What is the most popular Chevy truck ever made?
We’re not 100% sure, but we think it’s likely the 1973-1987 Rounded Line. It’s a confusing line of trucks. Not only was it in production for a huge length of time, but when the pickups received new styling for the 1988 model year, the Suburbans and Blazers hung with the squared styling of the Rounded Line through 1991.
What is a Chevrolet C/K Pickup?
The C/K naming first appeared on Chevrolet and GMC trucks in 1960. The C indicated a conventional cab and the K indicated a 4-wheel drive chassis. Some will contend the C actually meant 2-wheel drive. However, if you scour the internet, you’ll see it written up this way too – so which way does it go? No one seems to be entirely sure. Bottom line, it was a way for GM to simplify its truck lineup and compete better with the Ford F-Series.
What is the difference between a Chevrolet and a GMC Pickup?
Honestly, not much. For the most part, GMC buyers are treated to a higher level of environmental luxuries over the Chevrolet. This became truly apparent with the Rounded Line of the 1970s and ’80s. During this time, people were using pickups and SUVs more frequently as their only transportation. This made creature comforts and ride quality become paramount with buyers. GMC didn’t let anyone down. Outside, their vehicles featured special brightwork. Inside, upscale upholstery and special woodgrain finishes were met with unique bright materials and plush carpeting to make for a nicer place to be. The Chevrolet was no slouch either with similar treatments for their topline offerings, but GMC was long known as a kind of gentlemen’s truck.
Did “The Fall Guy” use a Chevy Rounded Line?
One of the many claims to fame for the Rounded Line pickup is from the TV show “The Fall Guy.” Aired from 1981 to 1986, the main character used a GMC 4×4 single cab pickup as his daily mode of transportation. The truck was extremely similar to the Chevrolet pickup. Heavily modified with custom paint, chrome, and some unique one-off tricks, it largely planted the Rounded Line pickup series into the psyche of viewers. This representation helped sales tremendously, similarly to how “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Knight Rider” helped Pontiac Trans Am sales.
The Rounded Line would also be seen as a recurring character in TV shows such as “The Rockford Files,” and in movies like “The Driver,” and countless episodes of “The A-Team.” Indeed, the Rounded Line was a Hollywood favorite.
What is the Rounded Line Chevrolet truck?
Introduced in 1973, the Rounded Line of Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks would span production through 1987, and into the 1991 model year as the Suburban and Blazer. The Rounded Line pickups were only available as a single cab or crew cab, cutting its market by a fair margin as Ford and Dodge both offered single cab, extra cabs, and 4-door crew cabs.
Known as the Square Body trucks, contrary to what their looks suggest, GM invested in extensive wind tunnel testing and computer aided design software to discover the most aerodynamic shape for their trucks. The investment paid off well. It was determined that the chiseled shape, coupled with the right slants and slopes and curves, was indeed the most wind cheating figure. In fact, these trucks would lead the way for the downsized full-size line of GM cars. This line hit the market in 1977 with cars like the Chevrolet Caprice Classic and Cadillac Sedan Deville. Many Ford and Chrysler vehicles would quietly mimic the styling as well.
When the 1979 fuel crisis struck, GM revisited the design of the Rounded Line, taking it back to the wind tunnel to see if further slipperiness could be added, and there was. On top of this, the engineers found the trucks could lose about 300 pounds, making them lighter and more aerodynamic in the process. This revised model would hit the market in 1981.
Is the Rounded Line Chevy truck an R/V truck?
Yes, but also no. The R/V line took over for the Rounded Line in 1987. The R meant 2-wheel drive, the V meant 4-wheel drive. The name change occurred to better accommodate the forthcoming GMT400 series trucks. This truck series was introduced for 1988, but many still considered these a product of the Rounded Line series. The R/V line only stood for one year, but not really, because technically, while many still considered the 1987 a Rounded Line, it was an R/V line. Then the GMT was introduced, and the R/V-Rounded Line would only sustain through the Suburban and the Blazer through 1991. Very confusing – we know!
What’s a GMT400 truck?
Chevrolet and GMC introduced the GMT400 series for the 1988 model year pickup. Taking on a more fuselage styling and a much more aero-inspired nose, the GMT400 retained some of the original wind tunnel and computer aided design discoveries of the Rounded Line, taking them a step further. The Rounded Line was revised in 1979 to better cope with the fuel crisis. Released in 1981, it had slightly better aerodynamics and a lighter curb weight, design had begun on the GMT400. As such, a bit of the Rounded Line philosophies carried over.
The GMT400 became nearly as popular as the Rounded Line. It would span production through model year 2000, although for 1998, the GMT800 had been introduced. The GMT400 would remain in production side-by-side, if for no other reason than to consume parts on the assembly lines.
Is the Rounded Line a good truck to get?
The line of GM trucks has long been regarded as one of the best. Aging beautifully, these classics have become hugely popular as collectibles and as fun trucks to build as a multitude of parts remain available. They are known to be reliable and robust, simple to work on, inexpensive to maintain, and fun. Their squared styling is truly eye catching and unique, especially today in a world of ultra rounded designs. We believe this model is a great way to go if you’re interested in a classic pickup.