In 2×4 form (two-wheel drive only), the 1960’s Chevrolet Suburbans were still incredibly useful vehicles with lots of transporting room; they were known as “Carryalls”. Essentially a large station wagon body on the chassis of a pickup truck, the nameplate had been used in a similar form since 1935. This one is not running, but I suspect it wouldn’t take much to get it that way. It’s listed for sale here on eBay, where bidding has just topped $10,000 but has not yet met the reserve. Figure in transportation costs from Halethorpe, Maryland if you’re interested!
Although the Suburban looks fantastic in turquoise, it was apparently painted at some point in the early 1970s from its original medium gold hue. We’ll get back to that later. The vehicle has been owned by the same family for over fifty years, but unfortunately, not a lot of history is currently known about the early SUV. The seller does note that apart from a previously patched floorboard to the rear of the driver’s seat, there is no apparent rust.
The muffler looks new as well. The tires have plenty of tread but we don’t know how old they are. Do you see any issues that I don’t?
Although the rear seats have been either reupholstered or replaced (is it just me that wonders about the different style compared to the front seat?), it’s odd that they were not done in corresponding colors.
And now I’m really baffled. If the Suburban was originally gold, then repainted turquoise, how did it end up with a metallic green dashboard? I’m afraid the aftermarket steering wheel would get replaced under my ownership as well. The three-on-the-tree shifter is apparent and we’re told it’s the original transmission, which makes sense as the vehicle has only covered 113,000 miles from new. Thankfully, it was fitted with power steering as an option!
We’re told this is the original V-8; if so, it’s a 283-cubic-inch version. The brake master cylinder and radiator look like they have been replaced at some point, although I wish someone had chosen to convert to a dual master cylinder system for increased safety. What do you think this Suburban is worth? Do any of you own one at the moment?
What a mishmash of random parts!
Don’t know why it doesn’t run, but this has the makin’s of a great little Suburban. Wish it wasn’t all the way across the country from me, or I’d be tempted.
And the body biscuits look pretty crunchy…
Don’t they just. My first thought also. Not well maintained at all.
I was on a road trip this past weekend and I saw almost the same vehicle pulling a vintage airstream down the interstate. It looked great going down the road in the middle of all those cookie cutter SUV’s. It had no trouble holding its own in the afternoon commuter traffic.
Rear seat looks more like it’s the original material, GM tended to favor that type of patterned vinyl over the sort of stuff in front and of course the driver’s seat always wears the fastest.
I owned several Carryalls and panels from 64-66 that I built my way. They were very cool rides. As for the mish-mash of parts somebody mentioned… it’s hot rodding and custom stuff. Been going on for over 100 years
We have really forgotten how much wear a car from this era will take in one hundred thousand miles. In the business of the day, anything with 80k or higher would trigger a call to our local wholesaler. I’ve read many theories why we are the beneficiaries of such longevity, but the fact remains with over 100k this will need a rebuild of the engine. There is one of the panel versions in my area, and he drives it as a grocery getter and occasional large object hauler and it has that great 1960’s look – like smugness from a job well done and still accomplishing it with pride.
Ls and a 700r4
These are nice rigs to have today, in either 2x or 4×4 version. My younger brother still has his ’65 vintage 4×4 Carryall that he purchased in HS, and he graduated in ’73. He also is restoring a very nice ’66 2x at this time. I agree with NLPNT that the rear seat material looks very much like factory. I think some new owner is going to be very happy with this after some drivetrain and interior work, (please paint the dash and replace the steering wheel)!!
Had a 65 in the day, 6 cylinder 3 on the tree, solid sides, original white dog dish hubcaps. Great camping vehicle! Strong basic work truck, built to do exactly what it did !!
Guys! 4×2. You’re not buying lumber.
Looks to me like someone is colorblind.
What are “body biscuits”?
Rubber chassis rail to body mounts (in the shape of a samich).
I’ve been employed in and around Halethorpe, MD for a good portion of my working life. The truck door on the wall from Eichelman Bros. Auto Parts references a junk yard I visited many times as a boy with my Dad in the 60s and throughout my adult life. They were directly across from my workplace. Looks like it’s being kept at Ruff Roofers on Knecht Ave., near one of my former workplaces.
stilla 4dor in ’66? I thought by ’64 it’d B a 5dor.
My ex hada 5 when she visited me in ’82. May B it wuz an IH instead? A metal worker (duz anything) I contract on rest0s hasa similar model. Seems shorter. Not sure if IH or Cheb but 5dor. He made up (bent himself) a 6th door you can not tell is DYI rather than oe. Even the interior’n lock/striker. Incredable work. I admire what some of the skills can do. With the home construction I coud hide a metal I-beam in a floor or celing for great soraing archetecture. Just in awe of what these guys can do.
I rode in the back of a ’66 in 1969. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as comfortable as this one. It was a paddy wagon.