1970 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special Diesel

Description

We sell a lot of 'Action Line' Chevrolet pickup trucks like this 1970 Camper Special example, but not many are the heavier-duty C20 models, which today we might call a ¾-ton. Furthermore, almost none come equipped with something as powerful as a heavy-duty 354 Perkins 6-Cylinder Diesel under the hood, completely transforming the identity of this vintage Chevy truck. Same great looks, but with a long bed, tall stance, and workhorse under the bonnet, this handsome hauler doesn't mind a little heavy lifting now and then, yet it will still look great when you take it to the local cruise night.

The icy blue paint looks appropriate on this 1970 C20 truck, after all, these beauties were called the 'Glamour Line' pickups for a reason, and their chiseled good-looks practically beg for a high-impact color like this vivid shade. Originally offered with a Dark Blue and White paint job (according to the options sticker in the glove box), this current paint job was nicely applied a few years ago to a driver-quality standard (it is a C20 Camper Special after all, if you're not buying this truck to drive regularly, some priorities might need to be adjusted), and they elected to keep the cab a contrasting white – a period-correct choice that really helps this truck stand out from its peers. The paint is certainly not perfect, and if you go hunting for imperfections in the prep work and finish then you're going to find them, but just from a half step back the truck really looks great, much nicer than you'd typically find on workhorses like this. Despite the slightly heavier-duty underpinnings, the bodywork doesn't look like it had to do much hard labor in its lifetime, or else someone spent a lot of time and effort getting it into shape, because it looks very solid. Good gaps and lots of time block sanding those long bed sides means that this one holds up well under fair scrutiny, and unlike many of its contemporaries, it hasn't been customized or altered in any serious way that would detract from the original design. Running lights and a couple of chrome horns on the cab roof add a little flash, and we really loved the truck's rakes stance. Nice details abound, including twin chrome mirrors, a great-looking front grille and bumper, a big rear window out back, and a heavy-duty, diamond-plate step-bumper with a ready-to-work tow hitch attached just below it. The spacious bed was painted along with the rest of the truck, and despite various dings and dents it's in still in great shape.

The simple blue vinyl interior is a nice upscale change from the usual dated cloth bench, offering three-across seating and a durable, blue-green seat cover that looks very recent. Simple door panels offer matching blue inserts and fresh hardware, along with speakers at the bottom that work with upgraded retro-style AM/FM/AUX stereo in the center of the dash. The big steering wheel at the helm of the cockpit is appropriate for a big hauler like this and the gauges just beyond it are crisp, clear, and look very attractive inside the stock bezel. Blue covers practically every interior surface, including the dash and accompanying dash pad, although the industrial strength vinyl flooring is black and cleans up in a flash. This is a factory A/C truck and all the equipment is still in place (including some upgraded hardware), however it will need a service before it blows cold again, but thankfully the heater works just fine.

Diesel power is a big reason why trucks are so popular these days, and combining a diesel engine with a classic truck is something we're starting to see a lot more of the last few years. It makes sense, as people are driving their classics more often than ever, so why not enjoy the benefits and extra power/torque of a diesel engine? The legendary 354 Perkins 6-Cylinder powering this C20 was swapped in from a 1975 Bobtail truck, and it fits inside the truck's ample engine bay like it always belonged. Better fuel economy, unparalleled reliability, and gargantuan torque are all tenants of this swapped-in P6 diesel (in fact, this is more than likely the 6.354 model, as it was the most widely produced and popular Perkins diesel from 1960-1996), and when mated to a 4-speed manual transmission with an uber-powerful 1st-Speed Granny gear, you could bring the whole job site with you. According to the build docs/receipts, the Perkins was rebuilt in 2014, and judging by how strong it's running today, it's likely been seldom driven since. 'Seldom' on a Perkins is a relative term, as these engines barely get broken in until you hit the quarter century mark, but by the looks of things, we suspect that this C20 has been on very light duty since it was restored. HEMI Orange paint keeps everything looking clean under the hood, and there are signs of maintenance throughout, including newer hoses, belts, and wiring. Power brakes and power steering mean you can actually drive this truck without breaking a sweat, plus a heavy-duty 4-speed manual transmission that spins a gigantic 12-bolt rear end ensures that this truck doesn't mind the heavy stuff, whether it's work or play. Ground clearance will likely never be an issue, even with the truck's wicked rake, and the heavy-duty suspension features newer components throughout, including upgraded A-Arms up front, and heavy-duty leaf-springs and giant shocks in the rear. Flashy American Racing wheels look great and suitably beefy on the C20, wrapped in 285/70/17 all-terrain tires that fill the fenders perfectly.

Nice truck, reasonably priced, and ready to work or play, this Chevy C20 Camper Special gets all the big stuff right. Call now!