The Chevy Suburban, Industry’s Longest Running Nameplate, Celebrates Its 85th Anniversary

Chevrolet is celebrating the 85^th anniversary of the Suburban, which was first introduced in 1935 and has been in production continuously every since.

85 years is a pretty long time, so it’s no surprise that the Chevrolet Suburban is the longest running nameplate in the automotive industry.

“While the world has changed significantly, the Suburban is just as relevant today as it was in 1935. Suburban created the sport utility vehicle – offering unprecedented combination of passenger comfort and cargo capacity,” said Paul Edwards, Chevrolet marketing vice president.

Also Read: You Can Now Buy A 1,000HP Tahoe Or Suburban Straight From Chevy Dealers

The original 1935 Chevy Suburban

The original 1935 Suburban could fit eight passengers and provide a large 115.1 cubic foot (3,259 lt) cargo area with the second-row seats folded and the third row removed. Power came from a straight six engine with 60 HP.

The current 2020 Suburban is capable of seating up to nine passengers while offering 121.7 cubic feet (3,446 lt) of maximum cargo space when second and third-row seats are folded down. The 6.2-liter V8 under the bonnet offers seven times the power of the original, at 420 HP.

The 1935 Suburban Carryall was the first truck-based wagon of its kind, utilizing an all-steel wagon body on a commercial chassis, finding favor with commercial customers. Its popularity increased over the years, with private customers also appreciating its uncompromising capabilities and dependable character.

“The name Suburban is so widely recognized that at various times over history it was used by a few vehicle manufacturers,” said Leslie Kendall, curator at the Petersen Automotive Museum. “But the Chevrolet Suburban – the forerunner of the modern SUV – has stood the test of time. From family road-trips to dignitary protection, to TV and film and everywhere in-between, over the last 85 years the Suburban has become a fixture of Americana.”

GM is planning an all-new generation of the Chevrolet Suburban, expected to hit the market in 2020 together with the new GMC Yukon and the Cadillac Escalade.