Years ago, I wrote a series of posts for Barn Finds on “honest” pickup trucks. You know, the ones that look nice but not perfect, probably have some “patina”, and aren’t priced ridiculously. The seller of this 1985 Chevrolet Silverado pickup describes it in the ad that is listed here on eBay as “…an all-around honest, straight, dry truck.” In my opinion, this truck is way better than that! This fine machine is located in Mason, Michigan (after spending most of its life in North Carolina), and bidding is currently at $10,511, but hasn’t met the reserve.
Just look at that! It makes one wonder if the truck was ever actually used as a truck. It was repainted once under warranty, about 30 years ago, after the original paint started peeling, which is a known quality issue for this generation of “squarebodies”. The seller includes several underbody pictures as well; this truck really is that clean! I’m pretty sure our 2025 crossover looks worse than that underneath already. Truth be told, it’s hard to believe this truck has over 120,000 miles; it must have really been babied.
I can’t tell you how many of these I’ve seen with the thin aluminum trim panel here looking like it’s been run over, with scratches and dents being the norm. That’s a NOS “sport” bumper that has been fitted, although the original (described as being in excellent condition, of course) is included as well.
If I were bidding on the truck, I’d have to see what the period three-wheeler in the back would add to my purchase price. For those readers who know them better, I think it’s a Honda–I’m sure you experts can tell me exactly what it is in the comments.
As you might expect, given the rest of the truck, the interior looks very nice. It’s hard to tell from this picture whether or not there’s fading on the carpet, but even if there is, you can source a brand-new molded set for less than $200 here. Yes, that’s a 4WD shifter on the floor.
While a lot of folks would prefer a 350 in this truck, I’m fine with the 305-cubic-inch V-8; it’s not like you are going to do any serious towing anyway! I like this truck, with its automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive, cold air conditioning, and it doesn’t need anything done to it! We’ve had a rash of mechanical issues here at the homestead, and I’d love to have a vehicle that doesn’t have an active recall and doesn’t need anything restored, replaced, or refurbished! Would you like to own this fine short-bed squarebody as I would?
Showroom-Worthy!
Agree w both 8banger and the author’s assessments. Only thing I’d do, other than drive it everywhere, is a manual hub conversion. Good find, thanks Jamie.
Great looking truck. Regular cab, short bed, really stands out in the world of crew cab pickups.
The 305 is a dog. First time I drove my grandma’s 84 with a 305 coming out of river valley I thought something was wrong with the engine. Nothing was wrong except it lacked power. Needs a LS swap otherwise a great square body.
With 4 days 8 hours left the current high bid is $20,100, reserve not met.
Steve R
My first brand new vehicle was a 1985 K30 Silverado 4×4 with a 454 4-spd, that I ordered. It took 4 months to get that truck in and was the best truck I’ve owned. I still kick myself for ever selling it. This truck is really nice, but a regular cab truck, does not align with my lifestyle.
Nice order Hayes 👌 Heavy Chevy💪
Yeah Stan, I was a Chevy truck tech back in the early 80’s and this was the hot ticket. I got a discount at the dealership I worked at, so I pulled the trigger. That 454, while powerful back then, couldn’t hold a candle to the engines today.
Paid 5 grand for my 85 shortbed in the early 90s, great looking truck but the 305 was the worst engine Chevrolet ever put out in my opinion.
I am a farm raised boy and as such see no need for a short body truck. But for the suburbanite used to small cars I guess they work better. This truck is immaculate!! Will make some one an excellent turnkey entry into the classic car / truck world. Drive it, show it, cruise it and enjoy it!!!
These 4 wheel drive shortbox regular cab squares are really great looking trucks. However, if you have never ridden in one, I suggest you do so before purchasing. Unfortunately, with two solid axles, these trucks ride like a lumber wagon.
I have an 85 C10 much like this one except its Gold. Bought it from a buddy of mine 8 yrs ago and did some work. Rebuilt the transmission, added dual exhaust, new rims and tires, new MC and booster and replaced the bench seat cover. Thankfully, he had swapped that 305 yrs ago and replaced it with a GM crate 350. Even though I’m not a 305 fan at all, I’d leave this one as is until it died. Good find.
I think the 3 wheeler is a Honda ATC 250.1983 or 1984. What a sweet truck! I wonder if my wife would notice if I re-mortgaged the house to buy it
Perfect combination, a 1985 Honda 200x in the bed of a pristine 1985 K10. I’m sure this will sell well north of $20k
Nice old square body. Too bad it’s a short bed and a 305. I picked up a ’70 longbed with a 350, built in Freemont and sold new in Pheonix, spent its whole life there and was in the same condition as this one when I got it 6 years ago. Only thing I had to do to it was replace the trans with a TH700R4 about a year later, and add a kickass stereo. Since then it’s just been normal routine maintenance and a new exhaust system.
While C10 Shortbeds are more valued, longbeds are more practical for most guys. You have more room for supplies at HD. But the market is what it is and makes long beds more affordable.
Very nice shortbed!!
Just a note to the guys complaining about the 305, you probably don’t remember but the 305 was 160hp and the 350 was 175. 15 HP isn’t going to rock your world. Even the 454 was only 230hp. I have a 1980 K10 with a 350, that one is 165 HP and it’s a turd by today’s standards.
Yep ~ my ’70 350 was rated at 275 gross, which is 215 net. When it was rebuilt in 2010 it was upgraded with a tad bit more cam ~ puts out maybe 235-240 now, with gobs of torque. You race horsepower but you drive torque.
Another comment here about the 305. My 78 I purchased new had the 305 and the cam went flat at about 40k. New cam, lifters, timing set, 4 bbl and dual exhaust made that engine come alive! I set it up for interstate service and that truck hauled 7k trailers coast to coast and with the 3.07 axle would deliver 15-17 mpg loaded! On more than one run east across Kansas with a stout tailwind I attained just under 25mpg loaded!
Anyone interested in bidding should go to the eBay ad and check the feedbacks!
Yeah, the seller sounds like a zero according to his feedback.