It was back in 1935 when Chevrolet launched the first vehicle to carry the "Suburban" nameplate. In celebration of the full size utility vehicle's diamond anniversary, General Motors has unveiled the special edition Suburban 75th Anniversary to mark the occasion at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. This special edition Suburban->ke263 will go on sale early this summer and is limited to just 2,570 units, including 350 destined for our neighbors to the north in Canada as well as other export markets.

The celebratory 'burban is distinguished by a very fitting White Diamond Tricoat exterior finish and an upscale Cashmere interior complete with "Diamond Edition" embroidered headrests and matching etching on the kick plates. Other unique upgrades to celebrate the Suburban's landmark birthday are a set of bespoke chrome clad 20 inch wheels with matching door pulls and roof rack; but it's the 75th Anniversary gold and black Suburban Diamond Edition badges both inside and out that will give the celebratory Chevy away to unfamiliar eyes.

Press release after the jump.

2010 Chevrolet Suburban 75th Anniversary

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Press release

The Chevrolet Suburban, the venerable hauler of people and cargo that debuted in the Great Depression, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year as the king of continuous U.S. automotive production.

No other nameplate has been around longer without at least some time off.

“Having been a part of our automotive landscape for three-quarters of a century, the Chevrolet Suburban embodies the traits that have come to define the American SUV,” says Leslie Kendall, curator of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

“Its longevity in the marketplace speaks to both the resourcefulness of the original design team and the good judgment of the decision makers at General Motors who knew better than to tamper with a winning idea,” Kendall said.

The idea for the Suburban was born out of a need for a heavier-duty, truck-based wagon. Through the early 1930s, most manufacturers offered car-based wagons for professional use. Open models with windows and rear seating were known as depot hacks, and were used to ferry passengers and their cargo around train stations and boat docks. Enclosed models, typically without rear seats, were known as sedan deliveries.

Chevrolet began experimenting with an all-steel wagon body mounted on a commercial chassis in the mid-1930s, and the Suburban Carryall was launched in 1935. The original Suburban could seat eight, while easily removable seats provided a large, 75-inch-long by 77-inch-high (1,905 x 1,956 mm) cargo area. The heavy-duty chassis of the Suburban increasingly found favor with professional customers, including the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

The foundation of strength and capability that propelled the brand for more than seven decades is still evident today. The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban seats up to nine, or can accommodate 137.4 cubic feet (3,891 L) of cargo with the second-row seats folded and third-row seat removed. With the standard Vortec 5.3L FlexFuel engine and fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, Suburban half-ton models can tow up 8,100 pounds (2,674 kg). Suburban 2500 models offer a 6.0L/six-speed powertrain combination and a maximum towing rating of 9,600 pounds (4,354 kg).

A 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban goes on sale early this summer and is limited to 2,570 units (including 350 for Canada and other export markets). It is distinguished by a White Diamond Tricoat exterior color and Cashmere interior, along with unique 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and new roof rack rails.

The anniversary models are equipped with LTZ content, including a comprehensive package of safety-minded technology, an integrated navigation radio, a one-year subscription of XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a rearview camera system, rear parking assist, remote starting and adjustable pedals. Leather-covered seating is standard, with heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seating. Optional equipment includes a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system, articulating running boards, a sunroof and Side Blind Zone Alert.

“Times have changed, but the Suburban remains a fixture in the industry for private and professional customers who need truck-like towing capability with maximum passenger and cargo space,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager. “The Suburban’s core capabilities and dependability have remained constant for more than seven decades and generations of people know that a Suburban will haul people and their gear.”