1976 Chevrolet C10

Description

Pickup trucks may very well be this generation's muscle cars. V8 power, rear-wheel-drive, rugged mechanicals, and inexpensive to purchase and upgrade, they're great vehicles that open a lot of opportunities for the hobbyist. This 1976 Chevrolet C10 pickup is a great example, with a few muscle car-like upgrades and a lot of style for a bargain-basement price.

If you want a truck that's both stylish and practical, the long bed/regular cab combination is what you should be looking for. Sturdy, maneuverable, and relatively light on its feet, it puts traditional performance into a manageable package that you can use every day, but that 8-foot bed offers arguably better proportions and the ability to haul just about anything. The flashy tan and black paint job was finished in August, so it looks fresh and is a quality respray that was surely an expensive endeavor. The bodywork looks great as well, with just a few touch-ups here and there and a few signs in the bed that it has been used, you know, as a pickup truck. C10s are popular with collectors thanks to their square-jawed good looks, and this one is no exception, with that familiar grille and just the right amount of brightwork, most of which appears to have been replaced at some point, including the front bumper with its accessory bumper guards and an older diamond-plate rear bumper that's sturdy enough for a fire engine.

The interior is an instant flashback to the '70s, with a wide bench seat upholstered in comfortable tan vinyl that looks supple and inviting without diluting the truck's authentic look. There's a full array of gauges for the driver, all of which are functional, save for the clock, and it's all wrapped in an attractive woodgrained applique that adds an upscale look. The carpets enhance the luxurious interior, showing only modest wear and a modern AM/FM stereo system makes this a pleasant place to spend some time. Accessories like A/C, a tilt wheel, and aftermarket cruise control add a bit of luxury and there's a matching tan dash pad that helps protect the original from sun damage. Overall, the feel inside is of a vehicle you could jump in and drive cross-country without any issues.

A few years ago, a 350 cubic inch crate engine was installed, which delivers entertaining performance in the lightweight pickup truck body. It looks quite stock, so obviously they were careful to keep factory equipment intact wherever possible, including the original air cleaner with cold air intake hose. There's evidence of regular maintenance such as a new water pump, and it runs superbly with a great rumble from the custom-built dual exhaust system. The TH350 3-speed automatic and 12-bolt rear end are reliable parts of the powertrain that are heavy-duty enough for life in a pickup truck, so don't be afraid to put it to work. A set of factory rally-style wheels with black centers and fat 255/70/15 Uniroyal radials enhance the sporting look.

Great as a daily driver, an affordable work truck, or maybe even a future collectable, this pickup still has a lot to offer, not the least of which is V8 fun. Call today!