Vehicle Description
We sell a lot of 'Action Line' Chevrolet pickup trucks like this
1970 Camper Special example, but not many are the heavier-duty C20
models, which today we might call a �-ton. Furthermore, almost none
come equipped with something as powerful as a heavy-duty 354
Perkins 6-Cylinder Diesel under the hood, completely transforming
the identity of this vintage Chevy truck. Same great looks, but
with a long bed, tall stance, and workhorse under the bonnet, this
handsome hauler doesn't mind a little heavy lifting now and then,
yet it will still look great when you take it to the local cruise
night.
The icy blue paint looks appropriate on this 1970 C20 truck, after
all, these beauties were called the 'Glamour Line' pickups for a
reason, and their chiseled good-looks practically beg for a
high-impact color like this vivid shade. Originally offered with a
Dark Blue and White paint job (according to the options sticker in
the glove box), this current paint job was nicely applied a few
years ago to a driver-quality standard (it is a C20 Camper Special
after all, if you're not buying this truck to drive regularly, some
priorities might need to be adjusted), and they elected to keep the
cab a contrasting white - a period-correct choice that really helps
this truck stand out from its peers. The paint is certainly not
perfect, and if you go hunting for imperfections in the prep work
and finish then you're going to find them, but just from a half
step back the truck really looks great, much nicer than you'd
typically find on workhorses like this. Despite the slightly
heavier-duty underpinnings, the bodywork doesn't look like it had
to do much hard labor in its lifetime, or else someone spent a lot
of time and effort getting it into shape, because it looks very
solid. Good gaps and lots of time block sanding those long bed
sides means that this one holds up well under fair scrutiny, and
unlike many of its contemporaries, it hasn't been customized or
altered in any serious way that would detract from the original
design. Running lights and a couple of chrome horns on the cab roof
add a little flash, and we really loved the truck's rakes stance.
Nice details abound, including twin chrome mirrors, a great-looking
front grille and bumper, a big rear window out back, and a
heavy-duty, diamond-plate step-bumper with a ready-to-work tow
hitch attached just below it. The spacious bed was painted along
with the rest of the truck, and despite various dings and dents
it's in still in great shape.
The simple blue vinyl interior is a nice upscale change from the
usual dated cloth bench, offering three-across seating and a
durable, blue-green seat cover that looks very recent. Simple door
panels offer matching blue inserts and fresh hardware, along with
speakers at the bottom that work with upgraded retro-style
AM/FM/AUX stereo in the center of the dash. The big steering wheel
at the helm of the cockpit is appropriate for a big hauler like
this and the gauges just beyond it are crisp, clear, and look very
attractive inside the stock bezel. Blue covers practically every
interior surface, including the dash and accompanying dash pad,
although the industrial strength vinyl flooring is black and cleans
up in a flash. This is a factory A/C truck and all the equipment is
still in place (including some upgraded hardware), however it will
need a service before it blows cold again, but thankfully the
heater works just fine.
Diesel power is a big reason why trucks are so popular these days,
and combining a diesel engine with a classic truck is something
we're starting to see a lot more of the last few years. It makes
sense, as people are driving their classics more often than ever,
so why not enjoy the benefits and extra power/torque of a diesel
engine? The legendary 354 Perkins 6-Cylinder powering this C20 was
swapped in from a 1975 Bobtail truck, and it fits inside the
truck's ample engine bay like it always belonged. Better fuel
economy, unparalleled reliability, and gargantuan torque are all
tenants of this swapped-in P6 diesel (in fact, this is more than
likely the 6.354 model, as it was the most widely produced and
popular Perkins diesel from 1960-1996), and when mated to a 4-speed
manual transmission with an uber-powerful 1st-Speed Granny gear,
you could bring the whole job site with you. According to the build
docs/receipts, the Perkins was rebuilt in 2014, and judging by how
strong it's running today, it's likely been seldom driven since.
'Seldom' on a Perkins is a relative term, as these engines barely
get broken in until you hit the quarter century mark, but by the
looks of things, we suspect that this C20 has been on very light
duty since it was restored. HEMI Orange paint keeps everything
looking clean under the hood, and there are signs of maintenance
throughout, including newer hoses, belts, and wiring. Power brakes
and power steering mean you can actually drive this truck without
breaking a sweat, plus a heavy-duty 4-speed manual transmission
that spins a gigantic 12-bolt rear end ensures that this truck
doesn't mind the heavy stuff, whether it's work or play. Ground
clearance will likely never be an issue, even with the truck's
wicked rake, and the heavy-duty suspension features newer
components throughout, including upgraded A-Arms up front, and
heavy-duty leaf-springs and giant shocks in the rear. Flashy
American Racing wheels look great and suitably beefy on the C20,
wrapped in 285/70/17 all-terrain tires that fill the fenders
perfectly.
Nice truck, reasonably priced, and ready to work or play, this
Chevy C20 Camper Special gets all the big stuff right. Call
now!