Squarebodies The US Never Got

NMT Team
Aug 26
3 min read

The squarebody travelled across the pond to many other countries and in some cases was offered in exclusive variants to meet local regulations or wants/needs. Let's dive into which countries got what and why

BRAZIL

Body Panels Body panels were locally built and looked completely different from their American counterparts. The design used elements from the Chevrolet Opala (also from Brazil).
Different Engines The 151ci I-4 engines were offered that were never sold in the US; extremely few V8s from the US were sold (due to tax and cost), the 250ci I-6 was the most popular option in most cases.
Stripped Interiors No carpet, a lot of vinyl, and simple gauges in most trims.
Small Diesel Engines Some models featured the Perkins 3.9L I4 until going to the Maxion S4 I4 with aspirated and turbocharged options.
A, C, and D These featured A, C, and D designations instead of C/K. C is just like the US, 2WD, but obviously, typically only offered with the I6. The A was for ethanol; it just meant the engine was adapted for flexible fuel use. The D was for diesel, which featured the aforementioned diesel engines.
Brazil Exclusive Trims Many featured special trims, typically featuring bright, fun colors exclusive to Brazil.
Rare 4x4 4WD was offered in 1989, but the u-joints quickly wore out, and the company that designed the unit could not design a more durable u-joint. The 4WD option was discontinued in 1990. The 4WD option did not get a different letter designation.

AUSTRALIA

Holden Parts These were swapped into right-hand drive locally, and were fitted with Holden mirrors, side markers, and most interiors were a mix of Holden and GM. They also typically had different bellhousings, starter locations, and flywheels, which would be the ones with Holden engines.
Different Engines The Holden I-6 was offered in base models, but was not a popular option. Many had the Holden 253ci or 308ci V8. (Although some also had the 350ci V8 from the US.)
Headlights Australia has different laws on headlights, so the Squarebody was equipped with Australian-compliant headlights.

CREDIT: Mikey Golgini (Facebook, Squarebody Addicts)

You can see the slightly different headlight beams here. This is the only photo of a Squarebody we could find that we could almost confirm was from Australia.

ARGENTINA

CKD Building Process The trucks were sent to Argentina in a "Completely Knocked Down" kit for them to put together before sale. This led to options being mixed, like chrome bumpers on base models and mixing different year models.
Different Engines Some were offered in CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) I-6 250ci engines, I-6 292ci (GAS) in higher trims; the 350ci and 305ci V8s were occasionally found in police and fleet vehicles.
Manuals Lived On These trucks were offered with the SM465 or NP435 well after they were dropped off in the US.
Local Lighting These were fitted with side markers and other lighting assemblies that met Argentine regulations.

SAUDI ARABIA

Chrome It Up Many, even work truck trims came with chrome bumpers and trim. This was due to popular demand in the local area.
Different Engines Saudi Arabia kept the 305ci and 350ci V8 as well as the 6.2L Detroit Diesel; but some were also equipped with the 366ci, which were not found in regular trucks in the US.
Dessert Package Many featured upgraded radiators, water pumps, and transmission coolers in addition to extra sealing for the cab.

The squarebody does not have much difference in Saudi Arabia from its US version. This one is actually a Suburban cut down to become an ice cream truck.

CANADA

Cold Package Many came standard with a block heater, heavy-duty battery, and a high-output alternator.
Different Trim Names One trim in particular, "Scottsdale," was in continued use even after the US version dropped the trim.
305 and SM465 Live On Canadian Squarebodies were offered with the 305ci V8 and/or the SM465 for much longer than their American counterparts.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE LOOOONG SQUAREBODY?

That was never offered as a factory option. These can be found anywhere Squarebodies were sold because they were done by custom bodyshops, typically for airport shuttles, crew haulers, and limosines. They weren't very popular in the US.