Vehicle Description
It's obvious that GM built pickups like this 1997 Chevrolet C1500
Cheyenne with utility and practicality in mind, but they certainly
didn't forget about style. Sure, it's still a rugged truck
underneath, but on the outside it's one of the best-looking trucks
ever built. Add in that killer stance, a comfortable A/C interior,
and a healthy 4.3L Vortec V6 motor, and you've got one of the
cooler 'modern' classic pickups you can get for under $20k.
This truck's sleek white paint looks fantastic on this Chevy Old
Body Style (OBS) pickup, especially with the single cab, shortbed
design of this '97. That angled cab design on this Wideside pickup
really makes the truck look imposing, especially with a kicked-up
rake out back. The finish work on the white paint is about average,
nice enough that it still looks great going down the road but with
enough imperfections and signs of use that you won't be afraid to
use it as a real truck. That would lead us to believe that this is
still the original finish, or at the very least an older respray,
and even though paint has seen better days the curb appeal of this
OBS is still through the roof. It just looks so cool. The custom
billet inserts in the front grille certainly take things up a
notch, punctuated further by the addition of a custom front bumper
that mirrors the look with grille inserts of its own. The black
molding on the lower portion of the truck breaks up the white
finish just enough, and it matches the window trim, mirrors,
handles, and wheels for a cool, uniform look. Out back, it's
obvious that the bed has been used as intended, although it does
have a thick rubber mat to help protect the floor from further
damage. It's nothing out of the ordinary though, with no rust holes
are giant dents to report, and if the next owner wanted to lay down
a spray-in bedliner it would instantly transform the look of things
back there. And there's enough real estate back there to drag away
half of Home Depot with you on the weekends.
Slip inside and have a seat in the bone-stock interior that's been
nicely upgraded with several fresh components. The recently
recovered bench makes this a first-class way to haul you, your
people, and your gear - and the durable vinyl upholstery looks
nicely maintained throughout. Because this is a modern Chevy truck
it's optioned with all the creature comforts of the era, including
working air conditioning which still blows cold, plus an
aftermarket Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX/Bluetooth stereo, cruise control,
power locks, dual airbags, and a tilt wheel are all loaded up,
further blurring the line between blue-and-white collar
transportation. And we haven't forgotten that this is a truck with
a half ton load capacity and so power steering and power front disc
brakes make it all manageable. Remarkably, the dash pad isn't even
cracked (a recurring problem on OBS trucks) and the giant rear
window provides a cool fishbowl like atmosphere inside, with very
dark privacy tint adding to the cool look.
Open the hood and inspect the nicely detailed original engine bay.
This Chevy is equipped with a 4.3L Vortec V6 that has been fitted
to everything from Camaros to, well, pickup trucks. And before you
bemoan the lack of 2 extra cylinders (essentially this is a
lightweight V8 with #6 and #3 cylinders removed), note that the
Vortec V6 was in many ways similar to the V8s of the era, although
much more efficient. In fact, the 4.3L V6 was the first to bear the
Vortec name, and because the motor was so successful, the Vortec
moniker would then be applied across GM's V8 line as well. The
Vortecs were popular right away and mass-produced, therefore
constantly reaping the benefits of refinements within the
electrical and engine management systems, making them the first
truly modern GM motors. There's more than enough power available if
you choose to leave the motor mostly stock like this one, which
other than the cold-intake system looks like it just rolled out of
the showroom and still runs superbly. The 700R4 4-speed automatic
transmission is also performing without complaint and there isn't a
better transmission available to have; after all, fuel mileage
matters these days. Also take a look at the super clean
undercarriage, where you'll find no secrets, thanks to a lifetime
in the warm Texas climate, and again, it suggests that this truck
has led a very good life. Blacked-out 15-inch Cragar wheels add
some flash to the short-bed pickup, endowing it with a sporty
demeanor and it carries tough-looking 235/75/15 Michelin radials
that add great curb appeal.
Still cool after all these years, GM has yet to top the slick OBS
trucks of the mid-90s. With this one, you'll be the envy of every
cruise night you attend. Call today!