Barrett-Jackson has another great collection of restored trucks at its Scottsdale event.

In recent years, Barrett-Jackson has become a Mecca for beautifully restored pickup trucks, and the 2011 40th anniversary collector-car auction is no exception.

The last of the art deco Chevy pickups, this sharp-looking 1946 Chevrolet 3100 was a hit with the bidders. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

These one-time workhorses have now taken their places besides the rich array of sports cars, muscle cars and ’50s cruisers, many of them brought back to better-than original condition with lavish paint jobs and like-new interiors. They’re admired for their nostalgic forms as well as the artistic touches of the original designers who wanted to make their trucks stand out.

Pickups have long been the subjects of hot-rod treatments, but nowadays, they’re more likely to be seen at Barrett-Jackson as handsome originals and usable collector’s items. They’re bringing good money, too, over $30,000 on a regular basis. More for exceptional models and restorations.

A 1947 Ford F1, the first of the F-Series pickups. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

There are about 125 pickup trucks of various kinds at Barrett-Jackson, ranging from Chevy El Caminos and high-performance street rods to Volkswagen single- and double-cab models and such oddities as a custom Cadillac pickup.

Many of the pickup restorers show deep respect for the original workings and sometimes puny engines in these working-man vehicles, while others add some facets that keep the original hardware but add modern comfort and drivability features.

Everybody likes the modern styling of the 1958 GMC pickup. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)

Here’s a sampling of the dozens of pickups that sold Tuesday and Wednesday (all prices include 10 percent bidder fee):