The Chevrolet C20: Three-Quarter-Ton C/K History
The C20 is the three-quarter-ton member of Chevrolet's C/K pickup family, built to haul and tow where a C10 would squat. It shares its looks and most of its parts with the half-ton, so it rides the same wave of C/K popularity with stouter underpinnings. In GM's code the C means two-wheel drive and the 20 means three-quarter-ton.
Chevrolet C20 — Generation by Generation
1960–1966
Early C/K
"The first C-series trucks"
The 1960 redesign launched the C/K naming and a drop-center frame. Two-wheel-drive trucks used an independent front suspension. The 235 and 292 sixes and small-block V8s did the work.
Key Changes
- → C/K naming introduced
- → Independent front suspension (2WD)
- → 235/292 six, 283/327 V8
Specs
| Engines | 235/292 I6, 283/327 V8 |
| Rating | 3/4 ton |
Chevrolet C20 for Sale — 1960–1966
Dealer
United States
1964 Chevrolet C20
$7,495
Dealer
United States
1966 Chevrolet C20
$6,995
Dealer
United States
1963 Chevrolet C20
$30,995
1967–1972
Action Line
"The most-coveted styling"
The 1967-1972 trucks are the styling collectors fight over, lower and cleaner than anything in the truck market. Big-block 396/402 power was available for serious work, and front discs arrived in 1971.
Key Changes
- → Coveted Action Line styling
- → 396/402 big-block option
- → Front discs from 1971
Specs
| Engines | 250 I6, 307/350/396 V8 |
| Most wanted | 1967-1972 |
Chevrolet C20 for Sale — 1967–1972
Dealer
United States
1969 Chevrolet C20
$8,495
Dealer
United States
1972 Chevrolet C20
$23,995
Dealer
United States
1970 Chevrolet C20
$28,495
1973–1987
Square-Body
"The workhorse value"
The long-running square-body is the most plentiful C20, with the deepest parts supply. The 350 and 454 V8s and a 6.2 diesel from 1982 cover light-to-heavy duty.
Key Changes
- → Long-running square-body
- → 350/454 V8, 6.2 diesel (1982+)
- → Best parts support
Specs
| Engines | 350/454 V8, 6.2 diesel |
| Era | Square-body |
Chevrolet C20 for Sale — 1973–1987
Dealer
United States
1986 Chevrolet C20
$10,495
Dealer
United States
1979 Chevrolet C20
$10,495
Dealer
United States
1984 Chevrolet C20
$6,995
Legacy & Impact
A C20 gives you the same beloved C/K styling as a C10 with heavier springs, axles, and brakes underneath. If you actually tow or haul, the firmer ride is worth it; if not, the half-ton rides nicer. Either way, the square-body parts supply is the deepest in the classic truck world, so buy the body and fix the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
The C10 is the half-ton and the C20 is the three-quarter-ton, one weight class up, with heavier springs, axles, and brakes and a firmer ride. They share the same cab and styling.
C designates two-wheel drive; K designates four-wheel drive. The 20 marks the three-quarter-ton load rating.
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Thinking of Buying One?
Read our Chevrolet C20 Buyer's Guide — pre-purchase checklist, common issues, and pricing.
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