SOLD on Jun 15, 2026

Elite Dealer

1974 Chevrolet C20

Michigan

$30,995

Vehicle Details

Make

Chevrolet

Model

C20

Year

1974

Mileage

60,000 miles

VIN

AMS45608

Body Type

Pickup Truck

Transmission

Automatic

Engine

454ci Big Block V8

Description

1974 Chevrolet C20 – 454 V8, Fully Restored Long Bed This 1974 Chevy C20 is a beautifully restored long-bed pickup powered by a strong 454 big-block V8 with an automatic transmission. It’s a clean, solid classic that’s been brought back to life with care and attention to detail. Highlights Engine: 454 cubic-inch V8 Transmission: Automatic Drive: Rear-wheel drive Mileage: 60,000 miles Condition: Excellent – turnkey and ready to drive Restoration: Total body restoration and new paint New interior (seat remains original) Title: Clean A sharp, fully restored C20 long bed that combines big-block power with classic truck style — beautifully finished and ready to enjoy.

Classic Chevrolet C20 Buyer's Guide (1960–1987)

Full guide

Robert Halloran

Classic Trucks

1960–1987

~3 min read

Updated Apr 2026

The C20 is the three-quarter-ton workhorse that buyers overlook in favor of the C10. Heavier axles, stronger payload, and lower prices make it the serious truck buyer's choice.

This guide covers

✓ 12-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 5 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full C20 Buyer's Guide

Chevrolet C20 Market Overview

Based on 45 Chevrolet C20 listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

Listed Now

$17,555

Avg. Asking Price

1951–1986

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Above Average

This car: $30,995

Low: $3,795 High: $42,995

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 69% ◄

Manual 24%

Condition Distribution

Excellent 2%

Good 16%

Fair 13%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 45 listings →

Classic Chevrolet C20 Buyer's Guide (1960–1987)

Most people shopping for a classic Chevy truck go straight to the C10 — the half-ton, the light hauler, the show truck. The C20 gets less attention, and that's exactly why it deserves yours. The three-quarter-ton platform was built for work: Dana 60 rear axle, heavier leaf springs, higher payload ratings, and a drivetrain overspecified for the loads most buyers actually put on it. Same cab, same styling generations, same engine options as the C10. The differences are entirely in the hardware underneath — and those differences are in your favor if you need a truck that can actually do truck things.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Rear axle identification — Identify Dana 60, GM 14-bolt full-float, or a lighter swap underneath

✓

Leaf spring condition — Check for broken leaves, worn shackle bushings, and proper arch height

✓

Towing stress inspection — Inspect frame at receiver hitch area for stress cracks or distortion

✓

Transmission fluid — Check fluid color and smell — dark/burnt indicates heat stress from towing history

✓

Driveshaft U-joints — Inspect for wear and play — towing loads accelerate wear

✓

Brake system — Verify full brake function — C20 drums must work properly under load

✓

Rear axle wheel bearings — Listen for rear axle growl changing with speed — bearing wear indicator

✓

Cab mounts (Square Body) — Check cab mount bushing condition for compression and cab-to-frame movement

✓

Frame rails full length — Probe frame rails at both kick-up sections for structural rust

✓

Cab corners — Tap and inspect lower door channel area for rust behind corner panels

✓

Bed floor — Assess original steel vs. replaced panels; check under the bed for frame rust

✓

Engine cold start — Listen for bearing or valve train noise; check oil condition on dipstick

Common Issues

Same issues as C10: cab corner rust, bed floor rust, frame kick-up corrosion, deferred mechanical service. C20-specific: leaf springs that have been overloaded over years will settle and lose arch — a flat spring pack means reduced capacity and poor ride, requiring rebuild or replacement. Full-floating axle wheel bearings require periodic repacking and can fail if neglected — growl from rear axle that changes with speed is a symptom. Brake drums on heavy-use trucks wear faster. Square Body cab mount bushings compress under years of load use — worn mounts allow cab-to-frame movement.

What to Look For

Apply full C/K frame, cab corner, and bed inspection. C20 specifics: identify rear axle type (Dana 60 or GM 14-bolt preferred over 12-bolt swap). Check leaf springs for broken leaves and worn shackles. On towing trucks: inspect frame at receiver for stress cracks; check transmission fluid for dark/burnt condition; inspect U-joints for wear. Verify brake system fully functional — larger drums must be in proper condition for safe loaded operation. Check wheel bearing condition on full-float axle — outer bearings require periodic service.

Price Guide

1967–1972 C20: driver $16,000–$26,000; show $38,000–$58,000. Square Body C20 (1973–1987): driver $14,000–$24,000; show $32,000–$50,000. First gen 1960–1966: $13,000–$22,000 driver. The 10–20% C20 discount vs. C10 is consistent — a reliable feature of the market representing real value for buyers who want the stronger truck.

Did You Know?

The GM 14-bolt full-floating rear axle has been factory-fitted in various forms to trucks produced into the 2000s. The C20 designation was retired in 1987 when GM switched to the C2500 nomenclature. Heavy-duty fleet operators — moving companies, farms, contractors — routinely ran C20s to 300,000–400,000 miles with regular maintenance, a testament to the drivetrain's engineering margin.