1971 Chevrolet C10

Description

There's a lot to like in this bright red 1971 Chevy C10 pickup. There's a stepside bed, a great-running small block V8, a bunch of options including A/C, and last but not least, the top comes off.

Yep, you read that right, this slick little pickup converts into an open-top cruiser that's going to stun the guys at the next cruise night. It's more like an early Blazer with a hardtop that you unscrew rather than a true roadster, and given all that, it sure looks stock so even if you never took the top off, you'd still have a great-looking pickup. The paint color is exactly right, not too orange and not too dark, but the ideal color for a vintage pickup. Despite the custom work, the doors still fit well and the sheetmetal looks original to any passers-by. Topping it all off, nothing looks better than a stepside bed on the back of one of these handsome Chevys. A few other tricks include wider wheel tubs in the bed to accommodate some pretty serious rubber out back, shiny chrome bumpers front and rear, and tinted windows to make it look slick.

The black interior uses a cloth and vinyl seat cover to make this truck a comfortable all-day cruiser without losing its roughneck roots. The rubber mat on the floor is in good shape and reinforces the truck's working class look, but things like the under-dash A/C system and a tilt steering column make it feel luxurious. For days when the A/C isn't needed, the sliding rear window provides some nice ventilation. An AM/FM radio sits in the dash, and the gauges appear to be original but in good condition. The dash and door panels were painted to match the body, but the bright red isn't overpowering in the nicely finished interior, and while it isn't perfect, it's really not a bad place to spend a few Sunday afternoons, particularly in this truck with its open-air experience.

A smooth, torquey 350 cubic inch V8 fits neatly under the C10's hood and gives it performance to match its handsome good looks. Topped by a thrifty 2-barrel carburetor, it's a nice driving engine that's as reliable as a hammer. Looking pretty stock with a factory-style air cleaner, it's been nicely updated with chrome valve covers and a newer A/C compressor up front. Cast iron exhaust manifolds control heat and leakage better than any set of headers ever could and lead to a fresh dual exhaust system that burbles happily at idle. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission powers the original rear end, and while the chassis looks a little scaly, it's quite well-preserved for its age. Power steering and power front disc brakes ensure that you can always just get in and go with this truck, and there are brand new 255/70/15 radials at all four corners, wrapped around handsome American Racing Torque Thrust wheels.

If you like the truck, you'll definitely appreciate its rather unique attributes. And even if you never even remove the top, it's a great-looking truck that delivers in all the important ways. Call today!