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A Look at 100 Years of Chevy Trucks and the New Special Edition Anniversary Models

Miles Branman
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chevy trucks anniversary models special edition
What do Girl Scout Cookies, Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, and Chevy trucks have in common? They are all centenarians.

Yes, 100 years ago, Chevrolet produced its first pickup: the 1918 model Series D. While Girl Scout Cookies and Chuck Taylors haven’t changed much since inception, the Chevy pickup shares only a badge and vehicle segment with its now-distant ancestor.

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Just how different is a 2018 model year Chevy from a 1918 predecessor?

“Today, the Chevrolet truck design studio is focused on purposeful design that creates personality and customization options for a wide breadth of truck customers,” says Rich Scheer, director of exterior design, in a release. “Looking back on the past century of truck design, I realized that Chevrolet designers have been focused on the same goals since the very beginning.”

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One hundred years of truck-volution brings us to today, and Chevy’s latest models: the 2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions, which will hit  dealerships in November 2017. Both trucks feature design elements inspired by Chevy history, including a Centennial Blue paint color, 100-year badges, various chrome touches, and new bowtie emblems.

These updated emblems still incorporate the iconic Chevy cross shape, but are black (instead of gold) and have the word Chevrolet emblazoned across the middle. The new logo will be featured on a wide range of merchandise, including Chevy-inspired recreational vehicles from TechTrailers and Phoenix Boats.

These new autos and emblems were revealed Thursday, September 28 at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, where the brand also announced the expansion of the free Chevy Truck Legends program — a community of owners who have purchased/leased more than one new Chevy or currently boast a truck with over 100,000 miles — and an invitation-only Centennial Celebration on December 16 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth (complete with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.). Hint: Members of the Legends program are sure to get an invite.

But Chevy wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for a century’s worth of innovative design and auto tech. Above are the 10 most iconic Chevy trucks, according to Scheer. They are (in chronological order):

  • 1918 One-Ton
  • 1929 International Series LD
  • 1938 Half-Ton
  • 1947 3100 Series
  • 1955 3124 Series Cameo Carrier
  • 1967 C10 Fleetside
  • 1973 C30 One-Ton Dually
  • 1988 C/K1500
  • 1999 Silverado 1500 LT Z71
  • 2007 Silverado 1500

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