1966 Chevrolet C10 Custom

Description

In case you haven't noticed, vintage trucks are more popular than ever these days, and those that are turn-key ready to drive with something extra to offer are flying off the shelves. Trucks like this dialed-in 1966 Chevrolet C-10 Custom step-side for instance, are at the very top of the charts. With a smooth-running 327 V8 small block, gorgeous '60s styling, and traditional colors, it's a former workhorse that has learned to dance.

Finished in a rather subdued shade of Butterscotch Tan, this restored C-10 mostly sticks to the factory recipe. Why mess with a good thing, right? The Stepside offered dramatic styling with lots of swoops and curves, offset with the white paint on the bumpers and grille, and all of it remains 100% intact on this hauler. Other styling details include the wing-like lip at the back of the cab, which probably has no real function but looks really cool, along with that unique cast trim that adorns the profiles of the cab. Paint and bodywork are done to a good driver standard, and this truck will be right at home both at local shows and the local lumber yard on a Saturday afternoon. These were well-made rugged machines from new, so it shouldn't be surprising to find one this nice today, and very little bodywork seems to have been required to get it ready for paint. Most of the original trim remains, from the white bumpers fore and aft and the matching egg crate grille, to the chrome bed rails, tan tonneau cover, and matching toolbox that all dress up the bed. And if you need it to work, it's ready, with a refinished wood bed that isn't over-restored but rather just about how the factory probably would have done it.

Trucks were austere machines when they were new, but this one has had a comfort upgrade during the build. The original bench was replaced with high-back bucket seats, and they were covered in tan fabric that looks like it would wear like iron - tying in perfectly with the custom headliner and matching dash, the flanking door panels, and the carpets below. Admittedly, the carpets need to be replaced, but thankfully that change is easily made. Padded dashes and door panels hadn't yet made it to the truck lines, so it's really cool that they were added to the build here, giving the truck a more refined look inside. The original gauges are a very cool setup with a single lens over all dials and they're joined by a set of auxiliary units inside and underneath the dash, while a thick-rimmed, chrome steering wheel mounted atop a chrome tilt column anchors the cockpit. Up above, the custom headliner houses both a Sharp AM/FM/Cassette stereo and a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit, along with several aftermarket speakers that handle the tunes inside. There's also an under-dash A/C unit that almost looks factory, but it will need some work before it cools the cabin again, and the Hurst T-Handle shifter that juts out of the transmission tunnel in the floor gives the truck a very sporty look inside.

That's a 327 cubic inch V8 under the hood nestled back between the front fenders. As a truck, function was chosen over style, but it got upgrades like a performance intake and 4-barrel carburetor, chrome valve covers, and a matching chrome open-element air cleaner. It runs beautifully with that smoothness that only '60s engines seem to demonstrate and there's plenty of torque at just about any speed. Road manners are aided via a power steering system that manages the truck with ease, and it starts easily with a great V8 rumble from the dual exhaust system. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission makes it easy to drive and while it's mostly original, the chassis is in good order with no signs of life in the rust belt. '90s-style 15-inch alloys wheels are an upgrade over the heavy steelies and were fitted with 235/75/15 blackwall radials to give it a sporty look.

This is a great truck that can work all day and still clean up nicely for a night out on the town. Priced right and ready to work or play, this C-10 won't last with us long. Call today!