GM Chevy Truck History
GM's Chevy pickup truck has been a perennial second place vehicle to the Ford F-Series trucks since Ford debuted its iconic 1953 pickup with its wraparound windshield. But Chevrolet's C/K series from 1960 through 1998 not only developed a loyal following, but paved the way for the immensely popular Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks that have combined to match or exceed the production of the Ford F-Series.
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Beginning
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Chevrolet began producing pickup trucks for General Motors in 1918 with modestly powered four-cylinder engines. By 1929, inline 6-cylinders were offered. It wasn't until the 1950s that Chevy trucks were factory equipped with V-8s. The 1947 through 1955 models, commonly known as the Advanced Design era, are credited for putting a modern touch on trucks with an emphasis on driver comfort and safety.
1960s
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In 1960, Chevrolet introduced its C/K Series that ran through the 1998 model year before it was discontinued in favor the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty trucks. The C/K line came either as a Stepside or Fleetside truck on a 115- or 127-inch wheelbase. Engines ranged from the basic 230-cubic-inch straight-6 to the powerful 327-ci V-8.
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1970s
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By the late 1960s, suburban families had adopted the pickup truck as the second family car. The 1967 through 1972 C/K models were produced with an emphasis on providing occupants with a smoother ride with an upgraded rear leaf-spring suspension. The cab was enlarged and interior accents, such as clothing seats, and additional sound-deadening insulation was installed to make longer drives more pleasurable.
More Power
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The 1970s also saw power increased. The base 250 and 292-ci straight-6 engines were still offered, but optional 283, 307, 327, 350, 396, 400 and the 402 V-8s were also available. Choices were curbed after the 1973 and 1978 gasoline shortages, but the venerable 350 and 400 remained.
New Chevys
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The long-lasting C/K Series gave way to the Silverado for the 1999 model year. The Silverado was once a trim level for the C/K trucks, but it got its own line for the new generation. It shares most body and mechanical components with its twin, the GMC Sierra, with the Sierra considered the higher trim level with more interior appointments and options. The two trucks sit on wheelbases at 119, 133 and 143.5 inches, depending on payload. General Motors' Vortec 4.3- and 4.8-liter V-6s are the base powerplants, with optional 5.3- and 6-liter V-8s.
Super Sport
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The Silverado Super Sport ("SS") models were released in 2003 with a 345-horsepower 6-liter V-8 engine generating 380 foot-pounds of torque. It was equipped with a Z60 high-performance suspension package and 20-inch chrome rims. The special edition "Intimidator SS Dale Earnhardt" followed in 2006 that lowered the truck's profile and stiffened the suspension, but was essentially the same as the standard SS model.
Hybrid
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The Silverado and Sierra hybrids debuted in 2005 and were the first hybrids for General Motors. The vehicle uses a 36-volt electric unit to start the engine and power the accessories. When the truck comes to a complete stop, the engine shuts off and the power unit restarts it when the brake pedal lifts.
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References
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- Photo Credit General Motors
