

The C/20 nomenclature designates that this truck is 2-wheel-drive (C as opposed to K) and is a 3/4 ton model (20 vs. the 10 for base model 1/2 ton equipment). That sounds like the makings for a perfect over-the-road hauler for all manner of heavy stuff...either inside or behind the beast. The blue & yellow plates look original for '71 so chances are good that this is a rust-free CA native.
From the back we can see the rear door is split into two; the upper hatch and a lower tailgate portion. Almost all SUVs these days have a one-piece hatch that hinges from above, with the exception of the Toyota Land Cruiser / Lexus LX570 twins (can you think of any others?). The split hatch design is great because it gives you a workbench for camping duties, a place to sit on for tailgate parties...and temporarily lengthens the cargo compartment if necessary. The downsides of this setup are less shade from the smaller upper hatch while it's open, and longer reach necessary to access to the cargo compartment with the tailgate down. Suburbans were also produced with side hinged "Ambulance" doors until recently.
The 350 cubic inch (5.7 liter) Small Block V8 is said to be recently rebuilt, less than 5,000 miles ago. These engines are dead simple and so common that any part you'd be likely to need on the road is available from even the most backwater, run-down auto parts store or garage. They sound great and pull well. This one's equipped with an alternator for easier starting and it's nice to see the power brake booster under the hood - this beast might be hard to whoa with unassisted brakes!
We don't get much in the way of interior shots, but the dash looks clean and un-messed-with, and the door panels have the funky '70s paisley pattern that was probably supposed to remind the occupants of cowboys and ranches or something. The front bench seat sure looks blue from here; hopefully it's just an aftermarket cover. If not, it should be simple enough to get it reupholstered in a more complimentary color to go with the green/white/black scheme.
A big bonus of this Suburban is factory air conditioning which is claimed to blow cold. We can indeed see a compresor under the hood and this funky upper console unit for the rear passengers. Comfort, decent power, style, and plenty of space. For under $10k this one seems like a no-brainer pending a closer inspection for rust.
Find a cooler 9-person mover for less? Email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
The more I look at this the more I like it. Maybe the 2002 guy won't take my offer.
ReplyDeleteI also like the blue on green interior. Too bad I already have a 2004 Green Honda Element (it's ok, it's a 5-speed manual) because adding this would look like I have a green car fetish.
I think you could literally fit a Honda element inside of this beast. If you chopped the top, that is (because they have such high roofs). Hey, that might look pretty cool! Found a photo-chop; you decide for yourself...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.webreference.com/graphics/maya/5.html
Any chance that blue seat is original?
~ nice Suburban, nice Element.
Deletehttp://www.webreference.com/graphics/maya/fig1-21.jpg
BTW if anyone is looking to make a quick 9 grand:
ReplyDeletehttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-CHEVROLET-SUBURBAN-IN-CALIFORNIA-/190787434147?ViewItem=&item=190787434147&forcev4exp=true#ht_2765wt_1053
Same condition apparently except the ebay one sold for 18K in January. Amazing what a few extra pictures will do for a vehicle's price.
This would be a good candidate for a sbc swap.
ReplyDeleteAbnMike-you may want to take a look at this one. Notice the same vintage Pickup with white camper shell parked in front of it in one of the pictures. Green exterior with blue interior is not unheard of in GM vehicles pre '75. The A/C adds a ton of value to this. It also a 3-door like that diaper yellow one that pulled the big money a few weeks back. After all, we both lost out on the 1800 ES last month.....jus sayin'.
ReplyDeleteIf nothing else, if you do find and Alfa (you can see this one coming) you're gonna need a bigger tow vehicle than the Element!!
If anyone wants a 2004 Element EX (the Awd/4wd version) with a manual 5 speed (ever seen one?) and 66,000 miles let me know. Great for your teenagers. If so I'll scoop this up like retirees scoop up butter mints at the register after their buffet.
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