1969 Chevrolet C10

Description

Here at Streetside Classics, we're often able to spot trends before they become widespread, just by watching what our inventory does. And lately, trucks like this 1969 Chevrolet C10 have been red hot, perhaps suggesting that these handsome trucks are finally coming into their own as legitimate collector pieces. Of course, it's hard to argue against them when they look this good and still offer a measure of practicality that most hobby vehicles can't touch.

The long bed/regular cab setup is probably the best choice for a hobby vehicle that can still be useful around the house, combining rugged good looks with a bed big enough to carry just about anything you need carried. This one is finished in light blue paint that looks period-correct and appealing without distracting from the original design's clean lines. That look reaches back into the '50s and '60s when a light color was an easy way to keep the cabs cool on hot days, an important feature when your vehicle didn't have A/C. It's an older paint job that was well done, and it now shows the usual signs of use and age but nothing to worry about (especially at this price!). This one features a few dress-up items, like the chrome bumpers, a straight original grille, and embossed CHEVROLET letters on the tailgate that are a traditional touch that works well. The bed has weathered planks, but that means you don't have to worry about tossing your gear back there, making this a practical hobby vehicle.

In the same way the exterior has been given a modest makeover to disguise the truck's blue-collar roots, the same can be said inside where the vinyl bench has been covered with a traditional cloth seat cover that's tough but easy to maintain. It's got some wear, but if you don't like it replacements are cheap and easy to find, but we feel it suits the truck just fine. Brown carpets the floor help control noise and heat (they could stand to be replaced), and the metal dash and doors have been painted to match the bodywork. The factory gauges are in good shape with light fading and they're framed by a wood-rimmed three-spoke wheel. The dash hosts a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit, but everything else is pretty much the way the factory intended.

Sometime simple is better, and the mechanicals in this truck have proven themselves over the years. The 350 cubic inch V8 engine isn't dressed for show, but it's obvious that someone cared enough to install an Edelbrock carburetor, and chrome air cleaner with matching valve covers, and maintenance looks like it has been regularly carried out. A recent alternator delivers the juice, while the dual exhaust system uses long-tube headers, Flowmaster mufflers, and polished tips just behind the rear wheels. Power steering and brakes are nice additions to a vehicle weighing nearly 4000 pounds, although it drives like a much smaller machine, and the coil spring rear suspension definitely improves ride quality. The transmission is a TH400 3-speed automatic spinning the original 12-bolt rear end. And who doesn't love those 15-inch Rally wheels with black centers and fat 255/70/15 BFGoodrich radials that give the truck a sporty look.

This C10 represents a great way to get into the hobby, and is a practical way to drive a cool old vehicle for not a lot of money. Call today!