Why is the red pick up is the Christmas tree for car enthusiasts

The holiday season is full of objects and symbols complementing the celebration. A decorated Christmas tree, bright lights, sugar plums, turtle doves and jingling bells are just a few examples of traditional embodiments of a festive time many of us have attached to the time for more than a century. It is also common to welcome a few new items in our Christmas or other holiday displays.

In the past several years, automobile fans have likely felt a keen sense of delight as we have been able to identify with our enthusiasm during the holiday season. A red pickup truck now is a modern classic to find as part of Christmas displays.

Why a pickup truck?

A pickup truck, particularly a classic pickup truck, is revered in car culture as a pillar of reliability and utility. It’s a type of vehicle that is perfect for transporting the Christmas tree that is so depended upon during wintery festive celebrations.

Pickup trucks constructed during the early half of the 20th century are admired for their simplicity favouring function over fashion. To this day, a classic truck of a past era continues to project a strong sense of vitality and practicality we admire from a work vehicle.

What kind of truck is the Christmas truck?

The portrayal of the red truck is usually unbadged but a post-war era to early 1950s aesthetic is generally used to shape it. Pronounced fenders, running boards, dual round headlights and chrome/metal accents are frequently depicted. Whitewall tires and wooden bed side rails may also appear with a Christmas truck.

In many cases, the likeness tends to borrow heavily from the Chevrolet Advance-Design era vehicle. The large front grille often resembles the appearance of a 1947-1953 Chevrolet 3100. It’s also possible to find a red Christmas truck featuring design inspiration from Ford models with the appearance of early F-100s being replicated in holiday trim.

Another styling trait incorporated in a majority of Christmas trucks is the split windshield that was found on most pickup trucks prior to 1950. One exception to this appeared on the Ford F1 trucks introduced in 1947 featuring a single-piece windshield.

Where to find a Christmas truck?

From Christmas bazaars to dollar stores, the sight of a red pickup truck frequently accompanied by a pine tree has been as prevalent as a reindeer-guided sleigh. The presence of a Christmas truck was commonly found with traditional items including ornaments, signs and gift wrapping at first but has expanded to be featured on other decor products. Towels, coffee cups, cookie jars and floor rugs are examples for the wider reach for the holiday-themed pickup truck.

Restoring Your Own Red Truck?

Whether during Christmas or anytime in the new year, you may be making plans to make merry with the restoration of your own gift to the world. Collector Auto Supply offers a number of quality items required to restore a vintage Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Dodge or Studebaker pickup truck.