The Chevrolet C/K is the longest running truck line manufactured by GM, and it is already a classic. Photo from wikipedia.org

The longest running Chevy truck series was the “C/K” series which ran from 1960-1998, but it was the 1988 model year that signaled a real change in Chevrolet/GMC trucks. This was the year that Chevrolet began manufacturing flat-paneled trucks in three styles. The trucks came in a single, extended and crew cab version, all designed to meet the needs of the truck customers that wanted a vehicle to transport the family during the week and do light-duty hauling on weekends.

The 1988 model year trucks are credited with putting Chevrolet back in front of Ford by manufacturing trucks that could be driven like an automobile. Not only would the truck people rather have a Chevy C/K truck than a car, these trucks became the backbone of the sport truck world for the next twenty years.

The “C” stood for two-wheel drive trucks and the “K” for four-wheel drive vehicles, and the series was available in quarter ton, three-quarter ton and one ton bodies. Development of these trucks began in 1984 and were introduced in September of 1987 for the 1988 model year. Ultimately there were eight different versions of the C/K line for 1988. All C/K models would ride on independent front suspension with three trim levels available. The Silverado trim being the most popular.

1988 Chevrolet C-10 Custom Deluxe. Photo from wikipedia.org

Engines were available in a 160hp 4.3L V6, a 175hp 5.0L V8, a 210hp 5.7L V8 and a 6.2L diesel V8. A 230hp 7.4L V8 was available in the three-quarter ton and one ton trucks.

The 1988 Chevy C/K trucks came on the scene, changed the landscape, are already a modern classic, and are highly desirable to truck fans even now.