In the early days of motoring, law necessitated a pedestrian waving a red flag in advance of an approaching motor vehicle, so that folks could secure their horses and prepare for the danger approaching. This 1968 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 4×4 in Moline, Illinois comes equipped with two large horns on top, perhaps for similar effect. Risks include jagged rusty metal capable of carving the flesh of those unlucky enough to approach too closely. If you don’t bleed out from the initial contact, tetanus will get you later. Chunks of rusted shrapnel may additionally fall from the vehicle, endangering those with marginal footwear. Still, Suburbans of this vintage provide incredible utility today as they did during the Johnson Era, a time when far fewer were equipped with this truck’s four-wheel-drive. Tepid bidding here on eBay has already surpassed $1000, demonstrating a level of interest far beyond what could have been imagined some years ago. Check out the well-written listing for stories about this one-family Chevy.

If not dry-rotted, those period-correct deep-lugged tires promise amazing traction, especially with four-wheel-drive. The heavy duty rear axle should be displayed without hub caps just as this truck demonstrates. Missing sheet-metal means reduced weight and increased fuel economy! In fact this truck will probably get lighter with every bump it hits. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the flared fender arches that serve double-duty:  protecting the vehicle’s finish from flying stones and holding together the fragile body panels. Joking aside, it would be cool to see “Old Blue” get a second life. When was the last time you saw a Sixth Generation Suburban with four-wheel-drive?

Suburban or rural residents of the late ’60s and ’70s readily recall this dashboard. Is that a CB radio? It’s the perfect prop to recapture the days when truckers represented quintessential American qualities of freedom and independence. The four-speed manual transmission removes all doubt that this vehicle means business. Four-wheel-drive itself often indicated a business-owned truck during a time when most farmers made due with rear wheel drive and gnarly tires. Under the hood resides the much-respected 292 cid (4.8L) inline six cylinder engine. I recall some farmers chatting at the Warren County Fair truck pull (which featured normal street trucks) about how they’d take a 292 over any V8.

The add-on bumper probably weighs as much as a Prius. You can almost hear the sound of those rear doors closing with authority after you’ve loaded up your tools and your Labrador retriever before heading for home. No need to sully the inside with that dead deer; simply rope it to the hood! Who among you can show this old Chevy some respect and put it back on the road?