History of the Truck
June 10th, 2010 |The pickup truck is an important symbol to the history of the American auto. The first pickup built was by Chevrolet, the “Independence Series”. Ford released a modified Model T with a modified rear end with heavy duty rear springs, a cargo box, and a tailgate. 34,000 trucks were produced that first year by Ford, and by 1936 over 3 million trucks had been sold. Fueling the sales was the release of the Model A replacing the Model T in 1928, which now made the cab enclosed and had safety glass windshields. Also available was a 3 speed transmission. The flathead V8 was offered as an option in 1932, producing 65 horsepower over the 40 horsepower L engine previously available. The truck had grown up now with a V8 engine.
Trucks today come in many sizes, from compact pickups to full size pickups. Full size pickups are popular in America but compact pickups are more common around the world. The Ford F150, a full size pickup, is the most successful pickup truck sold in America, some years outselling the best selling cars of the year. Some of the most popular old trucks are the International Harvesters, Fords, and Chevrolet’s. Finding an International truck for sale is always fun at auto shows.
For much of the world, pickup trucks are used for hauling and carrying, but for America it has become just another type of vehicle to get around. Looks and performance have been combined to produce some truly remarkable trucks, but many still go back to the original pickup trucks. Classic trucks for sale at shows are always fun to look at and dream about, and some old models are hard to find. With a newer truck you will have looks and performance, but on a classic truck the beauty is in the looks and less with performance.
