Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1973 Chevrolet K20 Custom 4×4 4-Speed pickup.
There is something to be said for commitment to a vehicle. If I ever got the chance, I would love to shake the hand of the original owner of this truck, who kept it for a monumental 51 years and 228,960 miles. It must be difficult to finally part ways after so many memories over the decades. The truck is being sold by a private seller in Butte, Montana, and the auction will end on Monday.
The year 1973 marked the first model year of what Chevrolet called the Rounded Line generation, characterized by a curved windshield and a hood line that was faired into the front fenders. The body style went on to have lengthy 18-year run until finally being phased out in 1991, but there were incremental mid-cycle revisions along the way.
The paper trail for today’s featured truck is particularly interesting: The truck was originally invoiced to Luby Chevrolet in Boston, Massachusetts according to Military Sales Order documentation from General Motors Overseas Distribution Company. The original selling price was $4,083.92 on December 8, 1972. The truck was exported to the first owner (who was listed as 30 years old at the time) at a location entitled Yutivo XYS 446/73 NS HS.
A separate form contained the order details: Extra equipment was optioned including an auxiliary fuel tank, free-wheel hubs, Positraction, a rear step bumper, oil and amperage gauges, stainless-steel mirrors, and a spare tire. A handwritten spiral-bound logbook contains maintenance history on the truck dating back to the 1980s.
Under the hood, power originates with a replacement Goodwrench 350cid small-block crate V8 which is backed by a rebuilt four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. A few upgrades have been added, including a Holley four-barrel carburetor, an electronic ignition, a heavy-duty radiator, and a newer clutch. The truck is also equipped with newer Warn hubs, power steering, and power front disc brakes.
Given the fact that the motor has been replaced and all of this other maintenance is up to date, this pickup is surely ready for its next 50+ years and 228,000 miles. I am looking forward to seeing what it sells for when the auction ends on Monday. Maintenance records, a service manual, a cover, and purchase documentation will come with the truck. Hope the next owner keeps it as long as the original owner did!
The auction for this 1973 Chevrolet K20 Custom 4×4 4-Speed pickup ends Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
