1950
Austin A40: We
spotted this art deco-looking English express truck back at the
2000 Barrett-Jackson Auction shindig. In addition to it curvaceous
lines and shiny black paint, it had fender skirts, whitewalls
and a large cargo box. Standard Catalog of Imported Cars says
the A40 sedan, that the 40-horsepower pickup is based on, got
35-mpg. A contemporary book All The World’s Cars 1954 said
28-mpg. If you drive one yourself, please let us know what kind
of mileage you're getting.
6
1954-1956
Powell Sport Wagon: The Powell Mfg. Co. of Compton,
California, built a small pickup based on pre-owned Plymouth
components. It was a vehicle ahead of its time and lasted from
only 1954 to 1956. A Phoenix man named Jim Berka, who owned a
yellow one, was quoted in the October 1980 issue of SIA as claiming
28-mpg. This truck, seen at Barrett-Jackson 2000, may have been
Berka’s.
5
1961
Volkswagen Pickup: The Volkswagen Beetle was popular
in the ‘60s and part of its appeal was good fuel mileage.
The heavier, boxier, under-powered van didn’t do quite
as well on gas. This pickup version was a bit lighter and probably
slightly more economical. We would guess that it could give 20
to 25-mpg, if driven well. Note that the only shiny trim on this
workhorse is the headlight rings.
4
1960-1966
Ford Ranchero: The Gen I (through 1963)
and Gen II (1964-1966) Falcon Rancheros stressed economy
over the performance that later editions emphasized. When
equipped with the basic 170-cid 90-hp inline six, the Falcon
delivered 24-mpg in city driving and 30-mpg on the highway. .Not
bad combined with the smart car-like styling and 800-pound load
capacity.
