In the 50s and 60s, the Big Three had been doing something incredible. From the tall fins that towered over the Cadillac fenders to the tiered hoods of classic Chevy trucks: the automotive design language of those years was unsurpassed. Since the introduction of the C10, pickup trucks have become integral to American life.
Source: AutoEvolution
The well-known national slogan “Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet” appeared for a reason. It contained all the most beautiful things in the distant 60s that were offered to the American people, and Chevrolet managed to get into this series with its indisputable mighty pickups! Despite many of its legendary models, the brand’s C10 pickups became a symbol of genuinely American vehicles, which over several decades, managed to become more than a car. Notably, the Chevrolet C10, which had been an integral part of the lives of countless American families and businesses since the early 60s, was ingrained in American culture and helped build this country.
Source: Barrett-Jackson
The history of the first Chevrolet pickup trucks dates back as far as 1918! However, with its win-win bestseller Silverado, the company established itself at the automotive industry’s top. But, before the Silverado, the Chevrolet C/ K series of trucks, which debuted in 1960, was among people’s favorites. Their legacy paved the way for future passenger vehicles and trucks. The first generation of Chevrolet C/ K pickups appeared in 1960: these were the real American workhorses. Compared to older Chevy trucks, these vehicles received a new ladder frame with independent torsion bar front suspension and a more modern, low flat bonnet cab, concave perimeter line, full-width horizontal grille, and panoramic windshield. The automobile received single headlights and two ventilation slots above the grille two years later. The C and K indexes denoted rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The following two-digit numbers indicated the load capacity of the pickup truck: 10 stood for half-ton, 20th for 3/4 ton, and 30th for one ton. Trucks of the medium and heavy categories were called C40, C50, C60, C70, and C80. C10 was the lowest payload vehicle built on a chassis with a 115″ (2921 mm) wheelbase. They were offered in two body styles: Fleetside – with flat sides and Stepside – with bulging rear fenders and side stand. In addition, the lineup included closed-bodies Panel Trucks (van) and a Suburban (3-door station wagon). It was equipped with three types of engine – an inline 6-cylinder with 236 with a power of 135 hp, a 4.3-liter 6-cylinder 261 with a power of 150 hp or a 4.6-liter V8 283 with a capacity of 185 hp. Also, a 3, and 4-speed manual transmission or a 2-speed automatic Powerglide were installed on these automobiles. From 1963, the car received a spring front suspension and new 6-cylinder engines: 3.8-liter 230 (140 hp) and 4.8-liter 292 (165 hp). Over the next two years, the shape of the windshield and the structure of the grille were changed. In 1965 the list of options included a 5.4-liter V8 327 engine with 220 hp and air conditioning.
Source: Throttle eXtreme
The first generation C10, to which the 1965 release belonged, was distinguished by its simple design, practicality, and reliability. The interior lacked any advanced features: it was comfortable but convenient. The “wraparound” windshield and front grille design made the car a comfortable companion on long American roads. A new air-conditioned trim and 220 hp (164 kW) 327 ccs (5.4 L) V8 were also introduced in 1965. The car was also equipped with a 3, and 4-speed manual transmission or a 2-speed automatic Powerglide. While the C10 is most commonly referred to as a half-ton, short-bed pickup truck, it had several styles, including a 115-inch wheelbase for a 6.5-foot vehicle and a 127-inch wheelbase for 8-foot platform models. Other types included the Fleetside, or flat-paneled cargo body, and the Stepside, which had the rear wheels outside the body and a step installed between the cab and wheel arches.
Source: RK Motors
C10 became a hit and a people’s car, breaking sales records in 1964, 1965, and 1966. A record 400,000 vehicles were sold between 1965 and 1966. Today, it is considered a stylish vehicle to drive. Many celebrities, including Kendall Jenner, drive the 1965 C10 Pickup.
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