1965 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe

Description

This appealing 1965 Chevrolet C10 isn't a resto-mod or a hot rod, but rather a faithful restoration that purists can appreciate and that will definitely generate a lot of attention out on the road. And it probably represents the future, because in the coming years you're going to see a lot more vintage pickups getting top-quality restorations like this.

If you bought a new pickup in 1965, this is pretty much what it would have looked like. The bright Cardinal Red paint was surely a popular choice, even among farmers and carpenters, and this truck nails the vivid '60s hue just right. The sheetmetal is straight enough to look like it might have on the factory floor, with those smooth, flat flanks showing undistorted reflections that you'd expect in a vehicle costing thousands more than this one does. Note the correct latches on the tailgate, the tiny accessory back-up lights, and the white insert in the side trim that matches the top, all of which add to the vintage look. The chrome bumpers and grille are surely far nicer than anything in 1965, and the bed is most certainly too nice to go back to work with its polished wooden planks and shiny stainless rub strips, plus a set of delicate bed rails that look great. Someone was really sweating the little stuff on this one.

Inside, the handsome two-tone interior is not quite the way it would have been when it was new, but it's pretty darned nice. The dash and door panels are painted to match the bodywork and tie in perfectly with the seat cover. It would have originally used a rubber floor mat, which is under there, but it's got a custom carpet on top of it to add a little luxury and to help control noise and heat. Again, the most impressive feature is how they've managed to restrain themselves from "upgrading" everything, so you'll find a stock instrument panel with awesome original gauges, including an ultra-rare manifold vacuum indicator and tachometer. It appears that this truck had factory A/C, which explains the vent in the center stack that just looks plain cool, and the original AM radio is still in the center of the dash.

While you could have had a V8 in your pickup, that's not how this one came from the factory so there was no need to throw a modern crate motor in there. Instead, it carries its original 250 cubic inch inline-six. Fully rebuilt and detailed like new, it actually delivers reasonable performance, great torque, and a lot of double-takes when you open the hood at shows. The paint is Chevy Orange, there's a factory air cleaner up top, reproduction decals were used throughout. Hardware, fittings, wiring, and all the little pieces have all been freshened to look like new, making this truck a definite contender for points judging. They did upgrade to an electronic ignition system, so it starts easily and hums along smoothly, and a power brake booster with disc brakes are a smart idea. As a quality restoration, the chassis was given the same kind of full makeover, complete with a purring dual exhaust system and original coil spring rear suspension. It shows a few signs of use, but that's OK on a pickup, right? Perhaps only the use of modern radials on color-matched Rally wheels gives it away, but you can't argue with the results.

A great old truck that's proof of the old adage that they just don't build 'em like they used to. And that's really a shame, because this is one awesome truck. Call today!