A Brief History of American Pickup Trucks

Having been around for over 100 years, pickup trucks have become staples of American culture. The name “pickup” loosely derives from the vehicle’s ability to haul and transport heavy loads. The pickup truck has a signature design with a modified truck cab and an open back, able to haul anything and everything.

Through their rich history, pickup trucks have transformed significantly from simple vehicles for farming into the multiuse tools that everyday drivers know today. Here’s a brief history of American pickup trucks that every truck enthusiast should know.

The Beginning: Early Pickup Trucks

Americans were introduced to the first pickup truck in the early 1900s. Henry Ford took notice of the preliminary pickup truck design that the military used in World War I and then designed the first civilian pickup truck, called the Model TT, in 1917. As time went on, the Ford company wiggled its way into America’s top 3 automotive companies. It became number 1 after the Ford F-Series was conceptualized in the late 1940s; this series would go on to span 13 generations.

Here Come the Chevy Trucks

It may be true that Ford gets the credit for designing the first pickup truck, but Chevrolet came through in 1918 with the Model 490, named after its $490 price tag. However, the vehicles were offered with only the frame, while the bed, cab, and body for the frame were sold separately. Additionally, these parts consisted of wood, which was standard at the time. So does the Chevy Model 490 certify as a legitimate pickup truck? That’s up for truck enthusiast debate.

Postwar Pickups

As each decade passed, pickup trucks models changed and gained power by providing flatbeds or beds with walls. These beds stretched longer, cabins became roomier, and vehicles became more reliable overall. Many workers, such as farmers, military members, and those in industrial fields, used trucks to haul heavy objects.

As the 1960s and 1970s rolled in, many pickup truck models adjusted to the need for fuel efficiency and larger size. Additionally, designs accommodated cab sizes for families and multiple passengers while offering 3 to 4 doors instead of 2.

Modern Pickup Trucks

A common myth regarding pickup trucks is that they’ve become gas-guzzlers; that couldn’t be further from the truth. Current pickup trucks have become more fuel efficient, passenger friendly, powerful, and reliable than ever. This is where a brief history of American pickup trucks meets the current timeline.

Luxury has taken hold of the pickup truck market—massive grills, reshaped bodies, on-board entertainment systems, touch-screen consoles, backup cameras, collision-alert systems, and so much more are now available. It’s never been a better time to purchase a pickup truck.

As far back as pickup trucks stem in American history, they’re still ever-present in society and heavily relied on. So go ahead and boast about your pickup truck; it offers so much.