1978 Chevrolet C10 Bonanza

Description

Fans of the '70s, this 1978 Chevrolet C10 Bonanza pickup will bring back good memories of a wonderful time. Forget your Eisenhower Silver Dollar collection, your Kenny Rogers albums, and even Hoss, Little Joe, and Hop-Sing from the eponymous TV show that helped promote this limited-edition LWB truck. This attractive Chevy C10 is your express ticket back to your youth, and it takes you there with a period-perfect two-tone color combination, a comfortable interior, and a strong 350 V8 under the hood.

The good news is that this is a 'Rounded Line' Chevy C10 pickup truck, and that brings with it all the good stuff that these trucks possess: rugged good looks, unmatched durability, and the ability to handle all the performance modifications that you'd find on a Camaro or Chevelle. The two-tone color combination is awesome, if we're using GM names from the era it's likely Buckskin over Medium Graystone by the looks of it, although calling it Champagne over Charcoal might be a bit more apropos for pragmatic laymen. The finish is far too nice to be original, although it still has a proper look that could easily pass for being factory-applied, showing a great shine, immense depth and luster, and only limited signs of use and age. Even though it's totally appropriate for the late-'70s, it's not drab and orange-based like so many colors from that era, so it has a very timeless quality to it that will look proper for years to come. The sheetmetal is all-original by the looks of things and it's impressively straight, so you don't have to wonder if this was some kind of work truck brought back to life. Instead, it has obviously been something special all its life, with great gaps, matching panels, and doors that fit flush. The C10 offers plenty of eye candy, too, including the original chrome bumpers fore and aft, an unmarked original chrome grille, and those unique 'Bonanza' emblems on the front fenders. All the profile and tailgate trim were left in place and that's great news because it plays a critical role as a line of demarcation between the truck's two colors, and it too shines up beautifully against the paint. And if you want it to work for a living, the 8-foot bed was sprayed with durable spray-in bed liner that can handle just about anything you throw at it.

This truck's a real treat is inside too, where it sports a combination of original and reproduction parts to create an all-of-a-piece look that's just the way you remember. The wide bench seat sports a recent gray cloth-and-vinyl seat cover that's all-day comfortable, and matches the crack-free dash pad that runs from end-to-end. Tan door panels appear to be fresh re-pops that look great, matching the plush tan carpets below, and the color combination inside the cab matches the exterior quite well. There's an original steering wheel anchoring the cockpit - mounted atop a factory tilt column that adds plenty of room for the driver – and just ahead of lay a full set of factory gauges still place. Options are somewhat sparse, but you do get factory A/C (needs to be serviced), an original AM/FM radio (not currently working), and a set of seatbelts that add safety. The rear window offers a sliding glass, so while you wait to have you're A/C serviced and radio updated, the rushing wind that blows through the cabin should certainly suffice as a luxury.

Nothing runs better than a smooth Chevy small block, and this C10 still carries what is likely its original 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Still quite stock and nicely maintained, it runs superbly with a V8 burble at idle and smooth torque throughout. A stock snorkeled air cleaner and matching black valve covers keep it looking OEM, and although there are obvious signs of use, there's plenty of evidence of good maintenance as well. The TH350 3-speed automatic handles the small block with ease and shifts very smoothly and with friendly gears in the heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end, it's a fantastic highway cruiser. The single exhaust system features a recent muffler, and the rest of the chassis is stock and nicely preserved, albeit not detailed for show. Power steering and power front disc brakes ensure an enjoyable ride every time out, and the four blacked-out steel wheels are adorned with chrome center caps and beauty rings and wrapped in 235/75/15 white-letter Goodyear Wrangler radials that finish the look perfectly.

Clean, nicely preserved, and a ton of fun to drive, this C10 with rare Bonanza trim will definitely get its share of double-takes. Call today!