1978 Chevrolet K10 Silverado 4x4

Description

If you grew up during the '70s, you'll be relieved to know that early Square-Body Chevrolet 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 Clint Eastwood, whiskey-soaked, and chiseled kind of way that always means business. Dressing them up with beautiful White paint and a potent 350 V8 sure helps, and in the case of this beautifully restored short bed/regular cab 1978 Chevrolet K10 Silverado 4x4 model, it shows that there's just no way to build an unattractive one.

At first glance, this might just look like another nicely preserved Chevrolet C/K-series pickup. But get a little closer and you'll discover that the bright White finish is quite nicely done with a deep shine that makes this truck look loads better than it did when it was new. Trucks were certainly nice when they came out of the factory in 1978, but most weren't this nice when they were flying off the assembly line. And if you're going to look that closely, you need to nail down the bodywork, so this one is arrow-straight and doesn't look like it's ever had to work for a living. It was painted Pearl White less than two years ago – an upgrade over the truck's original Santa Fe Tan livery – and although it's not perfect (there are some minor signs of use and age), you won't be unhappy with this one in your garage/collection. It's a strong driver quality rig that looks really, really good in person, and a hint of pearl was mixed into the finish that really helps the color come to life under the sun. It also comes from down South, so rust is a non-issue here, and in addition to it never leaving Alabama, it's also a 1-owner truck. Even the bed, which would typically be covered in dings, dents, and rust in just about any other lesser non-descript truck, is laser-straight, showing only minimal signs of use, and comes paint-matched to mirror the exterior of the vehicle. Bright side molding dresses up the trucks' handsome profile, and with a gorgeous front grille, front bumper, and remaining brightwork found throughout, there's plenty of bling to complement the beautiful white finish. The step-bumper out back is an aftermarket piece, although most people won't notice that carefully selected upgrade, and the badges, lenses, and glass are all in excellent condition as well, further dressing things up without diluting this K10's heavy-duty attitude.

Inside, a perfect balance of new and original parts piece together an extremely comfortable and incredibly nice cab. A tan interior (although the verbose GM designers elected to name it Mandarin Orange Custom in this year, likely trying to validate an old English Lit minor from their college days) works well with the white paint, and the vinyl bench seat is a throwback to the era when this truck was brand new. The upholstery on the seat is so nice it's obviously a period-perfect replacement, and even though the dash pad is virtually unblemished as well, we actually think it may be original too (which is an incredible feat when you consider that rather inferior GM materials from this period), and the 'Western scroll' brightwork accents on the original door panels and dash remind everyone that this truck was outfitted with top-end Silverado trim. The stock steering wheel and carpets are the only parts that show any bit of wear, and it's all minor stuff for that matter, nothing more than 'character marks' when you realize those pieces are original and 45 years old. The instrument panel is fitted with a comprehensive array of factory gauges behind slightly hazed lenses, and they keep a close eye on the truck's vitals, and the column shifter that manages the automatic transmission and the short floor-shifter that manages the 2-speed transfer case are a short reach away for the driver. Options include dual fuel tanks, Comfortilt steering, SoftRay tinted glass, a sliding rear window, factory towing package, AM/FM radio, and factory A/C that blows cold thanks to a new compressor and R134a refrigerant. Seatbelts are in tow, the headliner is taut and largely unmarked, and even the vinyl floormats are color-keyed, just like they were originally.

This truck was originally powered by a 350 cubic inch V8, and although we've had trouble pulling a VIN to 100% confirm numbers-matching, the date-code, suffix, and engine numbers do indeed decode to a 1978 350/165 V8 under the hood today. Topped by a 4-barrel carburetor, it's a torquey, eager partner whether you're on-road or off. It looks 100% stock under the hood – from the snorkeled air cleaner to the Corporate Blue engine enamel on the block and valve covers – and keeps a low profile when you're just driving around and it runs superbly, as you might expect. There's a giant radiator up front to keep the small block from getting cranky and factory exhaust manifolds feed a pair of Flowmaster mufflers that give the K10 a burly soundtrack to match its look. The chassis is all-original, solid as can be, and very clean for a truck that's been driven – further proof that it's been extremely well-cared for since new. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission feeds the original transfer case and a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end, and the locking differential mean someone was serious about off-road traction. Factory Rally wheels look great and help offset the weight of those big 32x11.50-15 Yokohama M/T radials.

Documented with its original title docs, owner's manuals, warranty card, dealer invoice, and RPO glove box sticker, this is one of the cleanest and most original K10s you'll ever find. Call now!