I don’t know why I like the things that I do, which may help explain why I don’t know why enthusiasts like trucks. The issue of style and design is not as strong as it is for cars (or is it?), and the “Horsepower Race” was never a factor (at least until modern times, when the race was well past). Yet for this week’s AutoHunter Picks, I’ve chosen two.
Part of it is an attempt to be inclusive, as I’m not the arbiter of taste and I have no idea what you want to see. The other part is that these two trucks are pretty cool — would you agree? Yet if trucks are not your jam, there’s always a Buick or Mercedes-Benz or something else on AutoHunter to keep you happy.
1972 Chevrolet K10 Cheyenne Pickup
If I wanted to open a local hauling business, I’d pick up this Hugger Orange Bow Tie. Sure, the bed is pretty small, but I’m only too happy to make a return trip to finish the job. I’d offer services from Phoenix to Flagstaff so I could have the opportunity to drive in the snow with the 4WD in the winter.
Did I mention it also has a white painted top for additional glow? No, this truck is not the best choice for a hauling business, but can ya blame me for wanting to look good while making deliveries?
1957 Buick Century Four-Door Riviera
Readers may recall my recent story on 1957 Buick backlites. That story was on the Special and Roadmaster, but some folks feel the Century is the one to get because it has the Special’s shorter wheelbase with the Roadmaster’s larger engine.
In other words, this is the banker’s hot rod, a car that developed Buick’s reputation for powerful highway cruisers. And, of course, it has that three-piece backlite.
1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 Sedan
I always found it interesting how European manufacturers designed cars with fins when they were headed towards obsolescence in America, then continued to build them when fins were an anachronism. This Mercedes 230 sedan is part of the W110 range that was introduced in 1961 and lasted through 1968.
Can you imagine a ’68 car from Detroit with fins? It would look so out of place, but I reckon Mercedes buyers had other things on their minds. Power comes from an OHC six backed by a four-speed manual on the floor.
1937 Dodge Custom Pickup
I know some folks like trucks to be macho, but I really appreciate the era when some trucks looked like cars. In the case of this Mopar, it has that streamlined Art Deco look, plus it’s powered by an authentic 360 V-8 instead of a Chevy small-block. Sounds like fun, right?
Four-wheel disc brakes help make driving more of an opportunity than a chore, and the wood-lined bed is a nice artisanal touch. But why the GM power window switches?
