C10 – Vintage Car Collector

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.

The origins

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.

The 1965 model year

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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.

Did you know?

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.

Chevrolet’s C/K series of trucks, which were introduced in 1959 to compete directly with Ford’s F-Series and Dodge’s D-Series trucks, were an immediate success. The pioneering of numerous features and choices not seen before in pickup trucks was what made the first generation of the Chevrolet C/K series so popular. The second-generation Chevrolet C10 pickup truck, which was manufactured from 1967 to 1972 and was outfitted with contemporary amenities not often seen on a work vehicle, built on that tradition. This feature is about the 1970 Chevrolet C10 half-ton step-side truck that has been making its way through the hearts of Americans.

The Action Line C/K saw the Chevrolet Suburban (GMC Carryall) utility wagon join the Chevrolet K5 Blazer (GMC Jimmy) off-road vehicle. The open-top Blazer/Jimmy was one of the earliest mass-produced sport-utility vehicles. This generation introduced the Chevrolet Cheyenne and GMC Sierra nameplates, which are still used by GM today as trim levels.

The model series was built in South America as well as the United States and Canada.

The Long And Illustrious History Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup

Chevrolet released a new version of the C/K pickup in 1967, building on the popularity of the original series. The restyled 1967 Chevy C10 retained coil springs at all four corners, but it was a sharp, sleek pickup on the exterior, and in some eyes, the new Chevy seemed even more contemporary than its half-ton Ford counterpart, which was also revised that year. Both Stepside and Fleetside options were available from 1966 forward, and updated grilles served as new model-year calling cards until 1972.

The 1967 and 1968 model years are unique for a number of reasons. The 1967 C/K pickups featured a tiny rear window and no side marker lights, but the 1968 C/K pickups had the grille merged with the front fascia but with less visually invasive side marker lights and a larger back window. Without knowing the different trim levels, the 1969 and 1970 C10 and K10 vehicles seem to be identical. More notably, the 1969 model year saw the introduction of the 350-cid Chevy small-block V-8 (as an option), which replaced the previous year’s excellent 327. The Mark IV large block with 402 cid was introduced in the 1970 model (although marketed and badged this year only as a 400).

This series of Chevrolet C10 and K10 trucks are among the most popular collector vehicles on the market today and for good reason. They’re stunning, have timeless style, excellent build quality, and are easy to drive in today’s traffic. Furthermore, since they were mass-produced in vast quantities and used numerous of the same engines found in popular Chevy automobiles, maintenance, repair, and modifications were all quite simple. This series of Chevy pickups were available with either a stamped steel box floor or wood planking in all years. Steel flooring was more common when working trucks were new, but now, a wood bed truck commands a premium in the market.

The letter C stood for two-wheel drive, whereas the letter K stood for four-wheel drive. C-10, C-20, and C-30 were the designations for the 1/2, 3/4, and 1-ton versions of the C series.

Improved vision, better weight management, double steel cargo walls, and revised suspension were all features of the second generation C/K light trucks.

The Truck Of Southern States: Second Generation Chevy C10

The 1970 C-10 was dubbed the Action Line trucks, but they were also known as the Glamour Pickups due to their attractive appearance.

The second generation of C/K trucks provided truck owners with contemporary conveniences and passenger comfort features comparable to those found in cars. This happened at a period when Ford, the company’s main rival, was still producing light trucks that were essentially utilitarian and intended for labor.

Short and long bed light trucks were available in the GM C/K series. The long bed was 8.0 feet long, while the small bed was just 6.5 feet long. The short bed had a wheelbase of 115.0 inches, while the extended bed had a wheelbase of 127.0 inches.

The Stepside and Fleetside exterior styles were available. A huge step ran behind the cab and before the wheel well on stepside vehicles. Working with freight from the truck’s side became easier as a result. The flat sidewalls of the fleetside type are noted for containing the wheel wells inside the cargo bed.

Trim Options and Features

The step-side C series and the Longhorn series were the two main trim levels for Chevrolet trucks in 1970. The Longhorn series, on the other hand, came in 3/4 and 1-ton models. The wheelbase of the C series trucks ranged from 115 to 127 inches, while the Longhorn’s 133-inch wheelbase was due to its longer fleet-side bed. The lighter C-10 models had a 6.5-foot cargo box, while the heavier models had a cargo box that was 8 to 8.5 feet long. General Motors’ popular Custom Campers could be fitted to the Longhorn fleet-side trucks. A full-width vinyl bench seat, wide rear window, comfortably profiled steering wheel, factory-installed AM/FM radio with a single dash speaker, and windshield wipers and defrosters were all standard on the 1970 Chevrolet trucks.

For a more detailed look into this stunning model, check out the 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Stepside on our website.

Engines and Performance

The 250 cubic inch six-cylinder inline engine of the C10 series trucks produced 155 horsepower at 4,200 rpm and 235 foot-pounds of torque at 1,600 rpm. A 350 cubic inch 255 horsepower V-8 engine was standard on the bigger Chevrolet pickups. A three-speed manual column shift gearbox was standard on all Chevrolet trucks, with a four-speed manual transmission available as an option. Chevrolet’s Powerglide and Hydra-matic gearboxes were offered as optional upgrades on the C-10 series. Front and rear coil-spring suspensions were standard on the C10 series trucks, with leaf springs as an option. Leaf-type suspensions were standard on the Longhorn trucks. Front and rear drum brakes were standard on all versions.

Three and four-speed manual transmissions were available. Only a Powerglide and Hyrda-Matic automatic gearbox upgrade option was offered for C10 vehicles.

Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes were used.

The overall outside length was 188.5 inches, with wheelbases of 115.0 and 127.0 inches, respectively. The average weight was about 3,500 pounds.

Makes and Models: C10

1965 Chevrolet C10: From “workhorse” to fashionista!