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This model was specifically built for National Guard and Civilian Conservation Corps units. Much of the body was constructed from wood and could seat up to eight occupants.
The actual first-generation model was offered by Chevrolet as a "Carryall Suburban" – a utility vehicle featuring a station wagon body on the chassis of a small truck. Focused on functionality, the concept was indeed to "carry all": the whole family and their gear were to find sufficient space in one truck.
Seating for up to eight occupants was available, with three in the front row, two in the middle row, and three in the rear row. Either the side-hinged rear panel doors or a rear tailgate/lift window could be selected for cargo area access while only having two doors for passenger access.
Seating for up to eight occupants was available. Models with rear panel doors were designated "3106," while those with tailgates were designated "3116." The Chevrolet versions were equipped with a 216-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine. The GMC version was equipped with a 228-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine. It shared much of its mechanicals with the AK Series trucks.
This model generation was based on the Chevrolet Advance Design series of pickups.
The front bench seat was split, with two seats on the driver's side and a single seat on the passenger side, which slid forward for access to the rear two rows of seats. The second row was a "2/3" seat, requiring occupants to move past the front passenger seat, as well as the second-row seats to access the third row.
The design of the 1947 Suburban would inspire the design of the Chevrolet HHR over half a century later.
Updated engineering and styling on Chevrolet trucks were not introduced until March 25, 1955, in the middle of the model year that GM called the Chevrolet Task Force/GMC Blue Chip series. All Chevrolet and GMC truck models received new styling that included a flatter hood, front fenders flush with the body, and a trapezoid grille.
Engines included I6 and the small-block V8s. Chevrolet used its 265 V8 engine, later evolving it to a 283-cubic-inch version. GMC based their V8 on a Pontiac design. Standard Suburban model numbers continued from the previous series, but the introduction of four-wheel-drive models in 1957 added the numbers "3156" for 4WD Suburbans with panel doors, and "3166" for 4WD Suburbans with tailgates.
The styling of the 1960–1961 model year took cues from the late-1950s Chevrolet vehicles and had large oval ports above the grille. An independent front suspension was new for 1960. The cab featured a "wrap around" windshield, while tailgate and panel door rear openings were available.
This model series introduced a factory-equipped 4WD ("K")option. The 2WD ("C") models introduced a torsion bar-based independent front suspension and trailing arm and coil spring rear, but by 1963, returned to a more conventional coil-spring approach.
Engine options included straight-sixes and small-block V8s. A 305 cu in (5.0 L) GMC V6 engine was also available on GMC models. This 305 was actually from GMC's medium-duty truck line. It featured high torque but had notoriously poor fuel economy. Transmissions were a 3-speed and 4-speed manual, the automatic Powerglide, and in the GMC models, the dual-range Hydra-Matic from 1960 to 1962.