Sometimes vehicles that are the bread and butter of an automaker’s line begin to slow down in sales.  When that happens you will almost always see manufacturers or dealers come out with a special edition of some sort.  Take for example this 1987 Chevrolet Silverado pickup being offered for sale here on eBay in Vallejo, California.  Dubbed the “Beachcomber” with “SS” thrown in for good measure, it appears this was a marketing ploy to sell off some third-generation Chevrolet C/K trucks in pretty much their final year of production.  Still, what lurks underneath the decals is still a last of the breed Silverado that may have 43,612 miles on it.  Is it worth much more than the current $6,900 bid?

Square body Chevrolet pickups have been steadily increasing in desirability and value in the market.  Production began in 1973 and ran all the way until 1987.  Of these, many feel that the 1987 model Silverado is the truck to have.  Years of refinement had made these luxury models more like the “Cowboy Cadillacs” we are familiar with today.  In addition to all of the power accessories that found their way on to Silverados that year, a buyer could order a fuel injected 350 cubic inch small block V-8.

That is precisely what is under the hood of this Silverado.  It also has a full list of accessories including power windows and locks, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel and an AM/FM cassette radio for your Van Halen fix.  The truck is also equipped with an automatic transmission with overdrive.

It also comes standard with a number of dents, bruises, and scrapes.  Given that it is a black truck, these imperfections stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.  There is nothing cosmetically that would prevent you from enjoying this truck, but they do detract from the value.  You could also speculate about how the truck’s overall appearance would be impacted by either painting the topper black to match the truck or by simply removing it. As for the striping package, I’ll look forward to seeing the reader response in the comments.

Another thing to bear in mind is the “Odometer reads 43,612 miles” statement in the ad.  Looking underneath is enough to convince you that this may well be a low mileage truck.  You also have to bear in mind that these trucks had 5 digit odometers.

The upholstery doesn’t back up the low mileage claim.  A quick glance at the wear on the steering wheel and pedals is inconclusive.  The damage we see maybe from UV rays beating down mercilessly for years on the interior of this truck.  There is a faded look to both the upholstery and the carpet.  Too bad the previous owner didn’t invest in a seat cover before it was too late.

The 350 cubic inch engine we mentioned previously sits in one of the cleanest and most orderly under hood environments we have seen in a long while.  This engine put out 185 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque that year.  Modifications can take those numbers quite a bit higher if you were so inclined.  The cleanliness under the hood is another clue that the low mileage claim may be true. While I have my doubts that the Beachcomber SS stripe package adds any rarity or value to this otherwise desirable truck, I do know that I’d like to have this Silverado in my driveway.  I could live with dents, scrapes, and bruises. It is a desirable truck and it will be interesting to see what it sells for. What do you think the final bid will be?