What was the last stepside truck?
Stepside trucks hold a special place in automotive history, known for their distinctive design and utilitarian appeal. These trucks, with their flared rear fenders and narrow cargo beds, were once a common sight on roads and farms alike. But as automotive trends evolved, the stepside design gradually faded away. In this article, we’ll explore the history of stepside trucks and identify the last stepside truck produced by major manufacturers.
What is a Stepside Truck?
A stepside truck is characterized by its unique bed design. Unlike fleetside trucks, which have flat, smooth sides that align with the cab, stepside trucks feature protruding rear fenders and a narrower cargo bed. This design allows for a step between the cab and the rear fender, making it easier to access the bed. Stepside trucks were especially popular in the mid-20th century, offering a rugged, functional aesthetic that appealed to both work and leisure users.
The Decline of the Stepside Design
As consumer preferences shifted towards larger, more spacious cargo beds and smoother, more aerodynamic designs, the stepside truck began to lose its appeal. Fleetside designs became the standard, offering increased cargo capacity and a more modern look. By the early 2000s, most manufacturers had phased out stepside models in favor of fleetside trucks.
The Last Stepside Truck
The last major manufacturer to produce a stepside truck was Chevrolet. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a stepside bed option until the 2007 model year. This marked the end of an era for stepside trucks, as no other major manufacturer continued to produce this design after Chevrolet discontinued it. The Silverado stepside was beloved for its retro styling and nod to classic truck designs, but ultimately, it could not compete with the practicality and popularity of fleetside models.
Why Stepside Trucks Are Still Loved
Despite their decline in production, stepside trucks remain a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors. Here are a few reasons why:
- Classic Aesthetic: The flared fenders and narrow bed evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless style.
- Customization Potential: Stepside trucks are popular in the custom car community, offering a unique canvas for modifications.
- Historical Significance: These trucks represent a bygone era of automotive design, making them valuable to collectors.
Conclusion
The stepside truck may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of truck enthusiasts and collectors. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 stepside, the last of its kind, serves as a reminder of a time when utility and style went hand in hand. Whether you’re restoring a classic stepside or simply admiring one at a car show, these trucks continue to inspire a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for automotive history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did they stop making stepside trucks?
Dodge was the first to abandon the step-side style following the 1985 model year, while Chevy and Ford soldiered on with the configuration until 2006 and 2009, respectively. The reason for the extinction was multifold.
What was the last year of the Ford Flareside?
The manual transmission was dropped for the first time, and the Flareside bed was continued until the end of 2009 (thus making it the very last factory stepside-style pickup truck to date).
Did Chevy make a long bed stepside truck?
You could put a cross-box toolbox in your fleetside, thereby losing lots of space. Or you could put a toolbox on the step of your stepside, losing nothing. Chevrolet was one of the last companies to make a true stepside long bed but they are very rare.
Does anyone make a stepside pickup?
Like we said, stepside trucks are less commonand modern trucks have moved away from offering them. Even stillthey do, from time to time, pay homage to the aesthetic in their designs like this faux stepside S10 Chevy truck. So there you have it, the most common names for various truck beds.
