396 V8 4X4: 1964 Chevrolet Suburban

The Chevy Suburban first appeared in 1935 and is still in production today, making it the longest continuously used nameplate in automobile production. Today, the Suburban would be thought of as an SUV, but back then it was part truck, van, and wagon. The fifth-generation would run from 1960-66 and 4-wheel-drive was one of the options, but a 396 cubic inch V8 like in the seller’s Suburban was not. So, this Chevy has been modified, including the lift kit. Located in Carson City, Nevada, this one is offered here on eBay for the Buy It Now price of $11,000, but you can submit an offer, too. Thanks to Barn Finder Boot for sending this mountain climber our way!

While it wouldn’t be until the 1950s that steel-bodied wagons would become popular (over Woodies), the 1935 Carryall edition of the Suburban was one of the first production station wagons not to use wood. Based on the C/K GM truck line, the Suburban was redone in 1960 and borrowed styling cues from the 1950s Chevy vehicles, like large overall ports above the grille (through 1961) and a wraparound windshield in the cab (through 1963). Independent front suspension was new on these editions of the Suburban (through 1962). So the appearance of the vehicle would change a lot during this generation.

The big-block 396 V8 wasn’t available in any Chevy before the middle of the 1965 model year and was not offered in any Suburban. Buyers could opt for a 327, but that’s as big as it got. Also, automatic transmissions were limited to the 2-speed Powerglide, so the engine and Turbo-Hydramatic in the seller’s wagon were sourced elsewhere. We don’t know when this conversion took place, but we’re told the Suburban drives great and you can hear it running in a video provided by the seller. Oddly, with all the attention on the motor, there are no photos provided of it. Perhaps the 10-inch lift kit was added when the drivetrain conversion took place.

The Chevy’s body looks good for the age of this truck and we guess it was originally painted white over blue. Rust seems to be at a minimum while patina is not. A few little dings and dents are there to be found, but a little Bondo, primer, and new paint could make the truck a stunner now that it sits up high in the air. There are different wheels and tires be worn in the photos vs. the video, but the seller says what it has on in the still shots is what the buyer will receive. The interior is well-worn from front to back, including the front buckets seats, and console which both likely have come from a later model. Some new upholstery, floor coverings, and paint may take care of these issues.

The mileage is said to be 50,000 but given that odometers only went to five digits in those days, the true miles could easily be 150,000. For someone looking for a muscle truck from this era, this modified Chevy might do the trick. A stock Suburban could be worth up to $53,000 according to Hagerty, but $10,000 in Fair condition might be more likely. Originality may be less important and the addition of the 396 should be worth a premium to those looking for one.