[markeb01]

I believe the reason for the bias in popularity toward the 67-72 is simply this was the first series of trucks widely ordered and purchased new as personal transportation, and were therefore better equipped with desirable options when new. This made them a greater value when they became used vehicles.

Prior to this, pickups were primarily appliances for hauling stuff. Beginning in 67 many were upgraded because the original owner intended to spend a lot of time in the truck due to the rapidly expanding popularity of campers. This also explains why so many of the best original examples of well equipped 67-72’s are long bed fleetsides. They were loved when new and received good care and maintenance, compared to fleet vehicles.

When non-enthusiasts looked for a used truck, it was an easy decision – you could pick from a 67-72 which was essentially a modern design truck with many creature comforts, or and older truck which looked out of date (which I happen to prefer), and came with very few optional creature comforts. I think this outlook prevailed all the way up until there were so many being fixed up by enthusiasts, they actually became popular with another generation of owners. And thanks to GM designing in advanced rust promotion features, many 60-66’s rusted quickly making them look far older than other vehicles their age, and requiring more enthusiasm and expense to repair.

I’ve been a car nut my whole life, and was 12 years old when the 1960’s hit the market. My first impressions were I loved the look of the cab, but thought the stepsides looked goofy with the undersized 1955 back fenders (assuming the correct fenders had not arrived yet), and the GMC hood was hideous. In the Marines in 1967 we were issued a brand new 67 Chevy short step. We all thought it looked boring and stupid like an old Studebaker, having no style at all compared to the 65 we also had in the pool. Over time some of my opinions have softened, but the 67-72 style still remains my least favorite.

By 1973, trucks were mainstream, and many in my neighborhood ordered brand new short bed stepsides as factory hot rods, starting a trend toward truck ownership as primary transportation which continues to this day.