1986 Chevrolet C1500 Silverado

Description

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. Even dressed in white, this one looks less like a working-class job-site fixture and more like something you'd want to drive every day. The cowl-induction hood undoubtedly helps with that attitude, but the clean lines of the original truck are easy to love. Aside from the hood, it appears that most of the paint on this truck is original and in excellent condition, with a shine that's appropriate to the era and none of the cracking and peeling that plagued other GM models. Silverado trim added some stainless along the flanks as well as chrome bumpers fore and aft, and the red pinstripe that matches the interior is a nice touch that moves the truck upscale. A spray-in bed-liner 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 red interior is a flashy and unusual choice in a working pickup, and the vinyl seat cover is a nice improvement over the usual GM mouse-fur upholstery of the period. Rubber mats protect the matching carpets and the original door panels are in remarkably good shape. This truck is nicely optioned with factory A/C, a tilt wheel, and a sliding rear window, so driving it is hardly a hardship. There's a full complement of gauges in the dash and they wrap around the driver much like a second-generation F-body's setup. And talk about not taking any liberties, even the original AM/FM radio is still in the dash, so the truck has a very untouched feeling about it that's refreshing. Tinted windows help with heat control and give it a great look, particularly with the white paint.

A 305 cubic inch V8 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 remains pretty stock save for an open-element air cleaner atop the carburetor. Factory equipment ensures reliability and given that this one has had only three owners and plenty of factory-recommended maintenance, you shouldn't have any worries about getting in and turning the key. It's backed by an easy-cruising 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, and with the twin Flowmasters 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. Newer Rally wheels with trim rings and chrome centers look right on old Chevy iron and these carry fat 255/70/15 Bridgestone radials all around.

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!