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6 Trucks and 4x4s Making the Biggest Moves in 2025
If we asked you to imagine a proper collector vehicle, the first thing to pop into your head would likely be a sports car or muscle car, right?
But pickup trucks and assorted 4x4s can fill any project or collector vehicle void while simultaneously offering up load-hauling or off-road capability, and often both: That may be why so many vintage SUVs and trucks have become desirable collectibles and command premium prices. It can be pretty easy to justify buying one.
Just like their car counterparts, these more rugged rides are subject to changes in consumer tastes and preferences. As prices for one model go up, buyers may opt for a comparable, more affordable alternative that checks the same boxes. Our valuation specialists have tracked six vehicles in particular that have made the biggest change in valuation so far in 2025.
1979-1992 Mercedes-Benz G-Class W460
+25.7 percent
You can’t swing a Hermés Birkin bag on Rodeo Drive without hitting a late-model Mercedes-Benz G-Class. That makes it hard to imagine a time before these boxy SUVs were a luxury staple of wealthy urbanites, yet the early W460 models were much more utilitarian. Mercedes developed the rugged G-Class as a military vehicle beginning in the early ‘70s in partnership with Steyr-Daimler-Puch. This military-to-civilian pipeline was how we got some of our favorite 4x4s, including Jeep CJs and the Dodge Power Wagon, which are also on our list.
The W460 model was not as popular as its successor, the W463, which upped the refinement and luxury appointments to compete with the likes of Range Rover, and led to the G-Class being introduced to the American market. All of the W460s you’ll find stateside are imports, making them harder to come by. However, the W460 was built in a wider range of body styles, from two-door pickups and convertibles to three- and five-door wagons and panel vans, with a range of inline-four-, five-, and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.
1990-1993 Chevrolet 454 SS Pickup
+22.2 percent
The 454 SS was built using the tried-and-true muscle car formula of dropping a big engine into a smaller package. In this case, it was the same 454-cubic-inch, big-block V-8 from Chevy’s heavy-duty work trucks stuffed into a regular cab, half-ton short-bed.
For its first year of production, the cylinder heads, camshaft, and intake on the 454 SS were the same bits found on the heavy haulers, and the output was not particularly impressive. Still, with 7.4 liters of big-block V-8, you’re going to produce a bunch of torque somewhere. With its mild top end, that torque checked in at a low engine speed. Initially, the big-block cranked out 385 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, but the updated powerplant in 1991 produced 405 lb-ft of tire-roasting torque at 2400 rpm. Also in 1991 came the switch from a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic to the bulletproof 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission. The overdrive auto enabled Chevy to justify a lower 4.10:1 ring and pinion for even more torque at the wheels.
The 255-horsepower output of the 454 SS was eventually matched by the Vortec 350 V-8, and easily eclipsed by Gen III and Gen IV GM small-block V-8s and even Gen V small-block V-6s. However, just like a big-block Chevy from the muscle car era, the 454 remained a great foundation for making more power with help from the aftermarket. These monochrome bruisers are a throwback to V-8 muscle long after big-blocks left passenger car use and remain the most collectible GMT400 models ever built.
1945-1968 Dodge Power Wagon
+15.9 percent
While 4×4 pickups are ubiquitous now, it wasn’t always that way. The Big Three were happy to sell you a rear-drive truck in the 1920s and ‘30s, but early 4×4 pickups were only available from aftermarket upfitters. Chevy truck fans may recognize NAPCO, the company that added four-wheel-drive capability to pickup trucks and Suburbans in the ‘50s before GM built 4x4s itself. Dodge was the first to offer buyers a 4×4 straight from the factory when it adapted the World War II, military-spec WC-series of ¾-ton 4x4s for a civilian market. The pickups got curvy cabs in place of the flat-topped or no-topped military versions and were dubbed “Power Wagon.” They were made for decades with the same basic body style and were truly relics when they ended production in the ‘60s, still using a cab that had been designed before WWII.
The rise of virtually all 4×4 collectibles has finally reached these original factory 4x4s, with prices of all B-1-PW and later WM300 models ticking up by an average of 15.9 percent since the start of 2025. Like many popular, vintage 4x4s, restomod Power Wagons have their own niche and may have helped spur more interest and demand in these rough-and-tumble off-roaders.
1947-1955 Chevrolet 3100
-17.9 percent
Chevrolet’s first clean-sheet pickup redesign post-WWII, the Advance Design trucks were powered by venerable Stovebolt inline-six engines and featured beautiful styling with fat fenders. It wasn’t until the Task Force lineup of pickups that debuted as 1955 models that Chevrolet gave consumers the option for luxury touches in the form of the upscale Cameo models, so these remained rather spartan. However, the cosmetic upgrade that added a single-piece windshield in 1954 also coincided with the availability of an automatic transmission, hinting that pickups would soon offer even more mass-market appeal. The Advance Design trucks have a quintessentially 1950s American style, which still makes them a desirable collector model, and there’s plenty of aftermarket support if you’re interested in restoring or modifying one.
1955-1983 Jeep CJ-5
-12 percent
Just like the original Willys MB and MC led to the flat-fendered CJ-2A and CJ-3A for the civilian market, the military M38A1 developed after WWII was modified into the CJ-5. This short-wheelbase Jeep was the basis of the mechanically similar but slightly longer CJ-7, which evolved into the Wrangler that enthusiasts still love today. It’s easy to spot the difference between a CJ-5 and CJ-7: Just look at the shape of the lower door. The CJ-7 door opening is rectangular, while the CJ-5 door cut line follows the shape of the rear wheel opening. The extra wheelbase of the CJ-7 allows for more interior room and also makes it a bit more desirable for the average buyer. So while CJ-7 prices are also down a bit, they still demand more than a comparable CJ-5.
1969-1979 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55
-10 percent
Along with the first-generation Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer, Toyota’s various models of FJ Land Cruisers were among the first class of vintage 4x4s to become sought-after collectibles. And why not? The utilitarian 4×4 wagons have an interesting look and rugged, simple drivetrains that make them an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. After restored and beautifully restomodded examples commanded high prices at auction, many buyers wanted to get a piece of the action before the supply was scooped up, bringing the price of even well-worn vintage Toyota 4x4s into the same ballpark as desirable muscle cars.
The market hasn’t been quite so bullish lately. This is a trend we’ve been paying attention to, as we noted Land Cruiser prices coming back to earth back in 2019 with the FJ40, and they’ve come down even more since then. If you’ve been hoping to own one of these classic Toyota 4x4s, now may be the time to step up your search.
One of the vehicles I’ve declined in recent history was a Chevy 3100 that was just a little too tired, worn out, and bondo’d for my liking. It is still lurking around the neighborhood
What about the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Ford Lightnings?
I had a second year SS454 .what a pig it was .It was no performance truck and had to work hard to tow a car hauler .I had both gen1&2 Lightnings which were fun and powerful especially the gen2’s .Dont waste your money on the ss 454 👎.
Hagerty only has Chevy eyes. The Lightning with it’s 351 waxed the SS454 in every category
I saw an old magazine and they had identical 0-60 and and 1/4 mile times. And as an auto broker have driven both and they felt the same.
The only thing “waxed” is your vision.
In the same concept, anybody tracking the value of the 2011 – 2014 Ford Raptors? Those were with the 6.2, rode like a Rolls Royce and on raw horsepower could out run most street exotics and carry a half ton of payload while doing it. When i bought my first one, they were extremely rare, impossible to find one on the lot. Equivalent now is the Raptor R.
But there wasn’t a Chevy or Dodge truck that could touch the original Raptor.
EXACTLY!!!!
On the old truck sales prices, the only one I was really interested in was the old Dodge Power wagons, and that was the only one you did not show what the sales price had done. Darn!
Hey Richard, could it be the same guy with that pretty blue Corvette in high school. I’ll never forget the ride in that car. A 67 L88, 427 before they went through the roof? Our school secretary ( old school admin assistant ) drove I believe was a Black Mercedes 600, a beast of a car. Her son still has his 1945 PW , big orange. We had some very cool rides, some muscle , some lead sled cruiser like my 59 Olds 98. Mustangs , GTOs and an auto shop with, of all things that really did not belong , a 1955 Silver Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing .
Leigh High School class of 69.
Hey Greg …. another 69er! Mayfield HS class of 1969. I am a dentside fan myself, still drive one that I bought new, frame up restore just finished. Cheers!
It’s in the body of the article, just not bold text near the header of the section.
+ 15.9%
15% of what?
What about the FASTEST, naturally aspirated production pick up ever made…the 2004-2006 Ram SRT10? If you want to drive something great…this truck is it. V10 and a 6 speed only 10,000 ever made, now, very rare.
As I recall power wagons were getting 45-55 K not long ago.
The problem with the Chevy stovebolt 6’s in the 3100 series pickups is that Chevy continued to use Babbitt bearings in the engines until they finally upgraded in 1954 or thereabouts to the 235 6 cyl. in trucks with standard transmissions (powerglides a little sooner). So if you buy an earlier one, you either choose matching numbers with Babbitt bearings, or an upgraded engine from a later year. Fords, Dodges and Internationals don’t have that issue. Another issue is that there are simply volumes of these out there, based on how many were sold originally and how many of these have been resurrected over the last 10 years as vintage pickups became more desirable.
Of course if you buy one restomoded that is a different story, but value of those is all over the place and hard to track YoY.
The Chevrolet 454 SS Pickup is a great looking pickup, regardless of the engine in it.
No mention of the Ford Bump sides or Dent sides. Guess I will keep my Bump side a few more years.
Ii thought for sure I’d see a bump or dent side on this list. I have 3 of them that get a lot of attention at the car shows or just out cruising around.
Absolutely, I’ve been watching the value of the ’67 to ’72 Ford F100/F250’s since 2020 and they’ve done nothing but increase. I’ve personally sold 2 in the last 2 years and have made good money on both. Bring a Trailer is a great place to watch and track these trucks, they regularly sell for prices way above other trucks of the same era and have a huge following there and on other social media platforms. My 3rd truck a 1969 F100 is nearing completion and once done and sold I’ll be hunting for another. My trucks are always insured by Hagerty BTW
67 to 72 4wd F250s?
Had a 72 F250 4×4. What a beast, but at 6 mile to the gallon today pretty expensive joy ride.
Same here – they seem to be growing in popularity.
My restomodded 1957 Task Force Chevy Cameo is a show stopper and love of my life.
I get offers or thumbs up, every time I use my 1989 jeep comanche work truck. Questions and looksee while in a parking lot. It’s nice, but it’s a work truck, runs great, but no chrome on it…
Jeep XJ body styles????
This is a Very good Truck and SUV article. Keep them coming! Trucks have had my admiration sense a little boy.
My Dad would point different ones out to us on our Family trips anywhere we went also.
I guess you haven’t seen BaT action for:
Suzuki Samurais.
Gen 1 Suzuki Sidekicks/Geo Trackers.
The Sidekick that hammered for $16K? Insane! I’ve got one that, bodywise & interior, is in much better shape than that one & has A/C that I completely renewed, blows very cold. Unfortunately BAT has become a boutique auction site for high rollers, people with poor judgement & way too much money.
Except if you are willing to go “No Reserve”. It looks like they will take anything if you’re willing to take the risk. . .
My 1988, FJ61 Toyota Cruiser with its 6cyl Turbo Diesel manual trans is a joy to drive. The diesel rumble is glorious.
I don’t think i’ve ever seen this one featured. Probably because it’s from the Japanese market.
I have a 1986 Toyota 4×4 ext-cab pickup that has 450k miles on it and it still drives like a champ. People flock to it to see if it’s for sale.
I have the next model 1990 standard cab 22RE engine with 120K on it. All original daily driver that runs just like it did when I bought it in 1997. I have people offering me 10K cash all the time, I guess it’s a popular truck to turn into a rock climber.
I’m sure most of us have heard of the band REO Speedwagon but do you know that was a truck?
There’s usually a beatifically restored Speedwagon (late 1940’s?) at the Clark County Fair (Vancouver, WA) displayed in the area w/the antique farm equipment and black smiths shop are. It was formerly a log truck and the restorer made it into a stake rack/flat bed.
If memory serves me correctly REO was a truck manufacturer that was the surviving bits of the REO automaker founded by former General Motors CEO, R.E. Olds, who put all the different brands of GM offered under one roof, then was pushed out by his Board of Directors(?).
I remember a couple Diamond/REO (Diamond T) diesel dump trucks (short frame, one rear axel) of the ’60s my small town used to plow show and haul asphalt with. When I went to work for the research branch of USFS at the PNW Lab in Olympia (1988) the Olympic Nat. Forest had 2 White/REO 10 wheel dump trucks the road crew used into the early 2000’s. I saw a Diamod/REO 10 wheel dump truck plowing snow in Jackson Hole, WY, in 2015. I checked it out as it very strongly resembled a Brockway which were as rare as hens teeth.
Factory triple locked 80 series Land Cruisers
Market has been jumping with these beasts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWHDSl2YjTw
I had a 1981 80 series. I loved that vehicle until the roof started rusting above the drip rail and around the front door hinges. No where else on the body.
Given the prices of new trucks now, I expect older (and less tech-burdened) trucks in general to gain in value.
For me, there’s nothing available that I like as much as my ’89 GMC Dually…