BF Auction: 1977 Chevrolet C20 Cheyenne Camper Special

Asking: $10,500Make Offer

Seller: Frances T abor
Location: Riverside, California
Mileage: 25,024 Shown
Chassis #: CCL247z154657
Title Status: Clean
Engine: 350 V8
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual

With warm weather on our doorstep, the thoughts of many will turn to summer vacations. If communing with Mother Nature is your preferred choice, it begs the question of what type of vehicle would be the best for the journey. This 1977 Chevrolet Cheyenne Camper Special would seem ideal. The winning bidder could slide on a camper as the manufacturer intended, although there is enough bed space to throw in tents and other equipment for a holiday under the stars. This one-owner survivor is rock-solid, and the recent addition of a new dealer-installed V8 means that it is a turnkey proposition that is ready to go. The owner has decided that the time is right for the C20 to find a new home, listing it with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Chevrolet’s Third Generation C/K-Series remained the backbone of the company’s commercial range from 1973 until 1991. The 1977 model year brought a cosmetic refresh that included a revised grille and some interior changes to provide a more modern feel. This 1977 example is a C20 Cheyenne Camper Special. It is a one-owner survivor finished in Santa Fe Tan. It would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic restoration at some point, but, as we will see, that could happen when (or if) the winning bidder deems it necessary. The reason that time isn’t of the essence is that this classic has spent its life in California. That means that while the underside shots reveal surface corrosion, it is the dry type that typically develops in this location. There is no penetrating rust, allowing the grinder and welder to remain safely tucked away in the cupboard. The panels are generally straight, the chrome and glass are in good condition, and the rear step bumper is a practical feature.

Powering this Cheyenne is a 350ci V8 that the owner teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. The company’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 165hp and 260 ft/lbs, with the latter peaking low in the engine’s rev range to provide excellent flexibility. The owner ticked the box beside the Camper Special option on the Order Form, adding suspension upgrades to cope with the additional load and a camper body wiring harness. Potential buyers face plenty of positive news when we focus on the C20’s mechanical health. The engine bay houses a dealer-fitted new factory V8, with the owner holding supporting documentation. The Pickup runs and drives perfectly, and is a turnkey proposition. Those wishing to be hands-on with the ownership experience will undoubtedly welcome the enormous collection of Maintenance Manuals as shown in the image gallery.

Classic Pickup interiors often deteriorate with age, but this C20 has avoided that fate. As the Cheyenne version, the seat wears a cover trimmed in cloth and vinyl. There are lashings of faux timber on the dash and doors, while an aftermarket Sony radio/cassette player provides entertainment on long journeys. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery to gain a sense of how nicely preserved this interior is. There are no rips or tears, and the pad is in excellent condition under the protective cover. It would benefit from a deep clean, and doing so would make the interior sparkle without spending a fortune. The overall lack of physical damage clearly demonstrates that this survivor has been treated respectfully since Day One.

The idea of sliding on a camper and hitting the road for a life of adventure is attractive, and this 1977 Chevrolet C20 Cheyenne Camper Special would allow the winning bidder to do so immediately. Alternatively, transforming it into an eye-catching and capable shop truck would be an ideal way for someone to promote their business. It would really stand out if returned to its former glory, although treating it to a healthy dose of polish and preserving it as a proud survivor would be a valid approach. Imagination is the only limiting factor, and if you take a chance to let yours off the leash, you will undoubtedly decide that this C20 is worth a closer look.