Chevy Suburban, The Legend: 75 Years Of Suburbans

131 1101 Chevy Suburban The Legend 75 Year Of Suburbans Model Line Up

GM is celebrating 75 years of the Suburban nameplate, so we are delving into the history of this mega family wagon. Part of the world may be moving toward small electric cars, but there are still plenty of people who want and need a big truck to haul large groups of people, and for them there has always been and (hopefully) always will be the Suburban. You may think the market is gone, but Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, Ford, Land Rover, and Dodge all make a large 4x4 people hauler-but few are as comfortable and well thought out as the Suburban. In fact, the only real competitor for the Sub in today's market is a fullsize van, and to get a 4x4 van means moving from the factory to some sort of extracurricular upfitter.

The Suburban is the epitome of the land yacht, or more correctly, land barge, as it was first developed in 1935 as a truck-based wagon for hauling people and cargo without the pitfalls of the various car-based station wagons. A stronger vehicle was needed in the late 1930s, as the economy was coming out of the Great Depression and work crews needed to be ferried to jobsites with their tools and supplies.

Over the years the Suburban has grown in size and progressed from a mostly commercial truck to a family truckster perfect for hauling large families with all their gear.

The Suburban wasn't always four-wheel-drive, but it has become a go-to vehicle for exploring Americas dirt roads, mud holes, and even rock trails (with maybe a little rock rash), especially if you have more kids, gear, and a bigger cooler than will fit in a mini trail machine.

In 1935, Chevrolet introduced the Suburban as a new truck-based wagon. The two-door wagon was powered by the Stovebolt inline six-cylinder with a whopping 60 hp, and was developed for the commercial market looking to haul passengers and cargo on a stronger frame than most passenger cars offered. Approximate price, $685.
In 1935, Chevrolet introduced the Suburban as a new truck-based wagon. The two-door wagon
Before
Though there is a slightly redesigned exterior in 1937, the next major redesign wasn't until 1946-1947.
Before Though there is a slightly redesigned exterior in 1937, the next major redesign wa
After
After World War II, manufacturing in all segments began returning to normal and GM's newly styled trucks and Suburban were now available with 174 lb-ft of torque at low rpm, making the Suburban both a hauler and a great tow rig. Approximate price, $1,283.
After After World War II, manufacturing in all segments began returning to normal and GM'

The redesign that would flow into current production was debuted in 1955: door lines that ran into fenders, and now with wraparound windshield glass. The Suburban would finally receive some serious power from the original small-block V-8. It would be two more years before four-wheel drive was offered with the factory-installed NAPCO Powr-Pak system. Approximate price, $1,818.
The redesign that would flow into current production was debuted in 1955: door lines that
The '60s brought many innovations to the Suburban, starting with the C (2WD) and K (4WD) designations. A torsion bar-sprung independent front suspension was incorporated in two-wheel-drive 'Burbs, and a stronger ladder-style frame was introduced in 1963. By 1965, air conditioning and rear heat was offered to keep the smallest of your eight kids warm in the way, way back. Approximate price, $2,598.
The '60s brought many innovations to the Suburban, starting with the C (2WD) and K (4WD) d
1967 brought the next redesign: a second passenger door (don't want those kids stepping out into passing traffic, do you?). The Suburban was available with a V-6 or V-8 engine (running on unleaded fuel by 1971), and standard equipment included front disc brakes. Approximate price, $3,495.
1967 brought the next redesign: a second passenger door (don't want those kids stepping ou

1973 saw the birth of the iconic boxy Chevy Suburban and the start of the last body style available with a solid front axle. The wheelbase had grown from 112 inches in 1935 to 1291/2 inches, but now incorporated four doors instead of three. 1973 also saw the first 3/4-ton Suburban with a 454 big-block so you could tow the bigger boat while hauling the whole family to the lake. Approximate price, $10,267.
1973 saw the birth of the iconic boxy Chevy Suburban and the start of the last body style
Though the GM pickup trucks changed over to IFS in 1988, the Suburban hung onto solid front axles until its redesign in 1992. The later '90s would bring driver and passenger airbags ('95/'97), Insta-Trac and Auto-Trac part- and full-time four-wheel drive systems ('92/'98), and pushbutton four-wheel-drive ('96). Approximate price, $15,615.
Though the GM pickup trucks changed over to IFS in 1988, the Suburban hung onto solid fron
Though the GM pickup trucks changed over to IFS in 1988, the Suburban hung onto solid front axles until its redesign in 1992. The later '90s would bring driver and passenger airbags ('95/'97), Insta-Trac and Auto-Trac part- and full-time four-wheel drive systems ('92/'98), and pushbutton four-wheel-drive ('96). Approximate price, $15,615.
Though the GM pickup trucks changed over to IFS in 1988, the Suburban hung onto solid fron

The current body style Suburban was introduced in 2007. This latest edition was designed for maximum efficiency with wind tunnel testing, while still offering the capability and cargo space. Seating for up to nine passengers, 137 cubic feet of cargo space, and between 8,000 and 9,600 pounds of towing capacity have helped keep the Suburban nameplate alive and thriving for 75 years. Approximate price, $40,925.
The current body style Suburban was introduced in 2007. This latest edition was designed f
Birthday Special
Looking for the perfect gift for the Suburban collector in your family? Chevrolet is offering a special Diamond Edition 75th Anniversary Suburban. Available in two- or four-wheel drive with a 5.3L flex-fuel V-8 engine, six-speed automatic transmission and a variety of entertainment and safety features including a satellite radio, GPS navigation, and a rearview camera great for towing and parking. But with only 2,570 models available, you better order yours soon. Approximate price, $56,000.
Birthday Special Looking for the perfect gift for the Suburban collector in your family?