The car-truck mashup might sound like a weird idea today, but back in the day, it was the sweet spot between style and utility. The most famous? Chevy’s El Camino. But they weren’t the only ones in the game. Ford, Dodge, and even Subaru got in on the action. These 10 classic car-based pickups weren’t just practical—they had serious street presence. Here are the ones that still make people stop and stare.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

Chevy kicked things off in 1959 with the first-ever El Camino. Based on the full-size Impala, it came with optional V8s like the 348 cubic inch, pushing up to 315 horsepower. It had big fins, sweeping lines, and more chrome than a jukebox.

This wasn’t just a utility vehicle—it was built to turn heads while hauling stuff in the back. It only lasted two years in its first run, but the style it brought to the streets made a lasting impression.

1961 Ford Ranchero Deluxe

Ford actually beat Chevy to the punch with the Ranchero, launching it back in 1957. But the 1961 model hit a nice balance of size and style. It was based on the Falcon compact car and came with a range of inline-sixes and small V8s.

The Deluxe trim added chrome and upscale touches, making it more than just a workhorse. It was lighter than the El Camino, easier to park, and had a kind of understated swagger that still holds up.

1966 Chevrolet El Camino SS396

By 1966, Chevy wasn’t playing around. The El Camino SS396 dropped a big-block 396 cubic inch V8 under the hood, good for up to 375 horsepower. Dual exhaust, heavy-duty suspension, and that Chevelle-based body made it feel like a muscle car with a bed.

You could get it with a 4-speed manual and tear up the streets while hauling gear in the back. It was the muscle car you could justify to your boss, your wife, or your accountant.

1970 Ford Ranchero GT

The 1970 Ranchero GT meant business. Built off the Torino, it could be optioned with engines all the way up to the 429 Cobra Jet—a 7.0L monster rated at 370 horsepower. It wasn’t just cool for a truck—it was fast, period.

With a shaker hood, rally stripes, and Mag wheels, this Ranchero didn’t just play second fiddle to the El Camino. It had its own thing going and did it with attitude.

1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS454

This was the peak. Chevy stuffed the LS6 454 big block into the El Camino SS, pumping out a monstrous 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It was the most powerful engine you could get in any GM car that year.

It came with cowl induction, racing stripes, and all the muscle car swagger you could want. The fact it had a bed? Just made it even cooler.

1972 GMC Sprint SP

GMC wanted a piece of the action, so they dropped the Sprint into the lineup. The Sprint SP was basically a rebadged El Camino SS with similar big-block options, including the 454 V8. But because it wore a GMC badge, it flew under the radar.

It had unique badging, subtle trim differences, and the same performance hardware. Today, they’re harder to find than El Caminos, which makes them even more of a sleeper.

1973 Dodge Rampage Concept

Dodge played around with the idea of a car-truck hybrid before officially launching the Rampage in the ’80s. The early ’70s concepts, though, showed a Charger-based pickup with aggressive styling and HEMI power.

It never made production, but it proved that Mopar was at least watching the segment. If it had hit the streets, the Rampage might have given the Ranchero and El Camino a serious run.

1978 Chevrolet El Camino SS

By the late ’70s, the El Camino had slimmed down with the Malibu platform. But the SS badge still carried weight. The 1978 SS offered V8 power, including the reliable 350 small-block.

It wasn’t as wild as earlier models, but it had sharp lines, a clean grille, and kept the street-truck vibe alive. You still see these cruising around, often with fresh paint and big wheels.

1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS Choo Choo Customs

The final El Camino rolled off the line in 1987, but not before getting a custom sendoff. Choo Choo Customs in Tennessee built the SS version with a Monte Carlo SS-style nose, unique badging, and upgraded trim.

Power came from a 305 V8, and while it wasn’t about speed, it had presence. It marked the end of an era—and it went out with a wink instead of a roar.

1987 Subaru BRAT

Yeah, it’s not American, but the Subaru BRAT deserves a nod. It had a flat-four engine, 4WD, and those infamous rear-facing jump seats in the bed. It was quirky, practical, and fun in a way most other car-truck mashups weren’t.

It didn’t have big-block thunder, but it did have character. And even today, it’ll turn heads faster than most trucks twice its size.

*This article was hand crafted with AI-powered tools and has been car-fully, I mean carefully, reviewed by our editors.