Classic pickup trucks equipped with inline-six engines are renowned for their durability, simplicity, and power. These engines, known for their smooth operation and impressive torque, made these trucks ideal for heavy-duty tasks while maintaining reliability on the road. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most iconic classic pickup trucks that featured unstoppable inline-six engines, highlighting the performance characteristics that made them legends in the automotive world.
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Chevrolet C10 (1960-1966) 230 Inline-Six
The Chevrolet C10 from the early 1960s is a classic pickup known for its stylish design and reliable performance. One of the most notable engines in this truck was the 230-cubic-inch inline-six engine, producing around 140 horsepower. This engine was known for its durability and smooth operation, making it a workhorse for light-duty tasks. Paired with a manual transmission, the C10 offered excellent torque at low RPMs, ideal for hauling and towing. Its simple design made it easy to maintain, and today, restored C10s with the inline-six engine are highly sought after for their reliability and classic appeal.
Ford F-100 (1953-1964) 223 Mileage Maker Inline-Six
The Ford F-100 is an American icon, and the 223-cubic-inch “Mileage Maker” inline-six engine played a big part in its success during the 1950s and early 1960s. Producing around 115 horsepower, this engine was known for its fuel efficiency and durability. It was a favorite among truck owners who needed a dependable engine for daily work, whether on the farm or the job site. The F-100’s rugged design and long-lasting inline-six engine make it a popular choice among classic truck enthusiasts looking for a solid performer that’s easy to restore and maintain.
Dodge Power Wagon (1946-1968) 230 Flathead Inline-Six
The Dodge Power Wagon was a heavy-duty truck designed for tough work, and its 230-cubic-inch flathead inline-six engine was one of its standout features. This engine produced around 94 horsepower but was valued more for its high torque output, which made it a powerful choice for off-road and industrial applications. The Power Wagon’s simple yet robust design, coupled with its unstoppable inline-six engine, made it a favorite among military and civilian users alike. Today, it’s considered one of the most collectible classic trucks, especially for those looking to restore a rugged, capable workhorse.
GMC 100 (1950-1959) 270 Inline-Six
The GMC 100 from the 1950s featured the 270-cubic-inch inline-six engine, known for its power and smooth operation. This engine produced up to 115 horsepower and was a popular choice for those who needed a truck capable of handling heavy loads. The 270 inline-six was paired with a manual transmission, allowing for better control over torque, which made it ideal for towing and hauling. Its sturdy construction and reliability have made the GMC 100 a beloved classic, with enthusiasts often seeking out models with the original inline-six engine for restoration projects.
Chevrolet 3100 (1947-1955) Thriftmaster Inline-Six
The Chevrolet 3100 is one of the most iconic pickups of the post-war era, and its Thriftmaster 216-cubic-inch inline-six engine played a major role in its popularity. Producing around 92 horsepower, the Thriftmaster was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for both work and leisure. This engine featured a cast-iron block and was easy to maintain, contributing to the truck’s reputation as a dependable vehicle. The Chevrolet 3100 is a highly collectible classic, and restored models with the original inline-six are especially prized.
Ford F-1 (1948-1952) 226 Flathead Inline-Six
The Ford F-1, the precursor to the F-100, was powered by the reliable 226-cubic-inch flathead inline-six engine. This engine produced around 95 horsepower and was known for its smooth power delivery and ease of maintenance. The F-1 was a rugged, all-purpose truck designed to handle both farm work and urban driving. The inline-six engine’s simplicity made it a favorite among mechanics and DIY enthusiasts, and today, restored F-1 models with the original engine are highly valued for their classic styling and durability.
Jeep Gladiator J-Series (1962-1971) Tornado Inline-Six
The Jeep Gladiator J-Series was introduced in the early 1960s, and its 230-cubic-inch Tornado inline-six engine was a groundbreaking powerplant for its time. Producing 140 horsepower, the Tornado was the first overhead-cam inline-six engine used in an American truck, offering better efficiency and performance than the flathead engines of the past. The Gladiator was a tough, off-road capable truck, and the Tornado engine gave it the power and reliability to handle rough terrains. A revival of interest in these trucks has made the Gladiator J-Series with the Tornado engine a prized collectible for off-road enthusiasts.
International Harvester Pickup (1950-1968) Black Diamond Inline-Six
International Harvester was known for building tough, no-nonsense trucks, and its pickup line from the 1950s and 60s featured the Black Diamond inline-six engine. The 240-cubic-inch Black Diamond engine produced around 100 horsepower and was built to last, with a reputation for ruggedness and reliability in agricultural and industrial settings. International trucks were designed for heavy-duty work, and the Black Diamond engine was capable of handling it all. Restoring an International Harvester pickup with its original inline-six engine has become a popular project among vintage truck enthusiasts.
Dodge D-Series (1961-1971) Slant Six 225
The Dodge D-Series introduced in 1961 featured the 225-cubic-inch Slant Six engine, one of the most reliable inline-sixes ever built. Producing 145 horsepower, the Slant Six was known for its unique tilted cylinder layout, which provided a lower center of gravity and improved durability. This engine was particularly famous for its long lifespan, often running for hundreds of thousands of miles without major issues. The D-Series trucks with the Slant Six engine are highly collectible today, especially among those looking for a dependable and easy-to-maintain classic pickup.
Chevrolet C/K Series (1967-1972) 292 Inline-Six
The second-generation Chevrolet C/K series trucks from 1967 to 1972 offered the 292-cubic-inch inline-six engine, which was known for its high torque and durability. Producing around 165 horsepower, the 292 was often used in heavy-duty applications due to its strong low-end torque, making it ideal for towing and hauling. The C/K trucks featuring this engine are popular restoration projects, as the 292 inline-six is considered one of the toughest engines of its time. Its simplicity and reliability make it a favorite among classic truck enthusiasts.
Studebaker Champ (1960-1964) Skybolt Six
The Studebaker Champ was a unique pickup with a short production run, but its 170-cubic-inch Skybolt Six engine stood out for its performance and reliability. Producing around 112 horsepower, the Skybolt Six was an overhead-valve engine that provided better efficiency and power compared to other engines of its time. The Champ was designed to offer car-like comfort with the utility of a truck, and its inline-six engine made it a versatile choice for light-duty work. Restored Studebaker Champs with the original Skybolt Six are rare and highly valued among collectors.
Ford F-250 (1961-1966) 300 Inline-Six
The Ford F-250 from the early 1960s featured the legendary 300-cubic-inch inline-six engine, known for its incredible torque and durability. Producing around 170 horsepower, the 300 was used in both light and heavy-duty trucks and became known as one of the most dependable engines ever produced by Ford. Its cast-iron block and simplicity made it easy to maintain, and many of these engines ran for hundreds of thousands of miles. The F-250s with the 300 inline-six are still highly sought after by classic truck enthusiasts for their ruggedness and long-lasting performance.
GMC Sierra Grande (1967-1972) 250 Inline-Six
The GMC Sierra Grande was a high-end version of GMC’s popular truck line, and many models were equipped with the 250-cubic-inch inline-six engine. This engine produced around 155 horsepower and was known for its smooth operation and fuel efficiency. Paired with either a manual or automatic transmission, the 250 inline-six provided plenty of torque for light-duty work and daily driving. The Sierra Grande’s combination of luxury features and reliable inline-six power makes it a favorite among collectors looking for a classic truck that stands out from the crowd.
Dodge Power Wagon (1957-1968) 251 Inline-Six
The Dodge Power Wagon from the late 1950s and 1960s came equipped with the 251-cubic-inch inline-six engine, which was a workhorse in both civilian and military applications. Producing around 110 horsepower, the 251 engine provided plenty of low-end torque, making it ideal for off-road and heavy-duty tasks. The Power Wagon’s rugged design and reliable inline-six engine made it a favorite among those who needed a tough, dependable truck. Today, restored Power Wagons with the original inline-six engine are highly collectible and valued for their off-road capabilities.
Chevrolet Apache (1958-1961) Thriftmaster Inline-Six
The Chevrolet Apache was part of Chevrolet’s Task Force series and featured the reliable Thriftmaster 235-cubic-inch inline-six engine. Producing around 123 horsepower, this engine was known for its durability and fuel efficiency. The Apache’s bold, forward-slanting design made it a standout in the pickup market, and the Thriftmaster engine provided enough power for most light-duty work. Restoring an Apache with the original inline-six engine is a popular project, as these trucks represent the perfect blend of classic style and reliability.
Ford Ranchero (1957-1969) 144 Inline-Six
The Ford Ranchero, a unique car-truck hybrid, was equipped with the 144-cubic-inch inline-six engine in its early years. This engine produced around 85 horsepower and was known for its smooth operation and fuel efficiency. The Ranchero’s lightweight design made the 144 inline-six more than capable of handling light-duty tasks, and its car-like comfort made it a popular choice for those who needed both utility and style. Restoring a Ranchero with the original inline-six engine is a great way to preserve a unique piece of automotive history.
Hudson Big Boy C28 (1940s) 212 Inline-Six
The Hudson Big Boy C28 was a pre-war truck known for its sleek design and powerful inline-six engine. The 212-cubic-inch engine produced around 102 horsepower and was one of the most advanced inline-sixes of its time. The Big Boy’s smooth lines and reliable powertrain made it a popular choice for both work and leisure. Today, restored Hudson Big Boy trucks with the original inline-six engine are rare and highly collectible, appealing to those who appreciate vintage automotive craftsmanship.
Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup (J40 Series) (1960-1984) 2F Inline-Six
The Toyota Land Cruiser J40 Series, particularly the pickup variant, was equipped with the robust 4.2L 2F inline-six engine. Producing around 135 horsepower, the 2F engine was known for its bulletproof reliability and torque, making the Land Cruiser pickup a favorite for off-road use. Its simple design and rugged construction allowed it to handle the toughest terrains while offering reliable performance for decades. Restoring a J40 Land Cruiser pickup with the original 2F inline-six engine is a popular choice among vintage off-road enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Silverado (1973-1987) 250 Inline-Six
The Chevrolet Silverado from the 1970s and 80s was often equipped with the 250-cubic-inch inline-six engine, known for its balance of power and efficiency. Producing around 100-150 horsepower, depending on the year, the 250 inline-six was a workhorse engine that offered reliable performance for both work and daily driving. Paired with a manual transmission, this engine was ideal for towing and hauling, making the Silverado a versatile truck. Restored Silverados with the original inline-six engine are still popular among classic truck fans.
Jeep FC-150 (1957-1965) Hurricane Inline-Six
The Jeep FC-150 was a forward-control pickup with a compact design and an inline-six Hurricane engine that delivered around 75 horsepower. The FC-150 was built for utility, with a focus on off-road performance and maneuverability in tight spaces. Its unique design and capable inline-six engine made it a favorite among those who needed a small yet powerful truck for farm work or light industrial use. Restoring an FC-150 with its original engine is a challenging but rewarding project for collectors who appreciate vintage Jeeps.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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