What year did Chevy come out with the square body?
Chevy introduced the square-body design with the 1973 model year.
The term "square body" is widely used by enthusiasts to describe Chevrolet and GMC light trucks and SUVs built with squared-off panels and a boxy silhouette that defined GM's third-generation full-size pickups and their kin.
Introduction year and scope
The square-body era encompasses Chevrolet’s C/K pickups and Suburban, along with their GMC counterparts, produced from model year 1973 through 1987. The styling emphasized flatter panels, squared lines, and a more rugged, durable look, which has made these trucks iconic among collectors and restorers.
Below is a brief timeline of the square-body era.
- 1973 model year: Chevrolet introduces the square-body C/K pickups and Suburban, marking the start of the era.
- 1987 model year: The square-body era ends as GM transitions to the GMT400-based designs for trucks in 1988.
These milestones illustrate how the square-body styling dominated GM's trucks for roughly 14 years and left a lasting visual legacy.
Legacy and significance
Today, owners prize the 1973–1987 GM trucks for their rugged styling, straightforward mechanicals, and ease of restoration. The era has spawned a vibrant aftermarket and ongoing media interest, reinforcing the square body's enduring appeal.
Summary
The Chevrolet square-body era began with the 1973 model year and continued through 1987, making 1973 the pivotal debut year for the boxy, iconic design.
What is a 1972 Chevy C10 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,388 for a 1972 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What year is a Chevy considered a square body?
The "square body" Chevy trucks, officially the third generation of the Chevrolet and GMC C/K series, were produced from 1973 to 1987. These trucks are known for their boxy styling and are a popular choice for collectors and restorers today.
You can watch this video to learn more about the history and features of the square body Chevy trucks: 55sYeah Buddy GarageYouTube · Jan 12, 2025
- Model years: 1973–1987
- Designation: The third generation of the C/K pickup line
- Name origin: While officially called the "Rounded-Line" generation by Chevy, they are known as "square body" trucks due to their distinct box-like shape.
- Key feature: A 14-year production run was one of the longest for Chevy trucks, making them relatively accessible for enthusiasts.
- Distinction: For the final year, 1987, the C/K designation was changed to R/V to distinguish it from the new generation that would follow.
Why did they stop making square body trucks?
They stopped making "square body" trucks primarily because newer models were needed for better fuel efficiency, safety, and modern features, which required a more aerodynamic and updated design. The last "square body" trucks were replaced by the new GMT400 platform in 1987, which had a more rounded design to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy.
- Aerodynamics and fuel efficiency: Newer trucks were designed with more rounded lines to reduce drag and improve fuel economy, which was a major factor in the design change.
- Competition: The "square body" design was losing ground to competitors like the Ford F-Series, and a new generation was needed to stay competitive in the market.
- Modernization: The new generation of trucks introduced advancements like updated chassis, more engine options, and modern features that were not available in the older "square body" design.
- Phase-out: While 1987 was the end of the new "square body" models, the design was still produced for some heavy-duty versions (R/V series) until 1991, overlapping with the new generation.
Is Chevy bringing back square body in 2025?
And 80s. And the only bed size you will get in the new square. Body is a 6 1/2 ft bed. Now you have the option between four-wheel drive or two wheel drive.
