Is An Old American Truck A Smart Investment?

There’s something in the American psyche that connects vintage trucks with the American Dream. We can’t help but turn around and imagine ourselves crossing the country on Route 66 onboard a classic truck. 

That being said, is it a good idea to buy a classic truck? Many were built to last, so you can be sure you’ll find classics from the 1950s up to now on the market. However, before you look for the best financing option to fulfill your vintage truck dream, there are a few things you may want to consider first.

They are iconic vehicles

A lot of iconic brands have manufactured unforgettable trucks. Everyone has a favorite model they’ve seen in a movie as a child, or they knew from neighbors or relatives. The Ford F-100 was first introduced in 1953, but the hood uplift model only came in 1956. It’s a handsome truck with a recognizable Ford profile. As a result, it was a hit on the market. It remains a highly-demanded model, even as a used classic. Forward another decade, and you’ll discover the family choice, the International Harvester Travelall, which could seat up to 9 people. For cinephiles, John Wayne’s War Wagon was a Travelall model that’s been specifically modified for him. It sold in January 2014 for $102,000. 

They are not as cheap as you think

Don’t be fooled into thinking that John Wayne’s truck was an exception. When it comes to the price tag, these classics are not cheap. You can expect to fork out on average $30,000 for an iconic American truck, with prices leveling up to the War Wagon. While it’s not to say that every car will be as expensive, if you’ve got your eyes set on a former model, you may need to save more than you would expect to pay for a vehicle. 

They’re likely to need serious repair work

You need to understand two things. Firstly, old trucks were built with a high level of quality and care. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have to budget essential repair works and services. To look after your truck, you want a professional who understands the technical and mechanical challenges. For instance, for diesel vehicles, you can visit this website to get a feel of what to expect from your servicing appointment and how to care for your truck. If you’re not ready to invest in regular maintenance, classic American trucks are not the best choice for you. 

They’re wearing signs of wear and tear

Ultimately, you’re unlikely to find classic vehicles in perfect condition. Even trucks that have been looked after and cared for by previous owners can show signs of natural wear and tear. You can’t afford to ignore these as left unattended they can evolve and become overwhelming. Damaged seats, for instance, need replacement and repair before they become unusable. Similarly, iron that’s been embedded into the vehicle paint should be removed. Failing to look after your bodypaint can lead to corrosion issues that can affect the paint and expose the bodywork. 

Classic American trucks are appealing. But, if you’re considering a purchase, you need to be aware of the risks. A lot of classic models will be just as expensive, if not more, than modern trucks. Additionally, you can count high running costs as fuel economy was not a concern then as much as it is today. In some cases, you’d be better off with a modern model.