1930s Automobile-Based Pickup Trucks

For about 30 years starting in 1957, American car buyers could purchase pickup trucks based on passenger car platforms.  Ford's Ranchero was available 1957-1979 and The Chevrolet El Camino was marketed 1959-1960 and 1964-1987.  These weren't really work-pickups, but rather casual-use pickups for many owners.  That was because their passenger car origins meant they were not as robust as purpose-designed pickup trucks.  Perhaps their main appeal was appearance.

In the 1930s and for a brief time following World War 2, similar pickups were available.  They are the subject of this post.

One difference was they were marketed by smaller auto makers -- Hudson and Studebaker -- not a Detroit Big Three company.  An important similarity to the later Rancheros and El Caminos was that their front section bodies were that same as those of passenger cars.

Gallery

1957 Ford Ranchero - Barrett-Jackson auction photo
Body trim and tailfins are those of '57 Ford's mid-range Custom 300 models.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino - Mecum auction photo
Here the trim is that of Chevy Biscaynes, also mid-range.

1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup - RM Sotheby's auction photo
Passenger car derived pickup trucks predated the 1930s, as this Ford Model A demonstrates.  Model A passenger car grilles were framed by brightwork, but this truck's framing is painted black at its front.

1937 Hudson Terraplane Series 70 Pickup - for sale
Well-restored Hudson pickups command decent auction prices.

1937 Hudson Custom Eight Coupe - for sale
Comparison to this passenger car reveals essential similarity from the front bumper aft to around the windshield.  The pickup cabin was derived from sedans, having the same door and side window.  Some ornamental details vary due to the pickup's Terraplane category.  Hudson passenger car-based pickups were marketed 1936-1947.

1937 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup - Hyman Ltd. photo
Here similarity to coupes extends as far aft as the door's rear cutline.

1937 Studebaker President Coupe - Hyman
Studebaker pickup trim was that of the Dictator model, with very slightly less ornamentation than on this line-leading President.