Why is the Chevy Square Body Truck Popular?

Fort Wayne Assembly began building the 1987 C10 truck on December 8, 1986.

Everyone loves a Chevy square body truck. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, they were seen as the perfect balance of a reliable work truck, and for a daily driver. They would be used as a tool in itself to transport equipment, tools, furniture, livestock, etc.

If you fast-forward to today, there are numerous intentions for why someone would buy a pickup truck. Some will say they intend on using it for its functionality as a work vehicle. Others will use it as a simple daily driver. There are those that intend on doing both light work and using it to drive from Point A to Point B. And then there are those that view modern trucks more as a projection of one’s self-image than any actual truck purposes.

Regardless of one’s intention, it’s obvious that American love their pickup trucks and the craze does not appear to be going away anytime soon.

Why Are Square Body Trucks Popular?

Convenience aside, some pickup buyers just plain preferred the look of Chevy’s Stepside boxes, offered from 1955 to 2003. This 1974 C/10 Stepside square body truck has dealer-added custom paint and wheels.

While many modern trucks come equipped with upgraded engines, suspension, and the latest in driving technology to make every truck cabin feel as comfortable as your living room, the classic Chevy square body trucks of the 70s, and 80s, are seeing their own surge in popularity. This is due to the fact that when GM planned to release the third-generation of the Chevrolet C/K series in 1973, they wanted to design the first pickup truck with the driver in mind.

By being able to use the square body truck both as a work truck and a daily driver, this kind of adaptability was received well among users, causing the competition to do the same. From 1973 to 1987, the square body truck was held in high regard among consumers. What is interesting about these trucks is that despite their boxy, rectangular design, Chevrolet originally named the C/K trucks as “Round-Line.”

The other reason for constant popularity of square body trucks is that there is a personal connection in play. Many of today’s square body owners can recall riding in them as a kid, helping perform maintenance work on one, or grew up simply appreciating the trucks’ simple design, history, and vintage flare. It’s also an attractive truck for those that enjoy turning heads from onlookers in public for a little extra attention.

These days, new square body owners are looking to these trucks because of the rising price tags on new vehicles, as well as the global microchip shortage that has urged many consumers to purchase a used car. And considering that the youngest square body truck would be in its mid-30’s by now, one can get their hands on a pre-owned Chevy C/K truck for a decently affordable number. Best of all, with the proper amount of care and maintenance, you can hold onto a Chevy square body truck for a very long time.

Read More from PowerNation

You Might Also Like