The 1987 Chevrolet Silverado holds a special place in pickup truck history. As the final year of the iconic third-generation “Square Body” Chevrolet trucks, the 1987 Silverado blends classic styling with important technological firsts, making it a favorite among collectors, restorers, and truck lovers.
🔷 Design – The Bold Square Body Look
The 1987 Silverado continued the “Square Body” design introduced in 1973—sharp edges, boxy proportions, and a tough, utilitarian stance. This bold look has aged beautifully and remains highly desirable today for both restorations and custom builds. The Silverado trim was the top-of-the-line version, offering chrome accents, upgraded interiors, and a more refined feel without compromising toughness.
🔧 Technology – Old School Meets New School
What makes the 1987 Silverado truly unique is that it was the first year for fuel injection and the last year for carburetors in other variants, depending on the configuration. Specifically:
• ✅ V8 engines now came with Throttle Body Injection (TBI) – improving fuel economy, reliability, and cold starts.
• ✅ Standard engine: 4.3L V6
• ✅ Optional engines: 5.0L and 5.7L V8 TBI
• ✅ Diesel option: 6.2L Detroit Diesel V8
This year also marked the first year the R/V series replaced the traditional C/K badging for RWD and 4WD models, due to the upcoming GMT400 redesign.
🛠️ Performance & Capability
Whether used as a workhorse or a daily driver, the 1987 Silverado delivered dependable performance and durability. It offered:
• Strong towing capacity
• Comfortable ride thanks to independent front suspension
• Available 4×4 (V-series) for off-road and utility use
• Long bed, short bed, and extended cab configurations
❤️ Why It Still Matters
Today, the 1987 Silverado is seen as a transitional classic—bridging old-school simplicity and new-age innovation. It’s ideal for:
• 🔧 Restoration projects
• 🔥 Custom hotrod or lowered street builds
• 🛻 Reliable vintage daily drivers
• 💰 Long-term collectible investments
Its timeless design and reliable mechanics make it a standout in the classic truck scene.
