The name “Big Red” evokes thoughts of cinnamon-flavored chewing gum, introduced in 1975 by the William Wrigley Company. But in this case, the nickname refers to a square-body Suburban.
The Pick of the Day is a 1986 Chevrolet C20 Suburban listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Mount Dora, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Big Red,” the listing begins. “Built in Flint, Michigan, believed to be a Florida vehicle for 37 years, three owners. Close to perfect paint and chrome.”
The Suburban is the longest continuously used vehicle nameplate in production, first launched in the 1935 model year as the “Carryall Suburban.” Over the years, it evolved with revised design and engineering but has remained an American favorite to this day. In 2022, Chevrolet sold over 50,000 Suburbans, so the model’s strong momentum continues.
This two-wheel drive example comes from the “Rounded Line” era of Chevrolet C/K-Series trucks, introduced in 1973 as a four-door sport-utility vehicle (the outgoing model was only offered as a two-door). This seventh-generation continued through model year 1991, even overlapping with the newer-body GMT400-platform vehicles which came out in 1987.
Showing just 117,664 miles, this looks to be a highly optioned Suburban: It is outfitted in Silverado trim and shows 26 options listed on the Service Parts Identification sticker inside the glove compartment. A $31,000 restoration was reportedly carried out under prior ownership. The cabin offers burgundy cloth seating for eight people and appears in well-kept condition throughout, aside from a small blemish shown in the photo gallery. Equipment includes front and rear air conditioning and tinted glass, and a drop-down rear tailgate offers access to the cavernous cargo area for gear and luggage.
A vehicle of this size requires a strong powerplant. The engine is a big-block 454cid V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission which sends torque to a 3.73-ratio rear axle. The seller notes that the dual exhaust system has been upgraded with Flowmaster mufflers and the tires were replaced within the last 1,000 miles.
“This is a true restored gem, not raised, not lowered, not cut up or altered in any way,” the listing concludes.
The seller is asking $46,900 or best offer for this well-kept Suburban. If Big Red gum is known for being long-lasting, then this Big Red Suburban must be equally timeless.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Looks like a real gem. I’ve been driving Suburbans since the generation right after this one, probably keep driving them till they quit making them. This one would be a keeper.