1978 Chevrolet C20
$9,995
Vehicle Details
Chevrolet
C20
1978
CCL248J120173
Pickup Truck
Automatic
350 v8
Description
1978 Chevrolet Cheyenne C20 3/4-Ton Long Bed | California Truck | 350 V8 | Contractor-Owned
Offered on consignment by Platt Motors, this 1978 Chevrolet Cheyenne C20 3/4-ton long bed is an honest, blue-plate California pickup with the kind of originality and character that enthusiasts appreciate. Owned for many years by a Northern California contractor, this truck spent its life working rather than being modified, and it s now ready for its next owner.
Finished in its work-ready patina, this Cheyenne presents as a solid project with what appears to be an exceptionally straight body. One of the first things we noticed was the clean sheet metal and solid cab corners – areas that commonly suffer from rust on square-body Chevrolets. This appears to be a lifetime California truck, and we found no obvious rust or rust repairs in the typical trouble spots.
Under the hood sits Chevrolet s legendary 350 cubic-inch V8, paired with power steering and power brakes. The truck carries current California registration through 2026, has a new battery, and appears to have been sitting for a much shorter period than the companion Ford truck on the property. While we have not yet confirmed its running condition, all indications suggest it may be an easy truck to recommission.
Inside, the cabin remains largely original. The bench seat upholstery shows wear and tearing consistent with decades of honest use, while the dashboard has a few age-related cracks. An aftermarket radio has been installed, and the door panels remain in respectable condition. The carpet is lifting in places, but the underlying rocker panels and cab corners appear solid.
Accompanying the truck is a substantial folder of original California service records documenting years of maintenance and repairs. Among the receipts are ignition service, valve adjustments, two camshaft and lifter replacements, replacement rocker arm adjustment nuts, oil changes, and other mechanical work performed over the years. This documentation provides an excellent record of the truck s long-term care and is a valuable addition for the next owner.
Additional highlights include:
* 350 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 * Power steering * Power brakes * Blue-plate California truck * Long-bed configuration * Current California registration (2026) * New battery * Straight body with honest patina * Cab corners and rocker areas appear solid * Extensive folder of original maintenance records and receipts * Clean California title (per owner)
This truck belonged to a contractor who relied on it for work, so expect the usual bumps, bruises, scratches, dust, and wear that come with decades of honest service. Rather than detracting from the truck, they tell its story.
Whether you re looking for a dependable square-body to preserve, a weekend cruiser, shop truck, or the foundation for a full restoration, this Cheyenne offers an excellent starting point. The body appears straight enough that many buyers may simply choose to clean it up, service the mechanicals, and enjoy it as-is.
Vehicle Highlights
* 1978 Chevrolet Cheyenne C20 * 3/4-ton long-bed pickup * 350 V8 * Power steering * Power brakes * Blue-plate California truck * Current California registration through 2026 * New battery * Straight body * Solid cab corners and rocker panels * Extensive folder of original California maintenance records * Clean California title * Offered on consignment by Platt Motors
If you re searching for an honest, unpretentious square-body Chevrolet with California heritage, documented maintenance history, and plenty of potential, this Cheyenne deserves a closer look. Contact Platt Motors for additional photographs, a walk-around video, and nationwide shipping assistance.
Classic Chevrolet C20 Buyer's Guide (1960–1987)
Chevrolet C20 Market Overview
Based on 54 Chevrolet C20 listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com
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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.
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1978 Chevrolet C20
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