Features
• Engine and chassis specifications
• Covers all high volume, light duty, American half-ton pickup trucks of the decade
• Detailed, close-up looks of four of the most popular models of the 1950s
• Truck industry production facts and figures from the time
• Focuses on 1950s pickup truck options
• Includes many never before published images of fully restored trucks
• Images sourced from period advertisements and brochures
• Rare Fargo and Mercury models illustrated
• Descriptive, detailed text on annual model changes
• Highlights distinctive styling cues
Description
Examining the evolution of the popular ½-ton American pickup truck, from a basic utility vehicle, to stylish icon and North America’s best selling vehicle, this volume focuses on specifications, rarer makes and models, industry facts and figures, and optional equipment, through detailed text and previously unpublished images.
Synopsis
Combining details of truck specifications, previoulsy unpublished images, lists of optional equipment, and industry facts and figures, this book reveals the important role played by the lightweight, high-production, and basic ½-ton pickup trick in American post-war society, a role often overshadowed by its innate ruggedness, reliability and utilitarian nature.
As the 1950s progressed, so did the evolution of the pickup truck, which added more and more style, greater comfort, and ever increasing equipment options to its burgeoning model range. After the few drab colours first offered at the start of the decade, the pickup would assume similar styling and tri-coloured pastel paint finishes to its flashy sibling car versions.
Focussing on truck specifications, optional equipment, and industry facts and figures, this book also highlights some of the rarer makes and models, and includes never before published images, revealing cutaway illustrations, and a dedicated chapter focussing on four very different design approaches form the decade.
Additional Information
The familiar American Pickup Truck evolved after the war from an often second vehicle or common workhorse, to the best-selling vehicles in North America.
Focuses on industry facts and figures, styling features and unique options.
Includes rarely seen cutaway drawings, never before seen photos, and info on little-known Mercury trucks.
Covers the period 1950-1959, and Ford, Mercury, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Fargo, International, Studebaker, and Willys/Kaiser-Jeep Half-ton pickup trucks. Does not include 4X4 or smaller, such as Crosley, or larger pickups such as Three-Quarter Ton, One Ton, etc. |
