Randy Marston’s ’66 Suburban – One in a Million
When Chevrolet launched the Suburban back in 1935, none of the GM executives ever dreamed the popular hauler might one day look like Randy Marston’s ’66 Suburban masterpiece. Of course, we wouldn’t expect anything less from Marston and builder Roger Burman, who teamed up to win the 2017 Goodguys LMC Truck of the Year Late with Marston’s “Unruly” ’66 C10 pickup.
More than two million Suburban’s have rolled off the assembly lines in 80-plus years. The first all-metal-bodied station wagon was one of the very few regular production vehicles produced during World War II because it was needed by the military.
By the time Marston’s Suburban was originally manufactured in 1966, the trucks had evolved from bare-bones people movers to more comfortable haulers. Still, Marston’s is a far cry from its original 1966 form.
It’s got enough refinement to be a show winner, but the functionality to work the highway. In fact, the Suburban took part in a portion of the 2018 Goodguys Hall of Fame Road Tour, driving from Iowa to Texas. It later made the trek home to Phoenix, followed by a round trip to California a few weeks later.
By any measure a 1966 Suburban is large – dimensions, body panels, glass, interior space. Thanks to the contributions of a team of talented professionals, Marston’s low cruiser raises the bar. From the massive smooth side panels to the ground-hugging stance (thanks to the use of Ride Tech components on a Roadster Shop frame), the Suburban displays high-quality workmanship as well as incredible attention to detail.
Built by Burman’s Lakeside Rods and Rides in Rockwell City, Iowa, the big ’Burban features shaved drip rails, flush-fit glass, and tight-fit bumpers. In addition to deleting any exterior badging, the gas filler was moved behind one of the taillights. The custom-mixed Axalta white and orange paint was expertly applied by G3 Rods in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Power comes from a 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 that feeds a GM L890 eight-speed transmission. The clean engine compartment features smooth panels and a well-conceived placement of accessories. Baer six-piston disc brakes on all four corners provide the proper whoa for all of that go. Forgeline wheels and Pirelli tires complete the road-hugging chores.
The interior bears no resemblance to the original. Dakota Digital gauges reside in a custom-built dash. A Billet Specialties steering wheel keeps the Suburban headed in the right direction while a Corvette shifter keeps the transmission under control. Custom seats are wrapped in black leather with houndstooth inserts, carefully stitched by Dan Weber of Weber’s Custom Interiors in Alexander, Minnesota.
And just in case you think this slick Suburban is a garage queen, check out the trailer tow package and backup camera. You don’t need those options unless you’re going to rack up some serious mileage.
Photos by Steven Bunker
