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Chevrolet Pickup (1970-1979)

A new-for-1971 Cheyenne premium trim package raised Chevy pickup interior style and comfort to new levels Ð to the delight of buyers seeking a spiffy truck to tow their recreational equipment.

1971 Chevrolet C/10 Cheyenne Pickup

The trend had been building for years and in 1971, it became impossible to ignore: Mainstream America was falling in love with Chevy trucks. The 1971 trucks helped Chevrolet set a new car and truck calendar year sales record of more than 3 million vehicles that year. On a model-year basis, Chevy truck production for 1971 totaled 739,478, also a record at that point. Of all the Chevrolet truck models offered for ’71, by far the most popular was the 2WD C/10 pickup, with more than a quarter million built. Spurring the half-ton’s acceptance was the new-for-1971 Cheyenne premium trim package, which raised Chevy pickup interior style and comfort to new levels.

 

1973 – 1987 “Third Generation C/K”– Chevy introduces “square body” styling with its third-generation C/K trucks, a design that creates better aerodynamics and improved efficiency.

In 1973, the C30 One-Ton Dually debuts and is considered to be the first modern Heavy Duty pickup truck.

1973 C30 One-Ton Dually

This third-generation C/K square-body truck was the first crew cab dually to market, and many consider it to be the first modern Heavy Duty Truck. The design reflects a dramatic increase in capability for customers who used their trucks for both work and recreation. It is simple, tough and purposeful, similar to the earliest Chevrolet trucks.

 

Convenience aside, some pickup buyers just plain preferred the look of ChevyÕs Stepside boxes, offered from 1955 to 2003. This 1974 C/10 Stepside has dealer-added custom paint and wheels.

1976 Chevrolet C/10 Stepside Pickup

Tradition counts in the truck business, and wise truck makers stay mindful of the past while moving ahead. When Chevy launched its smooth-sided, double-walled Fleetside pickup box in mid-1958, it kept the Stepside box in the lineup as well. It would remain available, one way or another, for another 45 years. The classic Stepside design had a small step – really a vestige of the old-time running board – mounted ahead of each rear fender. These were useful for reaching items collected at the front of the bed. Convenience aside, some Chevy pickup buyers just plain liked the look of a Chevy Stepside. The dealer-added paint striping and aftermarket wheels on the Stepside shown provided an individualized custom appearance.

 

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