The summer heat is upon us, which means if you haven’t planned your summer getaway, it’s too late. Or maybe not, if you like the great outdoors, traveling and camping – but not in this tent way. Currently at Bring a Trailer is this classic 1968 Chevy C20 equipped with an amazing Del Ray “Sky Lounge” triple decker camper.
Based on more than 600 (!) images in the listing, the car is downright stunning. Not necessarily in his style or profile. The decorated truck literally looks like a land yacht or a camel turned into a camper. No, the C20-camper combination is attractive because of how well maintained and clean it is. Plus, the gold and white paint with matching vinyl in the gold and parchment interior gives it an almost celestial aura.
It didn’t start that way. Like a pretty badass, I mean.
The truck is a 1968 Chevy C20 CST Custom Camper. The 3/4-ton pickup is a Golden Anniversary Edition that was ordered new through a Denver dealership and stayed in the family for nearly 50 years. The original owner loved and cherished the truck from day one.
According to Gateway Classic Cars, who handled the truck’s first sale, the owner asked the dealer to cover the factory carpet with plastic upon delivery. The rug remained essentially flawless until it was sold. In the BaT images you can see that there is no plastic. The original owner did install a camper that C20 Custom Campers were built for, but it was not part of the first sale.
The C20’s powertrain consists of a 396ci V-8 that produces 235 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel drive truck is equipped with a three-speed automatic. In 1970, double saddle tanks were fitted to increase driving range. Other upgrades and updates over the years include a dual exhaust (1985), a 4:11 rear end (1990) and a reupholstered driver’s seat (1990).
In 1991, the truck received a paint refresh as the factory paint had begun to fade. Of course, only Chevy-approved “Sikkens” paint was used. A heavy tow bar was installed that year as well as a new timing chain.
When purchased by the current owner in 2023, the truck was fitted with a 1966 period correct Del Rey Sky Lounger Camper and is included in the sale. The tri-level camper has all the comforts of a small house: fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, dining table/seating area and sleeping quarters. Even though sitting and sleeping are in two separate sections, both seem like cramped spaces for non-thin people. The overhead loft is the place to be, though, with its large wraparound windows giving it an observation deck vibe.
Over the years, the original owner kept a meticulous record of the car’s history. Literally all receipts, including the car’s production sheet. The current owner continues the theme and includes paperwork for the 1960s Del Rey camper.
No longer in Colorado, the C20-Del Rey pair is sold out of California, but has Montana title and plates. When first included, the odometer had 92,075 miles. The odometer now reads 94,327. The current owner states they have added “approximately” 1,000 miles. These numbers do not apply, so either there was another owner or the truck continued to be driven even after it was registered to Gateway Classic Cars. never mind Looks flawless all things considered.
The BaT auction ends Friday, June 7. When it was first sold, the last asking price was $49,000 – and that was just the truck. This time the all inclusive package is without reserve. Whatever the final offer, the new owner will get a nearly perfect time capsule of a 1960s road camper.
