2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the first production Chevrolet Truck. In celebration of this milestone, we are taking a look back at 10 of the most influential trucks in Chevrolet’s history. Additionally, Chevrolet is honoring its truck centennial with a special announcement!
Here are 10 of the most iconic Chevrolet trucks of the past 100 years:
- 1918 One-Ton: This was the first production truck from Chevrolet. It took inspiration from the vehicles that were being used in the plants to move parts and pieces. It featured an open cab and was purpose-built.
- 1929 International Series LD: Eleven years later, this was the first truck with a closed cab. Interior design began to become important for comfort and style.
- 1938 Half-Ton: The Half-Ton was the first truck created by the newly formed Design Center. This year also saw a deviation in the design of trucks and cars, realizing that trucks needed their own identity.
- 1947 3100 Series: It’s known for having one of the most iconic designs in automotive history. When people think of vintage trucks, the 3100 Series is likely to come to mind. This was also the beginning of the horizontal-bar front grill instead of the traditional vertical-bar grill.
- 1955 3124 Series Cameo Carrier: This was the first Chevrolet truck with fleetside design. During this time, styling became a selling point for cars which inspired more focus to be put on a truck’s design as well. Instead of the design ending with the cab, the Cameo Carrier was designed bumper-to-bumper.
- 1967 C10 Fleetside: Metallic paint was introduced and was used to highlight the subtleties and body lines that weren’t as obvious before.
- 1973 C30 One-Ton Dually: Many consider this to be the first modern heavy-duty truck. The design reflected the dramatic increase in capability for customers who used their trucks for both work and play.
- 1988 C/K 1500: The 1988 C/K 1500 was the first truck whose design was influenced by aerodynamics. It looked very advanced for its time and even the interior looked futuristic.
- 1988 Silverado 1500 LT Z71: This was the first generation using the Silverado nameplate.
- 2007 Silverado 1500: The 2007 Silverado model brought back the “tough truck” look and feel, even though it was still influenced by design and aerodynamics.
After a century, Chevrolet is still the only manufacturer to offer customers a three-truck portfolio and a full line of special editions. The Chevrolet truck line-up gives customers more options to find the perfect truck to fit their needs and lifestyle. To honor its history, Chevrolet has announced the new 2018 Silverado and 2018 Colorado Centennial Special Editions. These Centennial Editions feature design elements inspired by Chevrolet trucks throughout history, including a Centennial Blue paint, exclusive heritage bowtie emblems, and 100-year badges.
The 2018 Silverado will be available in October, and the 2018 Colorado Centennial Edition will be available in November.
Bonus Fact: The 1918 Chevrolet One-Ton was powered by a four-cylinder engine rated at 36 horsepower. Its top speed was 25mph.