Fast-forward half a century, and the 2003 Silverado SS represents the end of that chain. This ultimate expression of personal-truck attitude from the Bow Tie brand makes the Advanced Design's improved passenger accommodation look medieval. The Silverado's cab has space for three across in the back as well as two captain's chairs and a big storage console up front. Dual-zone air-conditioning, a leather interior, and a host of power amenities mean the Silverado SS has more in common with a 1954 Cadillac than any truck of that era. In fact, with its 20-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, and traction control, the Silverado SS outhandles any Chevrolet of the 1950s and outworks most trucks of that period, too.
The '54 needed no coaxing to get on the road. With just a few minor repairs (see sidebar), it was ready to tackle the hills of Coosa County, Alabama. The 3100's three-on-the-tree manual limited top speed to about 50 mph, so it seemed prudent to stay off the highway. The big thrill at the end of the first day of driving was feeling the wonderful, relentless physical effort of piloting the old truck. Even at low speeds, the 3100 required constant attention and correction. By contrast, the new truck serenely loafed along, bored with escort duty.
As we passed through the small towns that punctuate U.S. 31's curves, the old truck turned heads. I couldn't help but wonder if they just assumed I was a local. Regardless, we waved back to everyone who acknowledged us, including the guys sitting on the covered porch of the Square Deal Lumber Company in Park City, Kentucky.
Heading into that state, we discovered a surprising parity between the two trucks' powertrains, gearing aside. We changed over to U.S. 127 and the hills got taller and steeper. We expected the old 235ci straight-six in Old Red to struggle, but its 112 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque pulled it up the worst grades without dropping out of third gear. The Silverado, on the other hand, began hunting at the start of each grade and downshifted to second gear on the longest hills. Considering the 345 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque on tap, this was a bit of a surprise. Smoothness was another issue; the old Stovebolt engine was an ever-present pulse of combustion and exhaust, while the Vortec 6000 worked almost silently.
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