diesel motor.

8. 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost

The Ford F-150 EcoBoost is one-of-a-kind pickup trim that combines the power of a V8 engine with a smart technology. With this pickup, Ford has changed the perception of truck. The F-150 EcoBoost comes fitted with a 6-cylinder 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine integrated with direct fuel injection technology. This power plant can unleash 365 bhp of maximum power and 420 lb-ft of torque. The EcoBoost V6 engine has proven to be a massive hit so much so that its sales exceeded most of V8-powered Ford pickups.

7. 2001 Ford F-150 SuperCrew

The SuperCrew was the first half-ton, four door pickup to go into mass production. Before its inception, a true four-door pickups were used to be a 1-ton heavy-duty 3/4 trucks and were widely operated by telephone line crews. The 2001 Ford F-150 SuperCrew was powered by a 4.6-litre V6 engine that can churn out 220 bhp of power and 290 lb-ft of hammering torque.

6. 1955 Chevrolet 3100

At the time when Dodge and Ford are dominating the market space with V8s, Chevrolet's 3100 pickup with a small V8 motor helped the company to revive its sales in 1955. Its 4.3-litre engine is perhaps the most popular truck engines of all time in North America. It generates a maximum power of 180 bhp. GM continued its legacy by introducing its successor, the 5.3-liter direct-injection engine under the hood of 2014 Chevy Silverado.

5. 1956 Ford F-100

The 1956 Ford F-100 pickup was unlike any other truck in its class and perhaps it is the most beautiful truck ever produced by Ford. F-100 had same body structure like its 1953 model. However, the 1956 model had a customizable wraparound rear window.

4. 1973 Dodge D100 Club Cab

1973 Dodge D100 Club Cab is another pickup that changed the perception of a truck. It was among the first trucks to offer comforts and conveniences to the passengers unlike conventional pickups. The Club Cab is the inspiration for many of the modern extended-cab trucks of today.

3. 1979 Toyota Pickup 4x4

It was the vehicle with solid front and rear axles and with one of the most reliable engines under the hood. It had a rigid frame that can deal with all the abuse. The 1979 Toyota Pickup 4x4 was an instant success for the Japanese automaker.

Over the years, this pickup has evolved and its axles were replaced with a more advanced independent suspension system. On the other hand, its 4-cylinder engine block was too replaced with a more powerful V6 mill under the hood.

2. 1946 Dodge Power Wagon

This pickup was initially introduced in 1939 with a cab and was intended to serve armed forces in World War II. It is known for its utility and unmatched durability. After the war is over, it went into mass production for civilian usage. It had a masculine build like no other 4x4 in its age. Even after seven decades, the 1946 Dodge Power Wagon is the most popular pickupsever built. It is the inspiration for the Dodge Ram 2500.

1. 1925 Ford Model T Runabout with Pickup Body

Occupying the number one spot in our list is none other than the Ford Model T Runabout with Pickup Body. Soon after its introduction in 1925, it instantly replaced the horse wagons and turned out to be a favorite mobility tool for the farmers and businesses. Perhaps, it revolutionized the commercial transport system like Internet has done in late 70s. Its engine had a power output of just 20 bhp but this didn't stop Ford Model T pickup to change the world of trucks forever.

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