The summer heat is already here, which means if you haven’t planned your summer getaway, it’s already too late. Or maybe not if you like the great outdoors, road trips and camping – but not in tent form. Currently on Bring a Trailer is this classic 1968 Chevrolet C20 outfitted with an incredible three-level Del Ray “Sky Lounge” camper.
Based on the 600+ (!) images on the listing, the vehicle is downright stunning. Not necessarily in his style or his profile. The decorated truck looks like a real land yacht or a camel converted into a camper van. No, the C20-camper combo seduces with its cleanliness and careful maintenance. Plus, the gold and white paint with matching gold and parchment colored interior vinyl gives it an almost heavenly aura.
It didn’t start out that way. As a beautiful brute, I mean.
The truck is a 1968 Chevy C20 CST custom camper. The 3/4 ton pickup is a Golden Anniversary Edition that was ordered new from a Denver dealership and has remained in the family for nearly 50 years. The original owner loved and cherished the truck from day one.
According to Gateway Classic Cars, which handled the truck’s first sale, the owner asked the dealership to cover the factory carpet with plastic upon delivery. The rug remained virtually immaculate until its sale. In the BaT images you can see that there is no plastic. The original owner installed a camper, which is what C20 custom campers were built for, but it was not part of the first sale.
The C20’s powertrain consists of a 396 ci V8 that produces 235 horsepower and 345 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel drive truck is equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission. In 1970, double saddle tanks were installed to increase range. Other improvements and updates over the years include a dual exhaust (1985), a 4:11 ratio rear end (1990), and a padded driver’s seat (1990).
In 1991 the truck received a paint refresh as the factory coloring had begun to fade. Of course, only Chevrolet-approved “Sikkens” paint was used. In the same year, a heavy-duty towing hitch was installed, along with a new timing chain.
When purchased by the current owner in 2023, a period correct 1966 Del Rey Sky Lounger Camper was installed on the truck and is included in the sale. The three-level camper has all the amenities of a small home: a full kitchen, bathroom with shower, dining table/sitting area, and sleeping quarters. Although sitting and sleeping are divided into two distinct sections, both feel like cramped spaces for non-thin people. The suspended loft is the perfect spot, though, with its large wraparound windows giving it a viewing platform vibe.
Over the years, the original owner kept a meticulous record of the vehicle’s history. Literally all the invoices, including the vehicle build sheet. The current owner continues the theme and includes paperwork for the 1960’s Del Rey camper.
No longer in Colorado, the C20-Del Rey couple is sold outside of California but has a Montana title and plates. When first registered, the odometer showed 92,075 miles. The display now reads 94,327. The current owner says he has added “about” 1,000 miles. These numbers don’t add up, so either there was another owner or the truck continued to run even after it was listed with Gateway Classic Cars. It does not matter. It looks impeccable, all things considered.
The BaT auction ends on Friday June 7. When first sold, the final asking price was $49,000 – and that was just the truck. This time, the all-inclusive package has no reservations. Whatever the final offer, the new owner will get a near-perfect time capsule of a traveling 1960s camper.
News Source : www.thedrive.com
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