1976 Chevrolet K10

Description

If you grew up during the '70s, you'll be relieved to know that Chevy trucks are finally getting their due for something that we've always known: they're just flat-out cool. Basic and rugged, sure, but also handsome in a leathery, hardened kind of way that is all business. Dressing them up with flames and a growling V8 sure helps, and in the case of this 1976 Chevrolet K-10 stepside 4x4, it shows that there's no way to build an unattractive one. They just ALWAYS look good.

At first glance, this might just look like another nicely done Chevy K-series pickup. But get a little closer; there's a ton of metallic in the finish and it simply glows in the sunlight. And if you're going make it flashy, you need to nail down the bodywork, so this one is in good order and doesn't look like it's ever had to work for a living. It's not perfect, but that's how you want a truck like this because it was clearly designed to play in the dirt, a look that's a big part of the heavy-duty K-10's appeal. A simply white pinstripe highlights the fender lines, and it works especially well on those flared rear fenders, which give the pickup a muscular, performance-oriented look. There's a heavy-duty front bumper with built-in winch, a blacked-out grille, a heavy-duty rear bumper with hitch, and a spray-in bedliner that makes it as functional as it is attractive.

A black interior works well with the dark blue paint, and a custom ostrich skin seat cover is a cool accent in a truck that defies convention and marches to its own beat. The instrument panel is stock, but on these trucks, you got a full array of analog gauges, which, obviously, could use new lenses, which is a cheap and easy upgrade that'll make a fun Saturday project. Matching door panels replicate the hard plastic originals, so they'll last for years, and plush carpet is a nice upgrade over the rubber mat that was probably there when it was new. The most notable upgrade is an AM/FM/CD player in the original radio's slot at the bottom of the instrument panel, and the little control panel to the left of the steering column is for the Warn electric winch up front. You also get a tilt steering column, which makes it easy to get comfortable.

Replaced a few years ago, the 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood is everything that's great about the small block Chevy. Topped by a 4-barrel carburetor and fitted with a mild cam, it's a torquey, eager partner whether you're on-road or off. A few chrome dress-up items give it a bright look, and an afternoon spent detailing everything under the hood would probably pay off nicely. Power steering and brakes are always welcome on a big 4x4 like this, and it runs as well as you'd expect for a small block Chevy V8. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and a 2-speed transfer case deliver power to both axles, which sit on stock suspension components that are already off-road capable. The chassis is tidy and offers a great-sounding dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. Flashy aluminum wheels look great and help offset the weight of the giant 265/70/15 BFG radials.

So for you fans of big, burly '70s pickups, this one offers great looks, V8 power, and a dash of practicality, too. Call now!