Top 10 Best Late Model Chevrolet Trucks of All-Time

Founded in January 1918, it took Chevrolet nearly a decade (6 years to be precise) to decide on joining the truck market.

After weighing several options to determine if the market would offer some potential, Chevy finally gave in November 3, 1911, when it introduced its first truck models. Ever since then, the iconic company has been in the business of manufacturing and distribution tens of millions of trucks. Below are the top 10 best late model Chevrolet trucks:

Table of Contents

• 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
• 1999 Silverado
• 1973 Chevrolet Suburban
• C-10 Pickup with Custom Trim
• 1959 Chevrolet El Camino
• 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pickup
• 1948-Half-ton Pickup
• 1937 half-ton pickup
• 1925 Chevrolet Panel Truck in Brazil
• 1920 Chevrolet 490 Flat Face Cowl and Chassis

2012 Chevrolet Colorado

With inaugural production in Thailand, the new global midsized pickup truck – 2012 Chevrolet Colorado – was developed by a team from GM do Brasil.

Although the new Colorado is yet to be available in U.S, Brazil and other regions around the world, in November 14, the new truck was introduced in Thailand which has the largest market for midsized pickups in the world.

1999 Silverado

In 1999, the Silverado name was introduced by Chevrolet which gave more definition to the rigidity line that characterized its predecessors successfully (Chevrolet C/K trucks from 1988-99). According to Chevrolet, emphasis was laid on luxury, comfort and the inside of this truck.

It was not until 2007 that Silverado’s second-generation was launched, however, heavy-duty three-quarter and one-ton benchmarks were established in 2001 for trailer low ratings with first Silverado HD models.

1973 Chevrolet Suburban

Built on a half-ton chassis, the Suburban Carryall was introduced in 1935 which had a room for eight and a durable steel body. However, the 1973 Suburban replace the popular 3-door style produced in the late 1960s.

The Suburban could which was built to be stronger, longer and bigger was designed to carry up to 9 passengers. Even until the 1991 model year, the 1973 Suburban style continued to dominate the recreational travel market.

C-10 Pickup with Custom Trim

In 1967, Chevrolet came up with another new look for one of its pickups – the C-10 Pickup. While featuring a lower silhouette cab and large, rounded openings, it had an exterior profile that lasted up to 1972.

Coil springs were located in the front and rear of the new chassis. This was the period when Americans were presented with an unprecedented access to go see for themselves and explore some of the recreational areas and natural wonders among other interesting attractions by the Federal Interstate Highway System in 1967.

To this end, Chevrolet went into manufacturing as another new set of trucks. This time, they were those that could pull trailers and campers.

1959 Chevrolet El Camino

While combining the feature of a half-ton pickup utility with the dramatically finned styling that characterized Chevrolet cars at that time, the 1959 El Camino is presented as a gorgeous pickup truck.

However, it went on a 3-year hiatus after 1960. These whole combinations were based on the Chevelle El Camino and the Chevrolet Chevelle which enjoyed two more styling generations 1973-77 and 1968-72 respectively.

After the 1987 model year, the El Camino was never seen again. But amazingly, up to this moment, Chevrolet still receives requests from customers to remanufacture it.

1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pickup

In 1955, Chevrolet pickup surfaced with a new, modern look. Note that about 3 decades now, six-cylinder engines were used to power all Chevy light trucks not until mid-1955 when the first every Chevrolet pickup with a V-8 engine was introduced.

The 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Pickup was intended to be used at home and not in a workplace like a factory yard or on a far. No wonder it was referred to as a “gentleman’s pickup”.

1948-Half-ton Pickup

At the end of World War II, an entirely redesigned truck with a wider pickup box, improved visibility, a roomier and more comfortable cab was introduced.

From 1947 through to 1953, Chevrolet produced the design with few major changes due to its new frontal appearance. It was at this point that Chevrolet began to invest heavily in the truck production.

1937 half-ton pickup

After the Great Depression of the 1930s, Chevrolet began seeking ways to revive the truck market with innovative pickup trucks. At this time, the U.S. economy had begun to regain strength through a gradual recovery process.

Rather than employing an adopted chassis from a passenger car, Chevrolet designed a new one for its 1934 pickup truck. This initiative led to the manufacturing of a larger truck with a sturdier body, streamlined design and more powerful 78 horsepower. The 1927 half-ton pickup was built to be more fuel efficient averaging 20.7 miles per gallon.

1925 Chevrolet Panel Truck in Brazil

Brazil grew to become famous with Chevrolet trucks when GM established a worldwide network of 18 plants after realizing that it could make increased profit from selling cars beyond the American shore.

These plants were basically established to assemble trucks and cars manufactured by Chevrolet. In 1925, Brazil assembled its first Chevrolet truck and within the space of a year, 25,000 vehicles have already been sold. Today, Brazil is the second largest truck market for Chevrolet after the US.

1920 Chevrolet 490 Flat Face Cowl and Chassis

Essentially, the first trucks offered in 1918 by Chevy were body-less Chevrolet 490 cars which were enhanced with powerful rear springs. A panel van body or a wooden cab and cargo were usually added by the buyer.

Amazingly, trucking had always been flourishing even during the 1920s. In fact, about 187,103 trucks were sold in 1929 by Chevrolet. At that time, a halt-ton vehicle costs just $595.[td_smart_list_end]