1970s–1980s
1983 Chevrolet C20 Brown Sugar
Featured at the 2019 SEMA show
About This Vehicle
The 1983 Chevrolet C20 Brown Sugar is a custom-built camper truck that was featured at the 2019 SEMA show. Built by River City Rods of Davenport, Iowa, led by builder Craig Piggott, the truck started as a 1983 Coachman that Piggott bought for $1,400 on Craigslist. Piggott wanted to build a vehicle that stood out from other, more expensive vehicles — and to inspire people to think outside the box with their campers and trailers.
3-liter LS V-8 engine, 4L80E automatic transmission, and GSI air-bag suspension, with a camper shell that slides into the truck's 11-foot bed. The interior carries a natural, earthy theme with plaid that matches the exterior's hockey stripes, a sink made from a vintage Coca-Cola cooler, knotty pine paneling, and copper detailing throughout. Amenities include a fridge, microwave, waste-water tank, fresh-water hookups, and a killer sound system with subwoofers hidden in whiskey barrels.
A one-of-a-kind SEMA-show build that proves creativity and craftsmanship can transform even the most humble starting point into something truly extraordinary.
Specifications
| 5.3-liter LS V-8 engine |
| 4L80E automatic transmission |
Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum · grclassics.com