Are trucks like this 1986 Chevrolet C1500 Silverado collectable? Well, we sure have a hard time keeping them in stock, and with a great color combination and some nice options, it's a low-cost way to own something out-of-the-ordinary. Does that appeal to you? Read on...
The short bed/regular cab setup gives any pickup a sporty demeanor, but these late-70s, early-80s Chevys have nailed the look. Dressed in two-tone copper and white, this one looks less like a working-class jobsite fixture and more like something you'd want to drive every day. The quality paint and bodywork undoubtedly helps with that attitude, and the clean lines of the original truck are easy to love. It appears to have been recently repainted and has a very authentic look, offering a shine that's appropriate to the era and obviously it's not subject to the cracking and peeling that plagued other GM models of the period. Silverado trim added some stainless along the flanks as well as chrome bumpers fore and aft, and the pinstripe decal that matches the interior is a nice touch that moves the truck upscale. The paint in the bed is original and a little beat up, but that means this pickup is still ready, willing, and able to work although quite honestly, it looks like life's been pretty easy for this Chevy.
A comfortable tan cloth interior is an unusual choice in a working pickup, and the recent seat cover is a nice improvement over the usual GM vinyl upholstery of the period. Rubber mats are superseded by a set of matching carpets and the original door panels are in remarkably good shape. This truck is nicely optioned with factory A/C, power windows and locks, a tilt wheel, and cruise control, so driving it is hardly a hardship. The instrument panel is framed by a satin aluminum panel that looks clean and sleek, and there's a full complement of gauges in there and they wrap around the driver much like a second-generation F-body's setup. The only notable change from stock spec is the AM/FM/CD stereo nestled into the dash, but that only makes it more appealing to drive. There's also a sliding rear window for some great ventilation on those days not quite warm enough to need the A/C.
A 350 cubic inch V8 from a 1993 Suburban means that this relatively lightweight pickup is lively on the road and ready for anything you'd care to do, from mild to wild. Despite being one of the most modification-friendly engines of all time, this one was rebuilt to stock specs in 2015 and the only notable modification is an open-element air cleaner atop the carburetor. Factory equipment ensures reliability and given a small block Chevy is just about the most reliable machine known to man, you shouldn't be afraid to get in and drive. It's backed by an easy-cruising 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, and with the twin tailpipes burbling away out back, it's a pleasant highway cruiser that pulls down decent fuel economy, too. The underside isn't restored or deteriorated, but definitely looks stock with signs of regular maintenance visible throughout. Shiny aluminum wheels with spinners look right on the Chevy and carry fat white-letter radials for the ideal stance.
Even if you're just looking for an affordable, clean work truck, you have to admit this one's a bargain. But given how popular they are, I'm guessing that this truck won't last long on the showroom floor. Call today!