Few things are as iconic as pickup trucks, which have long married practicality with personality. We’re diving into 17 rare, limited edition, or under-the-radar pickups, each with a unique story, design, or feature that sets it apart.
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 Corvair Rampside – Exterior
This pickup truck (1961-1965) was built on the Corvair van platform and wasn’t your typical pickup. Its distinctive design allowed for seating up to nine and included a ramp for easy loading.
15. Chevrolet Corvair Rampside – Interior
While the rampside faced stiff competition and was eventually phased out, it’s remembered today for its charm and versatility. 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.
10. Ford Ranger Sky Ranger – Interior
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.
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 Beau James – Exterior
The GMC Beau James (1975) is known for its distinctive blue and silver paint and limited production run of just 4,000 units.
4. GMC Beau 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.
2. Dodge D100 Dude – Interior
Only around 2,000 units were made, making it a beloved collectible today for fans of unique automotive design.
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.