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Sep 25, 2023

2002 Chevy Avalanche Base Camp Concept Appears on Cars & Bids

The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Base Camp: A Rare Concept Truck up for Auction The life of a concept car is normally dull: after basking under the bright lights on the auto show circuit, it normally ends

The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Base Camp: A Rare Concept Truck up for Auction

The life of a concept car is normally dull: after basking under the bright lights on the auto show circuit, it normally ends up stashed in a dusty warehouse for decades. Some manage to escape this fate, like the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Base Camp concept listed on Cars & Bids.

At first glance, we’re merely looking at a run-of-the-mill first-generation Avalanche painted in a shade of yellow that wasn’t all that uncommon in the early 2000s. This truck is far more special, however. It was built in the late 1990s (the Avalanche entered series production for the 2002 model year), this specific yellow wasn’t found on the model’s color palette, and it’s equipped with numerous accessories added to grab the attention of outdoorsy buyers. The focus on leisure was part of what set the Avalanche apart from, say, the Silverado sold during that era.

Drop the tailgate and you’ll find an integrated storage compartment with a stove, a cutting board, and a sink. There’s also a storage cubby in each side of the cargo box for items like a lantern, plates, and cups. Some of the exterior trim pieces, including the brush guard, are specific to the concept, and the interior features two-tone upholstery as well as a yellow, center console-mounted Nokia phone — it doesn’t get much more period-correct than this. The listing notes that a Coleman tent designed to be displayed next to the Base Camp is included as well.

What’s under the hood is equally interesting. The concept was built with a 6.0-liter V8, an engine not offered on the regular-production truck. It’s bolted to a four-speed automatic transmission. While the Base Camp runs, it hasn’t been driven much and its odometer displays right under 2,000 miles. Finding an Avalanche with low miles has become nearly impossible, as a lot of these were driven often and driven hard.

On one hand, this is a time capsule; it’s your once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy a lightly used Avalanche without figuring out how to build a time machine. On the other hand, it’s a one-off concept. Should it really rack up 17,000 miles a year zig-zagging across the American West?

The person who wins this truck will get to decide its fate. As of writing, bidding stands at $11,000 with three days left in the auction. Note that, in this case, the Base Camp is in Canada, though we can’t imagine registering it in the United States would be particularly problematic (especially since the buyer indicates it was originally titled in the States). If you win, don’t expect the seller to hand over a set of keys: there’s what looks like a standard ignition barrel but it wasn’t designed to take a key.

The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Base Camp concept is a rare find for truck enthusiasts and collectors alike. This unique vehicle stands out from the crowd with its vibrant yellow color and specialized accessories designed for outdoor adventures. Unlike most concept cars that end up hidden away, this Avalanche has managed to escape and is now up for auction on Cars & Bids.

While it may appear like a regular first-generation Avalanche at first glance, this truck holds many surprises. Built in the late 1990s, before the Avalanche entered series production, it features a yellow paint color that was not part of the model’s standard palette. The addition of various accessories aimed at attracting outdoorsy buyers sets it apart from the Silverado of that era.

One of the standout features of the Base Camp concept is its integrated storage compartment located behind the tailgate. Equipped with a stove, cutting board, and sink, this compartment offers convenience and functionality for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, there are storage cubbies on each side of the cargo box, perfect for storing items like lanterns, plates, and cups. The exterior trim pieces, including the brush guard, are unique to this concept, while the interior boasts two-tone upholstery and a period-correct yellow center console-mounted Nokia phone. The auction listing even mentions the inclusion of a Coleman tent designed to be displayed alongside the Base Camp.

Under the hood, the Base Camp concept houses a powerful 6.0-liter V8 engine, which was not available on the regular-production Avalanche. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, this truck delivers impressive performance. Despite its capabilities, the Base Camp has only accumulated under 2,000 miles on its odometer. This low mileage is a rarity for an Avalanche, as many were driven extensively and subjected to rough conditions.

The auction presents a unique opportunity for buyers. On one hand, the Base Camp concept serves as a time capsule, offering a chance to own a lightly used Avalanche without the need for a time machine. On the other hand, it is a one-of-a-kind concept vehicle that raises the question of whether it should be driven extensively or preserved as a collector’s item.

The fate of the truck lies in the hands of the winning bidder. With three days remaining in the auction, bidding currently stands at $11,000. Although the Base Camp is located in Canada, registering it in the United States should not pose significant challenges, especially considering its original title was issued in the States. It’s worth noting that while the truck features a standard ignition barrel, it was not designed to accept a key.

In conclusion, the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Base Camp concept is a rare gem that combines unique design elements and specialized features for outdoor enthusiasts. Its vibrant yellow color and low mileage make it an attractive option for collectors and truck enthusiasts alike. As the auction draws to a close, the winning bidder will have the opportunity to decide the future of this one-of-a-kind concept truck. Will it become a daily driver or remain a cherished collector’s item? Only time will tell.