1966 Chevrolet C10

Description

You know we love trucks here at Streetside Classics, and recently we've discovered that pickups just like this 1966 Chevrolet C10 are almost impossible to keep in stock. Packing a strong-running small block, factory A/C, and a host of interior upgrades, it's a great-looking machine that works well at shows but doesn't mind getting to work now and then.

Bright red on a pickup truck is always the right choice. Whether it's because they were often used to promote business or simply that their owners wanted a little flash to go with the workaday practicality, I can't say, but this C10 has an awesome look. Chevy was ahead of the game by styling their pickups rather than simply making them functional, and we've seen a huge surge in popularity on the mid-60s C-series trucks like this. It's easy to see why, with the dramatic crease that encircles the entire body, the cool chrome-dressed "wing" atop the cab, and trim proportions that make it easy to handle. Finish quality is quite good, probably better than a truck like this would have received back in the day, and the red is exactly right, neither too orange nor too bright. The top-of-the-line models got a lot of chrome and stainless trim to dress them up, and it's all still intact here, giving it a sporty look. The bumpers look to have been refinished at some point, but the rest of the stainless may very well be original, giving you an inkling of just how well-kept this truck really is. And, of course, it sports a beautifully refinished wood bed, as is the fashion today, making it look far more expensive than it is.

Bucket seats with original-style tooled seat covers are a very rare find and they look awesome. There's a locking center console between them for some secure storage, and things like the door panels and carpets are recent. The dash is wonderfully detailed, including the rare factory A/C vents in the center, which have been augmented by a modern A/C system underneath so it's effective yet authentic-looking. A full array of factory gauges are installed behind a single sheet with the markings printed on the outside, giving it a neat 3D look, and they're joined by an auxiliary voltmeter under the dash. The column shifter has an updated quadrant to manage the TH400 3-speed automatic that now lives underneath the truck but the original AM radio is still in the dash (and is probably due for replacement).

The 350 cubic inch V8 is reported to be from a 1972 Corvette and it certainly looks the part. Dressed in traditional Chevy Orange with finned valve covers and a chrome air cleaner, it nails the Chevy horsepower look. A late-model serpentine drive system has been adapted to the front and it uses a modern dual master cylinder for the power braking system. Long-tube headers lead to a snarky-sounding dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers and it's got power steering, so handling is effortless. It's been lowered just a bit to give it a nice rake but the stock suspension is still in place so it doesn't mind doing a bit of heavy lifting now and then. Polished Cragar wheels work well with the bright red paint and shiny trim and carry fat 255/60/15 Firestone performance radials.

This is a great running and driving truck that looks awesome and has a very reasonable price tag. If our experience is any indication, it won't last long, so if you like how it looks, don't hesitate and call today!