1986-1991 Volvo FE6 Box Truck

Based on the Volvo FL first introduced in the summer of 1985, the Volvo FE6 was introduced for North America in 1986. Usually powered by a Volvo TD63 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, they were also available with a lower-priced 6.6-liter Caterpillar 3116. Also available was the FE7 model, with a larger 7-liter Volvo TD73 diesel engine for heavy-duty applications. The Volvo FE received a minor facelift for 1992, with the front turn signals moving to the corners of the bumper, and continued to be offered in North America through 1998. This box truck, photographed at Horn Feeds, Inc., in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on November 20, 2001, is an example of the original 1986-1991 design.

2002 Lincoln Blackwood

The 2002 Lincoln Blackwood, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, went on sale in the spring of 2001. Based on the rear-wheel drive Ford F-150 SuperCrew and powered by a 300-horsepower 5.4-liter 32-valve V8, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, the Blackwood was a limited-production “Luxury Utility Vehicle” with four full-size doors and a stylish carpet and stainless steel trimmed bed which Lincoln called a “Cargo Trunk,” which was capped by an electrically-operated rigid clamshell tonneau cover and featured integrated storage bins, flush-mounted tie-down hooks, a 12-volt power point and cool-to-the-touch LED lighting. On the outside, the “Cargo Trunk” featured imitation blackwood trim, and in place of a traditional truck tailgate, the Blackwood featured dual side-opening rear doors with integrated storage compartments. Additional standard featured included a power moonroof, Connolly leather seating surfaces, climate-controlled power front seats, wood- & leather-trimmed steering wheel with duplicate audio & climate controls, overhead console with On-Board Trip Computer displaying distance-to-empty, average fuel economy and digital compass and an Alpine® Audiophile Sound System with a 6-disc CD changer.

Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept

Ford first introduced the high-performance SVT Lightning version of the F-150 pickup in 1993 and produced it until 1995, then revived it in 1999 on the next generation of Ford F-150 with a 380-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept, shown here at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, was based on that same generation of SVT Lightning, with smooth modified bodywork including a roof that was chopped by one inch, shorter overhangs, filled panels, and polished aluminum trim. Flame patterns based on Maori tattoos decorated the tonneau cover and dashboard, embossed into the headliner and leather-wrapped bucket seats, and carved into the treads of the 20-inch tires.

1956 GMC Suburban Town & Country Pickup

Introduced in 1955, the Suburban Town & Country was GMC’s version of Chevrolet’s Cameo pickup. Like the Cameo, the Suburban Town & Country featured a more luxurious interior and fiberglass rear fender covers to create the first smooth-side box. This 1956 model, one of only about 200 built that year, is powered by an optional 155-horsepower 317-cubic-inch Pontiac V8 engine with a 2-barrel carburetor and a 7.4 to 1 compression ratio. Other options include a Hydramatic automatic transmission, two-tone cab, large rear window, tinted glass and whitewall tires. It was displayed at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show by the Volo Auto Museum.

Chevrolet LUV

The Chevrolet LUV pickup was a rebranded Isuzu that was introduced in America in 1972 to compete with the compact pickups by Datsun and Toyota, as well as the Ford Courier, which was a rebadged Mazda. The LUV was powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 75 horsepower through 1976, then rising to 80 horsepower in 1977. Originally featuring quad headlights, the LUV was restyled in 1978 as shown here, and four-wheel drive was introduced in 1979. A second-generation was introduced in 1980 alongside its Isuzu counterpart, which made its American debut in 1981. The LUV was replaced in America by the domestic-built Chevrolet S-10 in 1982, but the LUV continued in South America with the name being passed on to subsequent Isuzu designs into the 21st century. The example pictured here features aftermarket modifications including a rear axle with dual wheels and a flatbed.

Dodge Power Wagon

The Dodge Power Wagon was a one-ton rated truck that was introduced in 1946. It was based on the WC-series of 3/4-ton trucks and command cars that were built for the military for use in World War II from 1942 to 1945. The Dodge Power Wagon saw few changes throughout its long production run; the only one that was visible from the outside was a new pickup bed in 1951. Other changes included a 12-volt electrical system and synchromesh transmission in 1955, power steering in 1956, and power brakes in 1957, which was the peak year for Power Wagon production. The 230-cubic-inch flathead inline 6-cylinder engine was supplanted by a 251-cubic-inch version in 1961. The Power Wagon remained in production for decades with no changes to the exterior styling. Domestic sales lasted until 1968, and export production continued to 1978. This flatbed example was photographed in the 1999 Days in the Park Parade in Rainier, Oregon. There is no clear indication which model year it represents; I have it labeled as 1960 model, but I don't recall how I determined that.