Description
For uninitiated readers—or those too young to recognize a Grateful Dead song—Chevrolet’s C/K coding denotes model year 1960’s two new pickup lines: C for conventional two-wheelers and K for the company’s brawnier 4X4 counterparts. Showcasing many truck market milestone moments, the lengthy C/K tale recounted in this book encompasses three generations: 1960–66, 1967–72, and 1973–87. The first-generation C/K was launched in the fall of 1959 as a 1960 model and featured many firsts—the most significant of these were a drop-center ladder frame that allowed the cab to sit lower than ever before and an independent front suspension that gave the trucks an almost car-like ride. The second-generation C/K debuted in 1967, at which point GM began adding comfort and conveniences to a product that had previously been for dirty work only. The gen-2 trucks have proven extremely popular with collectors thanks to the attractive styling and excellent driveability. The third generation was unveiled in 1973 and produced through the end of 1987 and enjoyed a total restyling. Due to a relatively smooth appearance that encouraged better aerodynamics and higher fuel economy, these trucks were promoted as the “Rounded Line.” The first three generations of Chevy’s popular C/K pickups are the most popular, affordable, and collectible pickups on the market today. High production numbers mean used parts are easy to find, and there is a large aftermarket for reproduction parts.
