What year was the Chevy C20?

The Chevy C20 designation refers to Chevrolet's 3/4-ton pickup, produced as part of the C/K full-size truck family from 1960 through the late 1990s. GM phased out the C20 label as it shifted to newer naming conventions in the 1999 model year with the Silverado lineup.

Overview: When did the Chevy C20 exist?

The C20 name appeared across multiple generations of Chevrolet’s full-size pickups. To understand its lifespan, it helps to look at the generations that carried the C/K series badge, as the C20 designation was tied to the 3/4-ton payload class in those years.

Key production windows by generation:

• First generation: 1960–1966


• Second generation: 1967–1972


• Third generation: 1973–1987


• Fourth generation: 1988–1998

These years mark the primary production spans for the C20 within Chevrolet’s evolving C/K lineup. As GM modernized its branding in the late 1990s, the C20 name gradually disappeared in favor of 2500/3500 designations and the Silverado name introduced in 1999.

Generational snapshot

First generation (1960–1966)

When the C/K family debuted in 1960, the C20 signified Chevrolet’s 3/4-ton, two-wheel-drive pickup. The line emphasized rugged chassis and a straightforward, durable design that appealed to work crews and commercial buyers.

Second generation (1967–1972)

The 1967 refresh brought updated styling and mechanical improvements across the C/K lineup, with the C20 continuing as the 3/4-ton option. This era solidified the C/K platform as a mainstay of Chevrolet’s heavy-duty light trucks.

Third generation (1973–1987)

Mid-70s through the 80s saw notable changes in body shells, interiors, and suspension tuning. The C20 remained the go-to 3/4-ton model within the lineup, balancing payload with everyday usability for fleets and owners alike.

Fourth generation (1988–1998)

The fourth-generation C/K pickups adopted the GMT platform update, with evolving cab and bed configurations. The C20 name persisted for many 3/4-ton 2WD variants, even as GM began intensifying the switch to newer naming conventions that would culminate in the Silverado rollout.

End of the C20 naming and transition to new designations

As GM refined its branding in the late 1990s, the C/K lineage gave way to the 1500/2500/3500 naming scheme, and the Silverado became the flagship for Chevrolet’s full-size pickups in 1999. While surviving examples remain in museums and collection circles, the C20 label is no longer used in new-truck production.

What this means for researchers and buyers

For historians and enthusiasts, identifying a C20 typically means focusing on a 3/4-ton, two-wheel-drive Chevrolet pickup from any of the four generations listed above. VIN, body style codes, and build dates are key to pinning down the exact year within a given generation.

In practical terms, the C20’s production arc runs from 1960 through the late 1990s, with the most explicit end point tied to GM’s 1999 relocation to the Silverado-based naming system for full-size pickups.

Summary

The Chevy C20 served as Chevrolet’s 3/4-ton pickup across four generations, spanning roughly 1960 to the end of the C/K era in the late 1990s. Its legacy lives on in collectors’ circles and in the historical record of GM’s heavy-duty light trucks, even as the brand moved on to newer names and configurations in the 1999 model year and beyond.

What does C20 mean on a Chevy?

A C20 Chevy truck is a two-wheel-drive, three-quarter-ton pickup truck from Chevrolet's full-size C/K series, produced from 1960 to 1998. It was built for heavier-duty work than its half-ton C10 counterpart, making it capable of hauling and towing heavier loads. These trucks are known for their rugged construction and classic American styling.
 
This video provides an overview of a 1970 C20 truck, including its history and features: 59sVanguard Motor SalesYouTube · May 30, 2025
Key features of the C20

• Payload and Hauling: As a three-quarter-ton truck, the C20 was designed for heavier work, such as hauling trailers, construction gear, and other heavy loads. 
• Drivetrain: The "C" in C20 stands for two-wheel drive (2WD), while the "K" in models like the K20 indicated four-wheel drive. 
• Engines: C20s came with a variety of engine options over the years, including inline-six engines and more powerful V8 engines like the 350, 402, or 454 cubic inch V8s. 
• Body Styles: It was available with different bed options, including the Fleetside (with straight sides) and the Stepside (with fenders on the side). Some models also had heavy-duty features like a dually rear axle and an optional long bed for added capacity. 
• Suspension: The C20 often had a heavier-duty suspension and frame to handle the increased payload capacity compared to the C10. 

You can watch this video to see a walk-around of a 1976 C20 truck and a test drive: 59sAutoEditsYouTube · Mar 13, 2023

How much is a 1972 Chevy C20 worth?

A 1972 Chevy C20 truck can range in value from around $16,000 to over $50,000, with a good condition, average-spec model valued at approximately $19,720. The final price is highly dependent on the truck's condition, mileage, features, and overall history. Exceptional or well-maintained examples, particularly rare versions like the Longhorn, can command prices in the higher range or even exceed it. 
Value by condition and features

• Good condition: An average condition 1972 C20 is valued at around $19,720. 
• Excellent condition/Rare models: Trucks in excellent condition, with desirable options, or rare features like the Longhorn model, can be worth significantly more. Auction results show top prices can be well over $50,000 for exceptional examples. 
• Project/Poor condition: Trucks in poor condition needing extensive work or with title issues may be valued at the lower end of the spectrum, possibly below $15,000. 

Factors that influence value

• Condition: Rust, body damage, and mechanical issues significantly decrease value. Conversely, a rust-free, well-maintained truck with new paint will be worth more. 
• Mileage: Low mileage is a major plus and can increase the value considerably. 
• Engine: The type and condition of the engine, along with any modifications, will impact the price. 
• Trim and options: Higher trim levels like the Cheyenne Super and specific options can increase the truck's value. 
• History: A documented history, including service records and original paperwork, can add to the truck's value. 

How to find a specific value

• Use online valuation tools: Websites like Hagerty provide estimated values based on condition and features. 
• Search for comparable sales: Look at recent sales on auction sites like Bring a Trailer and other classic car sites to see what similar trucks have sold for. 
• Consult an appraiser: For a precise valuation, especially for a high-end or rare model, consider getting a professional appraisal. 

How much is a 1970 C20 worth?

A 1970 Chevrolet C20's value varies significantly based on condition, with a "good" example averaging around $20,350. Recent auction sales range from a low of approximately $8,800 for a project truck to a high of $39,600 for a pristine example, notes Hagerty. Key factors influencing price include mileage, options, historical significance, and overall condition, with the best examples commanding the highest prices.
 
Factors that influence value

• Condition: The biggest variable is the truck's condition. A well-maintained, rust-free C20 will be worth far more than one that needs extensive repairs. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally increases the value.
• Options and modifications: Originality is often valued, but desirable modifications can also increase a truck's worth to the right buyer. 
• History: A well-documented history, including maintenance records, can add to the value. 
• Rarity: Special editions or configurations, like the Longhorn model, can sometimes fetch higher prices. 

Estimated value range

• Good condition (average): Approximately $20,350.
• High-end (excellent condition): Potentially $39,600 or more.
• Project/poor condition: As low as $8,800. 

Where to find value estimates

• Hagerty Valuation Tools: Provides detailed valuation data based on different condition levels. 
• Auction results: Websites like Bring a Trailer and Classic.com show recent sales, giving a realistic idea of market value. 

What's the difference between a Chevy C10 and a Chevy C20?

Both pickup truck models are part of Chevrolet's praised line of C/K machines that ran from 1959 to 2000. The difference between the two models is the payload capacity: the C10 is a half-ton, while the C20 is a three-quarter.