Mint Baja: 1991 Chevrolet S10 4X4

There are certain vehicles that one rarely sees in nice, unmolested condition out on the road. Finding one for sale, however, is like trying to find the proverbial needle-in-the-haystack. One of those vehicles is the Chevrolet S10, especially 1982 to 1993 versions. An even harder version of the S10 to find is the Baja appearance package, which is a rare sight in any condition, let alone one as clean as this truck is. Find it here on Craigslist in Dallas, PA, for $13,750.

Introduced in 1988, the Baja was an appearance option that was available on any S10 that had four-wheel drive. Available in Midnight Black, Apple Red and Frost White, the Baja option included a roll bar with off-road lights, a front tubular grille guard with fog lights, a tubular rear bumper, an under-body shield package (transfer case shield, front differential shield, fuel tank shield, oil pan/steering linkage shields), a suspension package, a Chevrolet windshield banner, Baja decals on the box sides and one inch wide body striping. Extra-cost options included a cargo-net end-gate, aluminum outlaw wheels and a special box-mounted spare tire carrier w/ aluminum wheel. This Baja is a 1991 model, and is one of only 635 built for 1991; perhaps consequently, production of the Baja ended after 1991. Painted in Frost White, this Baja, in the words of the venerable David Freiburger, is "mint", and features the optional bed-mounted spare tire. Condition is impeccable, but there is some imperfections on the front roll bar and on the grille. Everything appearing on this Baja is exactly what I would want on an S10, though I wish Chevrolet either made an extended-cab long bed or a crew cab version.

There was only one engine available for the Baja option: the 4.3L V6. Rated at 160 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, the 4.3L is not much on power, but the emphasis was on appearance and off-roading capability, not power. Backed by a four-speed automatic, this Baja's drivetrain is essentially brand new, having only traveled 25,100 miles in 26 years. Had the mileage not been this low, I would have swapped the 4.3L V6 for a small-block Chevy (maybe a 1994-1996 LT-1 for a different route of power), but since the mileage is low on this truck, I'd leave the powertrain untouched.

I'm willing to bet money that you will never find an interior this nice in a S10 ever again. Featuring a two-tone red and gray cloth and vinyl interior, this S10 Baja is vibrant with colors and details. The red nicely accents the largely gray theme, and the Baja logos are cool in a throwback way. Included are a few trophies and awards, as well as a plaque that reads "They are original only once". This Baja is one of the nicest S10s I've ever seen, and considering the low mileage and condition, this truck might end up being a decent deal. What are your thoughts on this nice, unmolested S10 Baja?