1972 Chevrolet C10

Description

There's really something to be said for vehicles that have had careful owners. Take this 1972 Chevrolet C10 pickup for example. It has been owned for a long time by a retired mechanic, and as a result, the 350 cubic inch V8 purrs like new and the truck drives like it should, a relatively rare phenomenon in the world of vintage pickups. This is one case where history has definitely paid off.

Somehow, over the years seafoam green has become one of the most popular colors on these, and we can see why when you take a look at this one. The rare color looks right on the squared-off shape of the C10, and definitely gives it that nostalgic period look. Not just for tailfins and chrome anymore, this pickup wears the color proudly and still looks rugged thanks to the Chevy's utilitarian shape. It has been repainted, of course, and the older restoration still looks great, having been done to a good standard a few years ago. No modifications mean that this truck recalls a bygone era better than most, particularly with its outstanding mechanicals. The bed has been recently coated with spray-in bedliner material that's so neatly and crisply applied that it almost looks like a drop-in protector. Bright chrome bumpers, the original stainless trim, and shiny polished bed protectors add some flash to the otherwise staid commercial vehicle, and everything is very nicely preserved.

The black interior was restored at the same time as the bodywork and is holding up quite well. The reproduction vinyl seat cover has tooled inserts that were part of Chevy's western motif at the time, and the black works well with the light green paint on the dash. The steering column has been painted to match and topped with a leather-wrapped wheel that might have been intended for a Corvette, and a trio of auxiliary gauges has been installed under the dash. The three-speed shifter mounted on the column moves through the gears easily enough and clutch action is light, so this truck is still daily-driver friendly. A later AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit is fitted into the dash in the original radio's location, but the rest of the controls appear to be completely stock, from the window cranks to the heater levers. A sliding rear window is a welcome feature as well, and after using it, you'll realize that A/C is completely unnecessary.

A warmed-over 350 cubic inch V8 lives in the cavernous engine bay, delivering just the right combination of performance and reliability. Obvious upgrades include the air cleaner and valve covers, but there's also an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor for power and long-tube headers for torque. Buried deep down in the engine bay, it's hard to see the Chevy Orange paint, but it's there, along with power steering that makes this truck feel nimble. The original independent front end is far more sophisticated than Ford's Twin-I-Beam setup, and the coil spring rear suspension with long trailing arms makes this pickup ride well empty or full. A custom dual exhaust system with the mufflers outside the frame rails gives it a muscle-car-like growl and with factory Rally wheels and spinners, it looks sportier than most pickups of the era, particularly with fat 255/70/15 white-letter radials.

This C10 is one of those trucks that just feels right, which is surely due to careful maintenance from an expert. It's also pretty darned good looking. Call today!