Vehicle 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!