GMC 1500

The GMC 1500 was a unique pickup truck in that it went by a few names. It was also one of a kind because it was manufactured by both GMC and Chevrolet. When produced by Chevy, the first generation was referred to as the C10, K10, C20, K20, and C30. The medium and heavy duty models were called the C40 to C80. When created by GMC, it was called the 1000, K100, 1500, K1500, and the 2500. The medium and heavy duty models were called the 3000 to 6500.

Overall, the pickup was referred to as the C/K. In North America, it was the full-size pickup line of the two automakers for 40 years beginning in 1960. In Brazil, it was distributed from 1964 to 2001. In Chile, the C/K was available from 1975 to 1982.

Chevy introduced its first pickup truck in 1924. The letter “C” referred to the two-wheel drive version. The letter “K” indicated four-wheel drive. As the years marched forward, the aging line of C/K vehicles was replaced by the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra monikers in 1999. The Chevrolet Silverado HD and the GMC Sierra HD titles soon followed. Until then, the names Silverado and Sierra were only used to identify the trim level of the C/K automobiles.

The 60s Give Birth to the GMC 1500

In 1960, a new body style of light pickup was introduced and it showcased many features never seen before. The most significant of these were independent front suspension making the truck ride more like a car and a drop-center ladder frame that allowed the cab to sit lower.

C/K trucks produced by Chevy were available in a fendered “Stepside” or a charming “Fleetside” version. With GMC, they were called “Fenderside” and “Wide-Side.” The C10s were the half-ton models. The K10s were the short and long bed trucks.

GMC did not use the letter “C” to identify their trucks, but the 4×4 models did use the “K” nomenclature. GMC model numbers for the 1.5 ton were 1000, 1500, 2500, and 3000.

Specifications of the C/K

The models from 1960 to 1962 featured trailing arm suspension rears and torsion bar front suspensions. The base versions engine were a GMC 305 cubic inch V6, a 236 cubic inch V6 that generated 135 horsepower, and a 150 horsepower 4.3 L straight 6, and a 283 cubic inch 4.6 L V8 capable of producing 185 horsepower.

1963 brought about a coil-spring front suspension in addition to a new 230 cubic inch base engine generating 140 horsepower. A 292 cubic inch 4.8 L engine producing 165 horsepower was optional. A year later, the cab was modified and the wraparound windshield was eliminated. A new front grille design was displayed with several changes to the truck’s interior. The original design of the body stayed the same. In 1965, air conditioning was available as well as a 327 cubic inch 5.3 L V8 producing 220 horsepower.

The C/K was a practical truck that has seen many versions over the years and is still going strong.