Chevy Pickups | A Brief History of Chevy Pickup Trucks

A Brief History of Chevy Pickup Trucks

Since 1930′s, Chevrolet has been introducing a great line of chevy pickups. After World War II, they started surveying the suburban market. Then, they began manufacturing their pick-up trucks as a second family vehicle. Ever since, the chevy pick-up trucks have changed dramatically.

To give you a better understanding on their history, this article will present you with a timeline of how the chevy pick-up trucks have evolved through the years.

  • Post World War II – In late 1947, Chevrolet introduced a prewar style that carries a sleek and more dynamic look. New features were integrated like the headlamps on the truck’s fender, larger cabs and more powerful engines. In 1954, the single-piece curved windshield emerged along with the 253 cubic inch 6-cylinder engine as well as the hydramatic auto transmission.
  • The C/K Series – In 1960, the C/K truck series ushered in a modern Chevrolet truck design and engineering. C/K stands for the different driving designation of chevy trucks; ‘C’ for two-wheel drives and ‘K’ for four wheel drives. For four decades, the C/K series became the longest running Chevy truck line. And throughout that course of time, gradual changes and developments were constantly initiated.
  • Additional 1960 Truck Models – Chevrolet decided to expand their truck by including the Apache and Viking models. They became available in slab-sided fleet and stepside body style.
  • Late 1960′s – In 1967, Chevrolet brought up a whole new look. The all-new C/K trucks showcased a squarer and more masculine appearance. They also featured 3- to 4-speed manual transmissions and optional engine transmissions (powered by 283 cubic inch V8 or 250 cubic-inch straight 6 cylinder engine).
  • The Silverado – The long-running C/K series was replaced by the Silverado truck line in 1998. Their introduction opened up more options, one of which is the Super Sport Package which became available in 2003.

Since then, newer and better chevy pick-ups are introduced every year. And today, off road enthusiasts now have a multitude of chevy truck models to select from!

Generally, chevy truck models are identified using unique codes. Each code corresponds to a particular truck model for easy reference. To give you a more detailed idea, here are the codes used for different chevy pick-up truck models:

  • C – for two wheel drives
  • K – for four wheel drives
  • 1500HD – for 1/2 ton truck models
  • 2500HD – for 3/4 ton truck models
  • 3500HD – for 1 ton truck models

Chevrolet has introduced a great transition on the design of their pickup trucks. From a functional workhorse they transformed it into a second family truck showcasing enhanced engine performance, convenient cab, and customizable sports truck options.

Basically, Chevrolet wanted to introduce a truck that will be able to serve a dual function —- an all-around family vehicle over the weekdays and a light-duty truck on weekends. In 1988, they were able to manufacture a flat-paneled fleetside truck that comes in three styles —- single, extended and crew cab. Aside from that, the stepside cab model was also produced, which is called as such due to the presence of the convenient step located at the truck’s bed intended for easy access.

The high-performance Super Sport package was presented in the 1990′s. It showcased distinct exterior features which include the fog lights, black grilles, custom rims, and red trim. Aside from that, it also featured a 7.4 liter V8 engine and a ‘SS 454′ badge.

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