Over time, collectors of classic vehicles are increasingly interested in trucks later and later model years. General Motors’ generations of full-size trucks called the GMT400 (1988-1998) and GMT800 (1999-2006) were once rejected by collectors. But these two generations of Chevrolet and GMC trucks are growing in popularity with classic pickup truck collectors.
Are square-bodied Chevy and OBS trucks the same?
No. Square body truck generally refers to 1973 thru 1987 Chevrolet/GMC C/K pickup trucks. OBS-Chevrolet stands for “Old Body Style” and generally refers to 1988-1999 Chevy/GMC Trucks. Internally, General Motors called this generation of trucks and SUVs the GMT400.
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Once upon a time, the square-bodied Chevy truck was perhaps considered a “cost-effective” alternative to the more decorative C/K generation of 1967-1972. But these square-bodied trucks built a huge following. One of the great things about the 73-87 Chevy and GMC trucks is how square they are. It sounds obvious, but their simple shape makes them a perfect canvas for hot-rod builders and other modders.
As square-bodied trucks become rarer and more expensive, many classic pickup fans are turning to newer generations to restore them. But the GMT400 and GMT800 pickups are much more than cost-effective square-body Chevy alternatives. The next two generations offer many advantages of their own.
Are OBS Chevy trucks collectible?
Old Style Chevy Pickup Trucks (OBS) were built from 1988 to 1998. They have a blocky shape that retains some of the older boxy body look. For years they were considered affordable work trucks. But fans of Radwood-era vehicles started buying them to collect as classics.
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Buying an old OBS Chevy truck has several key advantages. First, it was the first generation GM truck to offer an extended cab configuration. Starting in 1995, GM added a driver’s side airbag. Dual airbags did not arrive until 1998.
The OBS Chevy truck also featured much more modern technology than its predecessor. Its gasoline engine options all featured throttle-body fuel injection, gaining either center-point or sequential multi-point fuel injection in 1996.
General Motors had also experimented with independent front suspension on its box-body 2WD trucks. But the GMT400 generation was the first to include IFS on its ‘K-series’ 4WD pickup trucks – according to Transmission Summary.
Are Chevrolet GMT800 trucks classics?
The General Motors GMT800 generation of pickup trucks (1998-2007) was the first to carry the Silverado nameplate. Although few classic truck fans still restore them, these “old trucks” are treasured by many.
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A Chevrolet GMT800 pickup truck is new enough to be considered by man to be a “beater” or a work truck. But fans of older vehicles find them increasingly appealing. This is the first generation of GMC/Chevrolet pickup trucks to have dual air bags and fuel injection included in every model year. It is also one of the last model years to include a manual transmission option.
“The Radwood eraor vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s are becoming increasingly popular with classic car collectors. Many people fondly remember the GMT400 and GMT800 pickup trucks or SUVs from their childhood. These Chevy/GMC pickups also feature modern technologies such as independent front suspension and fuel injection, which some people may be more comfortable with than solid axles and carburetors. For these reasons, the GMT400 and even GMT800 pickup trucks are rapidly gaining prestige as classics.
Then find out if vintage cars will be banned a day or watch a GMT400 buyer’s guide in the video below:
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