Looking over Craigslist this morning, the face of this Suburban jumped out at me. What a mug! I think this truck may be saying “Get me back on the road or else!” This tough looking early SUV can be found here on Craigslist in Kernersville, NC for $1200.
Our younger readers may not be aware that the name “Suburban” has been used continuously since 1935 by Chevrolet to denote this type of vehicle. Of course, the luxurious vehicles of today (the twelfth generation of Suburbans!) have little in common with this more basic vehicle. Although the seller doesn’t state whether this is the Chevy or GMC version, looking at the grille this one is a Chevy.
Under the hood, we can see that the original color was that blue-green that seems to be common on trucks of this vintage. The “stovebolt” inline 6 looks intact and largely original. As the small-block V-8 was also available with these vehicles, there must be plenty of room to access the engine for maintenance. While the siamesed inlet ports on these engines limit ultimate performance, they are known to be long-lasting and should provide adequate service in today’s world.
The view from the rear highlights both the spaciousness of the truck and the missing components…it would be nice to have seats! Obviously, the interior is a blank canvas at the moment for either restoration or customization. I believe some of these have a third door on the right rear, but this one doesn’t appear equipped that way.
While the seller has included some decent pictures, the one showing the driver’s side is a little depressing. The rocker panel is largely gone, and there are plenty of other rust issues evident. One of the nice things about having such a vehicle, however, is the similarities with the same year pickups; this means front fenders, hoods, doors and possibly even adaptable rockers are available off the shelf from several suppliers. The specific Suburban-only components may be a little harder to find, but the simple styling should make fabricating panels relatively easy.
Missing items like the front turn signals are easily available new. Finding a way to get a clear title may be more difficult, but probably not impossible. When finished, this could be a really cool truck (there, I said it, TRUCK) to cruise in…what do you think?
Dang, the tin worm has done a job on this one, what a shame. Living in the desert southwest, these trucks are quite intact. That said, they bring a lot more $ than this seller is asking.
I’ve owned several of these, in both suburban and carry-all configurations. My favorite was a 2 tone green ’57 GMC that had a (factory) Pontiac V-8, hydramatic trans, and all 3 seats. The exterior had the chrome package, and what a cool looking truck it was. One previous owner, and 100% original. I remember paying $600. Those days are long gone…
Photo of a similar truck
Beautiful!
It looks like it should be chomping a cigar and growling “Put up yer dukes!” in a black-and-white comedy film.
Depending on what you’d have to pay, it could be a worthwhile project. This one is going to need half the sheet metal replaced. Out west, in the Chinook Belt, there isn’t nearly as much salt used on the roads, which keeps the tin worm at bay. This one would be a full body-off with lots of cutting and welding.
I’m wondering if this one didn’t spend time up north; we don’t use much salt in NC
As a kid growing up I always saw vehicles as living machines with their front ends as faces projecting different emotions
not sure if this will be put back on the road but i do see more then the asking price in parts, i think. nice find
Wow, Paul G…..now that’s a great looking truck!!!
I’ve had 3 of these in various years: a ’65, a ’66 and now a ’46. Each one made into a nice driver. They’re very easy to work on, and parts, even for the ’46, are abundant, NOS, used and new. The latest has a 350 / 700r4 (what else?) and I use it regularly while I’m finishing it.
It reminds me of my mother in law, ex that is.