Pickups generally lead a hard life as they carry loads to justify their existence. However, there is always an exception to every rule, as this one-owner 1986 Chevrolet Silverado proves. Its overall condition is impressive for a vehicle of this type and age, suggesting it has led a sheltered life. The odometer shows 42,000 miles, and the comprehensive service records confirm the reading is genuine. Its original owner loaded it with factory options, guaranteeing the occupants won’t experience many hardships in their travels. All it needs is a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Sandpoint, Idaho. Bidding sits below the reserve at $13,300, but the strong interest suggests that the situation could change rapidly.
Chevrolet unveiled its Third Generation C/K truck range for 1973, and with the last one rolling off the line in 1991 following ongoing evolutionary changes, it demonstrated admirable longevity. The original owner ordered this Silverado in 1986, and, as you will see, they loaded it with desirable options. The first was its two-tone paint combination of Light Blue Metallic and White. It lifts the Pickup’s appearance from a mere workhorse to a vehicle with class and style. The impression is heightened by the spotless Rally wheels and their sparkling chrome trim rings. The seller emphasizes that this Silverado is an unmolested survivor, meaning it has never undergone any restoration. The paint sports some deterioration and a selection of minor chips and scratches, but nothing requires immediate attention. The bed is one of the most impressive areas because there are no signs of abuse. It almost looks like it has never carried a genuine load, which could be good news for potential buyers seeking a classic that hasn’t been mistreated or worked into the ground. Rust is a genuine concern with classics of any description, but it isn’t going to cause potential bidders sleepless nights. The exterior shows no signs of problems, and the underside is as clean as you could hope to find. The tinted glass appears almost flawless, and there are no issues with the trim or chrome.
Pickups are generally considered workhorses, but I see no reason a vehicle can’t offer decent load-carrying capabilities without compromising occupant comfort. This Silverado’s original owner subscribed to that theory, loading its interior with enough options to make any journey enjoyable. The new owner receives Blue Custom cloth and vinyl upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player. The interior remains in remarkable condition, with only a few flaws worth noting. The carpet has a couple of stains, and its level of fading is demonstrated by the dark sections where floor-mats have prevented UV exposure. A small trim piece is missing from the driver’s door grab handle, but there is no evidence of other wear, abuse, or deterioration. It probably doesn’t quite live up to the seller’s “like new” claim, but it is one of the nicest unrestored interiors of this type I’ve seen in a long time. It isn’t merely about looks; the listing confirms that everything inside this Silverado works as it should.
Once they tackled this Pickup’s interior and exterior specifications, the original owner didn’t stop wielding their pen on the Order Form. They ordered this gem with the LE9 version of the 305ci V8, a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The LE9 pumps out 160hp and 235 ft/lbs of torque, making this Silverado an ideal load carrier, tow vehicle, open-road cruiser, or comfortable daily driver. The vehicle is in excellent health, and the comprehensive Service Records included confirm the odometer reading of 42,807 miles is genuine. This survivor runs and drives perfectly, allowing the winning bidder to fly in and drive home behind the wheel of their new toy.
Pickups are like any vehicle within the classic world because they don’t appeal to everyone. However, they remain a firm favorite for those seeking a candidate for restoration or a custom build. This 1986 Silverado is a survivor that has no urgent needs. The new owner could treat it to a light cosmetic refresh to enhance its appearance, although leaving it untouched could prove irresistible. It has received nineteen bids, and I believe that figure will climb significantly before the hammer falls. Would you like to guess what you think the sale price will be?
I know, maybe being a bit vain, but many may look my way whenever these are posted. An update, of sorts, on my old GMC. The hype and BS on these would make a politician proud. I sold mine to a neighbor, for $2500, I bought for $1400 4 years ago. He had it for sale for $3500 for MONTHS, and now relegated a spot at the local car dealer, on consignment, nothing, bupkus, and this is Colorado. Granted, the condition of mine pales in comparison to this, but rice is rice, and these just aren’t that nice( Hey, a poet and didn’t know it), and the next unsuspecting buyer will find that out. This was a decked out truck in 1986, but still a bit crude by todays standards.
Now, before you get your keyboards warmed up, these are nothing more than the latest flash in the pan, like Big Healeys , FJ Toyotas. or early Broncos. If I didn’t have experience with all those, I wouldn’t talk, but you’ll see, the current round of vultures will have their day, as evidenced here, and these will “settle down” back to a $5grand truck. It’s all I’d pay for a nice one.
I agree that this market will soon die down. This is my holy grail of trucks love this body style never found one that That wasn’t over priced. Don’t get me wrong it’s a nice truck but it’s an 1986 Silverado not a 69 Camaro at most I would start at 8k and hire Richard Rawlins to get him down to 2500
I had a two tone red and tan 86 just like it in early 2000. It was a real pleasure to drive although not as nice as the limo like trucks we have now. But still was my daily driver and received consistent compliments. The 305 was a bit lackluster but problem free for way over 100k and I sold it for a little over 5K after driving it two years. I would buy another one without hesitation but not for more than 15K.
Looks like a nice truck. You couldn’t get a 350 in a half ton in 85 and 86, you had to buy a 3/4 ton if you wanted one, the 305 was as big as it got! Working at a dealer I remember the sales dept all panicking because trucks were coming in with no outside rear view mirrors, no spare tire, and no rear bumper. If anyone in sales including the manager would’ve read their product information they would’ve discovered GM made all these items an option. We had many ticked off customers who had to pay extra for items that were standard in years prior.
Another option for the 1/2 ton was the 6.2 litre diesel V8. Chevy and GMC were the only ones to offer a diesel in their 1/2 ton full sized trucks.
Bought a 86 Silverado stepside on Valentines Day 1986 with a 350!!
That rear bumper has got to go !!!
I bought a friend of mines 85 C10 Custom shortbed a few years ago. He replaced its 305 with a Goodwrench 350 crate engine several years ago and I was very thankful that he did. I’m not a fan of the 305s. It’s got about 40k miles on the 350 now. This one is surely very clean, but when that 305 bites the dust, I’d upgrade it in a minute.
My dad had a GMC short bed with the Diesel in green and tan two-tone. I remember the a/c was so cold that you could see the icy air coming from the vents. Never had any problems with it and we used it all the time, as long as we remembered to plug it in during the bitter cold winter nights so it’d start the next morning.
Up to 22,500 with two hours to go. My guess is it’ll take at least 25K to win the bid. The reason these types of trucks;especially in this condition, have gotten so expensive so quickly over the last few years is the outrageous price of new ones IMO. Plus not everyone wants four doors and a dinky bed. I agree that the 305 isn’t what you really would want but if I was in the market for a pickup I’d be much more inclined to bid on this or something similar instead of digging deep for the late model variety.
Yeah it’s up to $22k now with BIN at $27k. My thoughts were between 16k to 20k. Nice truck that’s ready to enjoy and not a project.
A nice truck for $25k, maybe a bit more, the days of these going for $5k are long gone, along with nice $50k starter homes.
You certainly can’t get C10 shortbeds esp like this for $5000 anymore, more like $15-$20k. It is what it is and no one can change it. We’re not living in the 80s and 90s anymore.
And duel fuel tanks.
Nice driver for sure.
An earlier poster said that the rear bumper has to go. I tend to agree even though it didn’t look that out of place back then. Looks like something was spilled on the tailgate to eat the paint like that. Nice truck if you don’t mind buying gas.
Every one is always hating on the 305. I had an 81 Scottdale with a 305 and the whole time I had it I was wanting a 350. 185000 miles of working that Chevy hard I replaced it with a 350. The cam shaft had two lobes worn off and the crank had a crack in it but it was still running when I swapped it. Maybe the 305 wasn’t as bad after all
One of my older brothers had a ride that looked just like this one back in the early 90s. The one option his came with was a retired K9 German Shepherd. It was the biggest GS I have ever seen.
Worked at a GMC dealership in the early eighties. Nice looking trucks but build quality was a little lacking. The early 700R4 was a real problem. One poor soul had his rebuilt three times under warranty before GM would put in a new one. And this truck had less than 3k miles on it !! Really felt bad for the guy. Always liked these but was always a little scared of them. Just my experience.
Shows like Texas Metal and Iron Resurrection from Texas has pushed the price up. I have a 75 Scottsdale C/K 2500 long bed, 350 with rock crusher 4sp. My father gave it to me a few years ago. It wasnt running well and I didn’t have the time to mess with it then and now health issues keep me from doing any thing. it needs restoration so if anyone interested send me an E-mail.
Call me, Phil Tx 832.473.7588
Bought a new R/10 in ’87. Dealer gave me a “we owe you” slip to have door repainted because of poor quality from factory. Miss that truck though. Paid $9700..
I owned a 86 in the late 80s. Pulled that 305 and installed a 454 with a 400 turbo with a shift kit. Was alot of fun on the SoCal freeways. Killer forever burnouts. Didn’t worry about gas mileage. Smog checks were a pain in the butt then. Sold it in 92 for $4500.
Well this one sold for $27,500 and it is very clean. I thought maybe $15-$18k. If you find a rustbucket version of this year C10 for $5000 you’re gonna be spending another $10k to get her in running and driving condition. And good luck finding a solid, rust free example for that price. You can’t do that anymore these days Howard.