1970 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed Pickup
In 2020, Car and Driver magazine penned a piece entitled "Best Cars of 1970". The list included Alfa Romeo, BMW 2002, Chevelle SS 454, Datsun 240Z, Datsun PL510, Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang Boss 302, Mazda RX-2, Pontiac Trans Am, and the Chevrolet Blazer! Fifty years from now, it's likely that pickup trucks, now used as daily commuter and not utilitarian work trucks, will end up on the "best of" lists far and wide. In 1970, they were barely considered mainstream and relegated to work, work, work.
For consignment, a 1970 Chevrolet C10 short bed pickup showing 6,053 miles but the true miles are unknown. If this former work truck has one job to do, it's to go fast. A pro street version that's a far cry from the life it was born into and we're all the beneficiaries of this spectacular build by its mere presence. But only one person will get to pilot it home! We're thinking it might be you!
Note: This vehicle is sold with a Pennsylvania reconstructed branding on the title
Exterior
Two stage Dark Blue Metallic bathes the panels beautifully and benefits from the contrast of polished metals at every angle, beginning with the vertical grated grille, grille frame, and headlight surrounds, underscored by a straight chrome bumper with embedded fog lights. In profile, the polished side mirrors and the chrome exhaust tips stand out, as do the 15" Weld Prostar wheels. The front wheels carry standard sized tires, but the rear deep dish rims have massive 31x12.50R15's. Out back, the tail lights depict a muted red, lightened to go with the front marker lights that lack an amber lens. A high rising cowl hood ascends to capture windshield airstream, and a flat tonneau cover sheds air that gets past the cab. On top of the cab, rain gutters and a sunroof add some creature comforts as the cab spills down onto a sliding rear window. A smooth roll pan takes the place of a rear bumper bumper and allows for some visibility underneath to expose those massive meats. We could not find any glaring imperfections on the exterior of this truck.
Interior
Light blue door cards pop on the inner doors which are otherwise painted as the body. Racing buckets seats with racing harnesses are afforded to the driver and the brave passenger and the entire cabin is lightened by a robin's egg blue dash pad and sky blue carpet, calming colors for what's bound to be a raucous ride. Meanwhile, a GT steering wheel fronts an aluminum formed instrument cluster panel housing Dolphin gauges with all the pertinent information. In the center, we find an AM/FM/CD radio and orderly vent and heat controls. A B&M shifter rises from the floor with not much around to distract or interfere with the business at hand, although a cupholder has been added between the seats. There's also a roll cage lining the cabin, foam padded on the sides.
Drivetrain
An all business engine bay means easy access to all necessary components and that's what we have here with a consignor stated 396ci V8 putting out 550 horsepower, per that same consignor. It is fueled by an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor over an Edelbrock intake manifold, moved to motion via a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to a Dana 60 out back. Power disc brakes are a must and are found on all four corners.
Underside
Just like the engine bay, the underside is unobstructed by anything that isn't critical to the mission at hand, and it's almost as clean as the engine! This buttoned up underside shows no signs of surface rust or oil drips like your typical daily driver or old car, and headers run into Flowmaster mufflers before turning to the outside before the rear wheels. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and ladder bars with coilovers in back. The Strange Engineering aluminum differential cover adds a bit of muscle under the car and a frame crossbeam also serves as a driveshaft loop.
Drive-Ability
The Zen-like blue interior loses its effect when the key is turned and the big V8 bellows out the side. Into Drive we go, and it lurches forward like it wants to take off, but provides a surprisingly tame ride on the test loop and we're even tempted to leave the radio on, but we don't want to miss the real music, the sound of the engine. Obvious power and acceleration are on hand and straight ahead tracking is on point and wide tires all around produce fine handling as well, but this is no slalom truck. We note the reverse lights don't work, nor do the wipers, and the heater blower is not blowing. All other functions needed to take this beast down the road in day or night, are working as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
More than fifty years after leaving the assembly plant in Baltimore, Maryland, this 1970 retired to the good life. Maybe it was a painter's truck. Or a plumbing truck. But now it's all about having fun, spending its days hanging with others, cruising open roads, and running down tracks. This is a well sorted build and a darn good looking truck to boot. There's no replacement for displacement, they say, and this normally aspirated C10 is looking to hire a new pilot. Got your wings? Give us a call.
CE140B105893
C-4x2
E-V8
1-1/2 Ton
4-Pickup
0-1970
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
105893-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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