hen it comes to the year ranges for the trucks we feature, since we started out back in 2020 we’ve capped off our coverage (tech- and feature-wise) at 1998. On the opposite end, however, that’s always been kind of a gray area as far as how early we go back; 1940s … late ’30s?

Since our sister publication Modern Rodding can and will devote pages to early trucks, we don’t want to step on their toes, as for the most part, the majority of those are “hot rods” with pickup beds! So, to nail down a hard cutoff date is kind of hard, but let’s just say for practical purposes, once the fenders start getting more curvy than flat (mid-’30s and up), we’ll shine some CTP light on them … for the most part!

But back to the year cap. Now that it’s 2025, technically speaking, a “classic vehicle” can be anything 25 years or older. If that’s the case, that would extend our cutoff to 2000, which now enters the world of NBS (New Body Style … but don’t get me started on all the late-model abbreviations!). Do we, or better yet, do you want to see CTP enter the realm of NBS? I mean, is there really much difference between a ’98 Silverado and a ’99 other than a few cosmetics? And this argument can carry on well into 2000s, so where, technically, would we comfortably cap things off?

I don’t necessarily think Classic Truck Performance needs to remodel itself along the lines of Truckin’ magazine, however, I do believe there’s good room for expansion—actually, there’s probably plenty of room. Go to any of the major truck events, especially Dino’s or Lone Star Throwdown, and what do you see? You see custom trucks right up to current model year on display. Sure, the majority of our particular industry caters more so to pre OBS, but as each year passes and newer models become more accepted and popular, so, too, will that aftermarket catering, right?

As it stands right now (mid January as I write this), we have absolutely no plans to make any huge content expansions. But just like our “intentions” to create a classic off-road periodical, nothing’s off the table when it comes to possibilities! Regardless, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter, or any matter, for that matter! Let’s hear it; send those emails off … or, pen that letter and drop it in the mail if you’re so inclined!

Until next time …