During the 1930s light duty trucks—commonly known as pickups—became firmly entrenched in American culture. Pickups became an indispensable part of farm life and were common used for deliveries in urban areas. In addition, some brave souls began to modify them for camping, anticipating the birth of the recreational vehicle industry. Shown below are some of the pickups from this era which are on display in a number of automobile museums.
1934 Ford V8 Closed Cab Pickup
This vehicle is on display at Chuck’s Produce in Vancouver, Washington.
1934 1 ½ Ton Ford
This vehicle is on display at the Classic Car Museum in Bigfork, Montana. The tractor on the back of this truck is a 1928 Fordson.
1935 Ford ½ Ton
This vehicle is on display at the Classic Car Museum in Bigfork, Montana.
1936 Ford 1½ Ton
This vehicle is on display at the Classic Car Museum in Bigfork, Montana.
1937 Ford ½ Ton
This vehicle is on display at the Classic Car Museum in Bigfork, Montana.
1938 Ford ½ Ton
This vehicle is on display at the Classic Car Museum in Bigfork, Montana.
1932 Chevrolet Model BB Huckster Truck
This vehicle is on display at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
1934 Chevrolet Pickup
This vehicle is on display in the Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge, Montana.
1939 Chevrolet Ute
“Ute” is the term for a “Coupe Utility” vehicle. This is an Australian vehicle. The box has not been customized. This vehicle is on display in the LeMay Family Collection in Tacoma, Washington.
1937 Plymouth PT-50
This vehicle is on display at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
1932 Dodge
This vehicle is on display at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon.
More Automobiles
LeMay Family Collection: Trucks in the White Building (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Trucks in America's Car Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Automobiles of the 1930s in America's Car Museum (Photo Diary)
Old Trucks (Photo Diary)
Old Cars: The 1930s (Photo Diary)