A 1988 Chevy Truck Just Sold for $100,000 — And It’s Practically New

The $100K Time Capsule

A recent auction at GAA Classic Cars shows that a 1988 Chevrolet K3500 Silverado can still command $100,000. The one-ton “Squarebody” pickup’s most remarkable detail is its odometer reading of just 55 miles. It has essentially never been driven and still retains its factory protective plastic nearly four decades later.

That kind of money could buy a brand-new Silverado HD — and still leave room to spare, while benefiting from a factory warranty. However, judging by its equipment list, this classic Chevy was far from bare-bones. It came with features typically associated with higher-spec trims at the time, including a 4x4 drivetrain, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, and an automatic transmission — factors that likely helped justify the six-figure price to its buyer.

A Different Kind of Value

The vehicle — finished in Doeskin Tan — is powered by a 454-cubic-inch big-block V8 that uses fuel injection rather than a traditional carburetor. By the late 1980s, tightening emissions standards under the Clean Air Act were pushing automakers toward electronically controlled fueling systems. While Chevrolet was transitioning its truck lineup during this period, Ford had already moved to an all-fuel-injected pickup engine lineup slightly earlier.

Around the same time, the famed 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel was introduced in the Dodge Ram, helping make the late 1980s a pivotal period for heavy-duty pickups.

Other notable details on this 1988 K3500 include the fact that it was never dealer-prepped, along with the “Super Dooley” windshield paint — a period dealer term highlighting its dual rear wheel (dually) configuration. That setup improves weight distribution, enhances stability, and increases towing capacity, reinforcing the truck’s heavy-duty, workhorse credentials.

Trucks Then and Now

Today, however, the perception of full-size trucks has shifted, with some buyers viewing them as lifestyle or statement vehicles rather than strictly work-focused tools. Modern pickups are loaded with advanced in-car technology, premium materials, and driver-assistance features, which have broadened their appeal but also driven up prices. For example, the entry-level 2026 Silverado 1500 starts at around $36,900 before destination fees, with higher trims climbing significantly beyond that.

That may be where the appeal and perceived value of this 1988 K3500 lies. It preserves the straightforward, purpose-built character that once defined full-size pickups, especially in America, where this vehicle type continues to dominate. Elsewhere, full-size trucks don’t hold the same appeal. Still, at $100,000, many buyers might look elsewhere — but then again, different strokes for different folks.