In the landscape of automotive history, few things are as iconic as pickup trucks, which have long married practicality with personality. We’re diving into 17 of the rarest, most under-the-radar pickups ever made, each with a unique story, design, or feature that sets it apart. Let’s take a journey through these forgotten gems.
17. Chevrolet Cameo – Exterior
The Chevrolet Cameo (1955-1958) was a game-changer, debuting a Fleetside bed design that departed from the traditional Stepside look. This sleek, wide-bed pickup maximized load space and brought style to utility, showing drivers that a truck could be both practical and polished.
17. Chevrolet Cameo – Interior
It was available with a V8 engine and features ahead of its time. Although production ended in 1958, the Cameo left an undeniable legacy, inspiring modern pickups with its classy aesthetic and functionality. Today, it’s a collector’s dream, celebrated for blending style and substance.
16. Dodge D50 (Ram 50) – Exterior
Produced between 1979 and 1993, the Dodge D50 (later renamed the Ram 50) was a compact yet capable truck born from a collaboration between Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler. Initially sold as the Plymouth Arrow Truck, this pickup offered solid off-road chops and affordability—ideal for budget-conscious buyers who wanted versatility.
16. Dodge D50 (Ram 50) – Interior
It came with engines ranging from a 2.0L four-cylinder to a 3.0L V6, making it both practical and adaptable. Rare today, the D50 is a hidden gem on the used market, often more affordable than its Toyota peers.
15. Chevrolet Greenbrier – Exterior
This compact van (1961-1965) built on the Corvair platform wasn’t your typical pickup, but its distinctive design allowed for seating up to nine and included a rampside version for easy loading. While the Greenbrier faced stiff competition and was eventually phased out, it’s remembered today for its charm and versatility.
15. Chevrolet Greenbrier – Interior
Collectors appreciate its quirky design and unique place in automotive history.
14. Studebaker Coupe Express – Exterior
The Studebaker Coupe Express (1937-1939) mixed coupe styling with pickup functionality, embodying Art Deco elegance with a 3.6L inline-six engine packing 90 horsepower.
14. Studebaker Coupe Express – Interior
Industrial designer Raymond Loewy and artist Helen Dryden teamed up to create this beauty, and with only 5,700 units made, the Coupe Express has become a rare treasure, with pristine models reaching $80,000 at auctions.
13. GMC Indy 500 Official Truck – Exterior
In 1977, GMC released a limited-edition pickup to celebrate its role in Indy car racing. Known for its standout white and gold decals, this Indy 500 Official Truck became a collector’s item, especially among motorsport enthusiasts.
13. GMC Indy 500 Official Truck – Interior
Available in Fender side and Wideside styles, its exclusive look and motorsport history make it a prized find today.
12. Dodge D100 Sweptside – Exterior
Dodge’s stylish response to the Chevy Cameo, the D100 Sweptside (1957-1959), featured design elements borrowed from a Dodge two-door wagon. With engine options like a 230 cubic inch inline-six or a 315 cubic inch V8, it was as powerful as it was eye-catching.
12. Dodge D100 Sweptside – Interior
While it didn’t rack up high sales, the Sweptside’s rarity makes it highly sought-after, with models fetching over $100,000.
11. Dodge D Series High-Performance Package – Exterior
Offered from 1964 to 1966, the D Series High-Performance Package included a robust 426 wedge V8 engine along with premium interior upgrades, elevating the pickup’s status.
11. Dodge D Series High-Performance Package – Interior
Due to its steep price, only about 50 were ever made. Today, it’s one of the most coveted Dodge pickups for enthusiasts.
10. Ford Ranger Sky Ranger – Exterior
The Ford Ranger Sky Ranger (1991) brought something unexpected—a convertible pickup. With just 14-17 units ever made, its 4.0L engine and hearts stayfast cloth top make it a rare, desirable find for collectors who appreciate its unique twist on the Ranger.
10. Ford Ranger Sky Ranger – Interior
9. Hudson Big Boy Pickup – Exterior
Crafted between 1939 and 1947, the Hudson Big Boy Pickup was a robust, stylish creation from Betty Thatcher Oro, America’s first female automotive designer.
9. Hudson Big Boy Pickup – Interior
Only 3,000 units were produced, making restored models valued between $30,000 and $50,000. Its rarity and history have cemented the Big Boy as a collector’s classic.
8. Studebaker Champ – Exterior
The Studebaker Champ (1960-1964) brought car-like comfort to light-duty pickups, drawing on the Studebaker Lark’s components.
8. Studebaker Champ – Interior
Noteworthy for innovations like a sliding rear window and air conditioning, the Champ is a collector favorite despite quality challenges faced by Studebaker.
7. Dodge Rampage – Exterior
This compact truck (1982-1984) from Chrysler turned heads with its 2.2L engine and car-like comfort.
7. Dodge Rampage – Interior
Though it didn’t take off in the market, the Rampage has since gained a following among retro truck fans, becoming a fun and affordable classic.
6. Jeep Comanche – Exterior
The Comanche (1986-1992) was the last Jeep pickup before the Gladiator arrived in 2019, boasting quadralink front suspension and multiple engine options.
6. Jeep Comanche – Interior
Due to competition with the Dodge Dakota, production was limited, making the Comanche a rare, sought-after truck for Jeep enthusiasts today.
5. Ford Ranger GT – Exterior
Offered in 1987 and 1989, the Ford Ranger GT brought a sporty twist to the compact truck market with its 2.9L V6 engine and performance upgrades.
5. Ford Ranger GT – Interior
While the GT trim was short-lived, it’s highly prized by collectors for its unique blend of speed and style.
4. GMC Bo James – Exterior
The GMC Bo James (1975) is known for its distinctive blue and silver paint and limited production run of just 4,000 units.
4. GMC Bo James – Interior
With luxurious interior options and two engine choices, this rare truck stands out in the collector’s market.
3. Chevy S10 Baja – Exterior
The Chevy S10 Baja (1988-1991) was a souped-up S10 for off-road enthusiasts, with a roll bar and off-road lights as standard features.
3. Chevy S10 Baja – Interior
Though often overlooked, the Baja’s rugged charm and distinct features make it a special find for collectors who love vintage off-roaders.
2. Dodge D100 Dude – Exterior
With its iconic C stripe decal, the Dodge D100 Dude (1970-1971) was built for flair. Only around 2,000 units were made, making it a beloved collectible today for fans of unique automotive design.
2. Dodge D100 Dude – Interior
1. Jeep Scrambler CJ8 – Exterior
Built from 1981 to 1986, the Jeep Scrambler CJ8 offered a longer wheelbase and distinctive half cab design.
1. Jeep Scrambler CJ8 – Interior
Its unique styling, graphics, and off-road ability have made it a collectible, preserving Jeep’s rugged heritage.
