If you need a lot of people and their stuff moved, there's still no better way to do it than a Suburban. This 1985 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 proves that utility never goes out of style, yet with a great-running 350 cubic inch V8, a bright red paint job, and all the comforts you'd expect, it's also still a great vehicle to use every day.The squared-off styling of the Suburban is iconic here in America, a unique phenomenon where a motoring public had need of a big station wagon that can haul enormous loads. The fact that it also looks so good is simply icing on the cake, and the Chevy's demeanor is that of a truck but one of the better-looking efforts of the 1980s. The front end got a freshening to match the all-new C/K series of pickups and with fender flares and integrated running boards, it looks long and sleek, not tall and boxy. The paint is recent and looks pretty darned good (although not perfect) for a truck, and if you've got a trailer to haul, nothing will look better than this while doing it. Gaps are good all around, suggesting that it's never been wrecked and they were careful to reinstall all the factory trim, including the rubber moldings, when the paint was dry. Chrome bumpers, a bright roof rack, and big chrome mirrors add some dress-up and tinted windows in back add a modicum of security for belongings stashed inside.The tan interior is great shape overall and offers plenty of space for eight passengers. Cloth upholstery is durable and comfortable for long road trips and for being 30 years old, it's remarkably well preserved. There's a locking center console between the captain's chairs up front, which also includes a pair of cup holders. In fact, there's neat storage everywhere, from the door panels to the glove box to the spare tire well in the back, making this a practical vehicle for any occasion that involves more than two or three people. Of course, everything was included in the top-of-the-line Chevy truck, including power windows and locks, A/C (needs to be serviced), cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM/ stereo radio. The driver gets a full set of big analog gauges in a burled woodgrain dashboard as well as a familiar Chevy truck steering wheel. There's plenty of room in all three rows, and with plush carpeting throughout, it's hushed and comfortable on the highway.A bulletproof 350 cubic inch V8 with throttle-body fuel injection provides plenty of power to move the big 'Burb with ease, and it sure looks like there's been a lot of recent work under the hood. Fuel injection makes sure that it starts easily and idles well under all conditions and power steering and power disc brakes are probably mandatory on something this size. You'll note that the inner fenders are in beautiful condition, the accessories are fresh, and even the cast iron exhaust manifolds have been coated to resist rust. A giant radiator keeps it cool under any conditions and in 1985, Suburbans received a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission to improve fuel economy. This one also carries dual exhaust for a few extra horsepower, and you'll be very pleased by how well this big wagon rides, loaded or unloaded. Shiny aluminum wheels add some sparkle and wear 235/70/15 front and giant 275/60/15 rear white letter radials that look sporty.Still ready to work or play, this Suburban proves that America's favorite big SUV is a perennial best-seller, even when it's 30 years old. Call today!
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