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Black Plate 1971 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special

This 1971 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special spent many years parked in a warehouse after dutifully serving the previous owners, and is a bit of a time warp with its period decor still in place. The dining and living spaces in the camper shell are like stepping back into a 1950s kitchen, and I mean that in the best way possible. The Chevy is said to run well and has been performing highway drives without issue. It comes with three separate fuel tanks, and the seller lists several proactive maintenance items performed while in his car. Find the Chevy here on eBay with bidding at $9,000 and the reserve unmet.

The camper shell remains in good shape, with original logos and branding elements still visible. The seller’s description includes a tale not unlike many of the other camper specials we read about, with the older couple using it for camping for a decade or so before deciding to stop roughing it or move into a larger vehicle. The Chevy was then put into a warehouse and used for storage, so presumably they chucked whatever they needed out of the way into the living and eating quarters. Fortunately, it didn’t do any real damage as the driver’s compartment and camping spaces remain in great shape. The seller does note, however, that the floors in the camper shell are brittle.

Fortunately, the same doesn’t appear to apply to the driver and passenger compartment, as the floor and the bench seat both appear to be in excellent condition. Mileage is just over 54,000, which seems like an accurate reading for the sort of condition on display here. The seller notes the only alterations from stock insider are some aftermarket air vents added under the dash; the Chevy even retains its factory radio, which still works! The body is said to be in good condition with the paint displaying some slight patina. The way it sits right now, I wouldn’t touch a thing on the exterior, as it presents extremely well for a survivor.

The kitchen areas feature this turquoise color that was all the rage in ranges and bathrooms in 1971. You can still walk into an open house today for a property that hasn’t been updated in decades and see colors like this; thank goodness it wasn’t pink. The seller notes that the camper itself is in “stunning” condition, featuring a dining table converts to a bed for a total of two sleeping spots.  There is a stove top with built in oven, a sink, and a refrigerator, and a mattress in the loft area (sleeping spot number two.) Recent maintenance includes new freeze plugs, water pump, and thermostat, along with the master cylinder and various hoses and clamps. This truck is an all-around charmer, wouldn’t you agree?

Comments

  1. Avatar Had Two

    I put over 22,000 “road trip” miles on one like this in the day.
    I’d love to have this for the memories…alas, no room at the Inn now.
    A Pick-Up Camper is a great way to travel the backroads to
    the less well known State and County Parks. This was ALL way
    before Pandemic Blues. Saw the USA in ma Chevrolet.

    Like 8
  2. Avatar Fred

    I would like to buy this rig and drive around out west with an orangutan named Clyde and get into fisticuffs with the Black Widows.

    Like 12
    • Avatar Glenn C. Schwass Member

      “Right turn Clyde”

      Like 4
    • Avatar Glenn C. Schwass Member

      “Right turn Clyde”

      Like 3
  3. Avatar Jasper

    What a cool rig. This IS the way they were. Like the wide jug rear wheels! When trucks didn’t have to be so big, fast cushy and imposing.

    Like 6
  4. Avatar Classic Steel

    My dad had one in the mid 80s. He gave 1000 and sold the camper for 300.
    He then drove it for ten years with no issues and let it go for a thousand to a person who wanted it because it was factory a/c cab. 👍

    This is a nice rig and should make someone happy.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Glenn C. Schwass Member

    Perfect and priced right…has all the boxes checked.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Mountainwoodie

    I sure hope this rig has been on Non-Op or the State is going to stick you for back fees. Maybe I missed it but I didnt see the selling dealer address that. I’d love to have this. Nice low key color ( not green inside, lol). How many shill bidders are at work here? Why do these neat old rigs always end up in a dealers hands? Inquiring minds want to know.

    All that aside, cant beat original and a 4 speed! Be still my bbeating heart

    Like 0
  7. Avatar ZZ Thomas

    Just flat “TOO COOL” !!!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar ACZ

    Reminds me of the kitchen in my first apartment.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Woody

    My dad had this exact C20 with a/c and big block 402 automatic trans. The rear step bumper should be mounted with telescopic hardware for pulling out to step up into larger campers.Our parents used the rig for towing the boat and traveling mostly on the East Coast and National Parks. The C20 was originally from out West and took days to remove sand and dirt from interior when purchased but after Dads “show-n-shine” received many thumbs-up when hearing the dual exhaust rumble! Those were the days!

    Like 3

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