• Seller: Frank C etera
• Location: Freehold, New Jersey
• Mileage: 151,844 Shown
• Chassis #: 1GCDD14K6LZ245348
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 5.7-liter V8
• Transmission: Automatic

There is no doubt that American Pickups have evolved to a greater extent than almost any vehicle type since the 1950s. Previously viewed as utilitarian workhorses, classics like this 1990 Chevrolet K1500 4×4 Short Bed prove that you can combine practicality with comfort. This is a gem that features fresh paint and a healthy V8 under the hood. The current owner has spent some cash below the surface, and with the time right for it to find a new home, he has listed the K1500 with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Chevrolet launched its Fourth Generation C/K range for the 1988 model year, with the last examples rolling off the line in 2002. Our feature K1500 emerged in 1990 and is a rock-solid vehicle with no apparent cosmetic or structural needs. The owner recently treated the vehicle to a repaint in its original Code 94 Red, meaning it presents exceptionally well. The bed received a refresh at the same time with a spray-on liner, and the lack of dings and dents in the steel suggests it has always been treated respectfully and was never abused. One obstacle for those of us on the slightly shorter side is the difficulty experienced retrieving objects from the bed. However, this K1500 eliminates that issue because it features the desirable side-step version that improves access considerably. The sparkling trim and chrome provide a welcome contrast to the Red paint, but the wheels could be what “makes” this classic. It might seem obvious to many that a darker paint shade deserves polished wheels, but the owner opted for basic Black. This was an inspired choice because it imparts a presence and a sense of attitude that might be otherwise missing from this 4×4.

Powering this 4×4 is Chevrolet’s legendary 5.7-liter V8 that places 210hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. The first owner teamed the small-block with a four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case to provide excellent performance in all circumstances. The Chevrolet V8 is renowned for its low-end delivery, making it the ideal choice for owners wishing to traverse inhospitable terrain. Potential buyers can consider this Short Bed a turnkey proposition. The owner recently fitted new steel brake lines, fuel lines, shocks, rear leaf spring perches, air conditioning hoses, and tires. He states that it runs and drives well and is ready for adventure or a spot of hard labor with the winning bidder behind the wheel.

Post-war Pickups typically represented motoring at its most basic. Most buyers received a vinyl-covered bench seat, possibly a rubber mat on the floor and a heater. Radios weren’t that common, because they were costly. However, this K1500 demonstrates how the genre evolved because the winning bidder receives cloth trim, ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt wheel. This beauty ups the ante courtesy of an aftermarket radio/CD player. The interior isn’t perfect, but its overall condition is comfortably acceptable for a workhorse with thirty-four years of active service under its belt. There is no ripped or torn upholstery, while the dash and pad are free from cracks and other issues. The seats and carpet are marked, but I suspect a few hours of hard work with appropriate cleaning products would make an enormous difference. Alternatively, a set of slipcovers and mats would hide any imperfections that may prove too stubborn to shift. Either approach will be inexpensive and would lift the presentation to a higher level without breaking the bank.

This 1990 Chevrolet K1500 4×4 Short Bed is a rock-solid and tidy survivor that a new owner could enjoy immediately. It offers excellent performance and no shortage of comfort, but those aren’t the only reasons why it deserves a closer look. You could wander into your nearest Chevrolet dealership and drive away in a new Silverado 1500 4×4, but that comes at a cost. Even the most basic model will lighten your wallet by over $40,000, and the depreciation during the first five years is typically heartbreaking. This K1500 will cost you a fraction of that price, and with market values showing a recent slight climb, depreciation shouldn’t be an issue. Therefore, bidding on this classic makes perfect sense.

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