1964 Chevrolet C10 Custom

Description

A lot of pickup trucks move though the Streetside Classics showrooms, so we're able to see a lot of trends before they start. Hot collector trucks are not news, but lately mid-60s Chevys like this 1964 C10 have been red hot, finding new homes with some serious collectors. This one still works as a truck, but that awesome stance gives away the muscle car that lives within.

Old trucks are hot because of their combination of good looks and utility, not to mention classic rear-wheel-drive V8 performance. And few trucks embody all those virtues better than the dramatically styled C10, despite the fact that the letter "C" stood for "conventional." The absolutely gorgeous GM Toreador Red paint allows the sharply creased sheetmetal to speak for itself, and these trucks are instantly recognizable with the cove that stretches around the perimeter of the entire truck. The bodywork is clean and nicely done, with straight panels that show evidence of lots of invested time and a high-class look thanks to the elegant color. There's still a bright chrome grille and a pair of matching bumpers, and the CHEVROLET block letters on the tailgate are a great period touch. And like many restored pickups, this one features a beautifully finished oak bed with stainless strips that looks as nice as a vintage Chris Craft and has been subtly raised a bit to clear the lowered suspension.

The interior is a nice mix of vintage looks and modern functionality. The bench seat looks straight out of the '60s but it's now covered with comfortable black cloth that's a lot better than the original vinyl. Acres of hush mat went into the cab before it was upholstered, and with black carpets on the floors it's surprisingly quiet inside at cruising speeds. Chevy's stock instrument panel is still one of the cooler designs, with the faces printed on a transparent surface and the needles behind the glass and the side effect is that it's easy to clean, and it's joined by the usual auxiliary gauges under the dash. An aftermarket steering wheel feels great in your hands with a fat rim and an Old Air A/C system was very neatly integrated into the dash using eyeball vents. It's comfortable, practical, and perfectly in tune with the truck's overall vibe.

The third component of vintage pickups' appeal is the powertrain, which most closely resembles our favorite muscle cars. With a nicely built 406 cubic inch V8 that includes a Comp Cams camshaft for a gnarly idle and impressive performance, a Holley Street Avenger 4-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock intake, and long-tube headers for a nice, fat torque curve. Finned valve covers and a matching air cleaner take it beyond just a stock lump under the hood, and channels an estimated 400 horsepower through a TH400 3-speed automatic gearbox and rugged 12-bolt rear with 3.73 gears on a Posi. The chassis isn't bright and shiny, but works well with the modified suspension and airbags at all four corners that provide that awesome stance. Black wheels give it a sinister look and they wear 235/70/15 radials all around.

Great looks and V8 performance are still alive and well, but now our muscle cars look like trucks. This 1964 C10 is a great way to have some fun and stay on the leading edge of a trend. Call today!