Power and torque are essential for effortless load carrying. This 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne would have been an effective tool for the task when new. However, the seller’s decision to bolt an upgraded 383ci stroker V8 under the hood will have markedly improved the Pickup’s performance. The buyer will face a few finishing touches before the vehicle is genuinely roadworthy, but the listing statistics suggest there is no shortage of volunteers. The seller has listed the C10 here on eBay in Vallejo, California. Bidding has hit $10,000, and with the reserve met, the Pickup is only days away from finding a new home.
Chevrolet’s Second Generation C/K range graced showroom floors from 1967 until 1972. This C10 Cheyenne is a final-year example with some welcome custom upgrades. The listing photos seem to confirm that the seller has focused on this Pickup’s mechanical and interior needs, because they have left the exterior untouched. Its Crimson Red paint has a matte look, and with surface corrosion on several surfaces, it may not respond well to polishing. The winning bidder would face few challenges performing a cosmetic restoration because the panels are remarkably free of major dings and dents. The visible surface corrosion doesn’t concern me, because it is light. If the Pickup has spent its life in California, the state’s favorable climate should have protected it from the worst of the dreaded tin worm. It appears there are minor rust spots in both rockers, but the interior shots with the carpet removed reveal nothing genuinely worrying. The bed needs attention, and it would be tempting to add timber finished in high-gloss urethane to make a bold visual statement. The tinted glass is clear, and most trim pieces are acceptable for a driver-grade build.
Lifting this classic’s hood brings us to the business end of proceedings. The engine bay houses a 383ci stroke V8. The first owner ordered the Pickup with a 350ci small-block. The 1972 Sales Brochure quotes a power output of 175hp for the 350, but this stroker delivers approximately 500hp. The C10 was an impressive load carrier in its prime, but this Cheyenne could tow an entire house. It is worth noting that the vehicle has only clocked around ten miles since the engine transplant, leaving the buyer to complete the breaking-in process. The power feeds to the road via an automatic transmission. The seller doesn’t specify the type, but the lack of information hasn’t affected the bidding. The seller didn’t bolt in the stroker and hope for the best. They added a new aluminum radiator, twin electric cooling fans, drop front spindles, rear air shocks, and a new master cylinder. The buyer’s “to-do” list will include addressing one leaking wheel cylinder and a leak from the power steering reservoir. Otherwise, it appears this Cheyenne is a turnkey proposition.
The listing images send mixed signals regarding this C10’s interior. One shot reveals a standard wheel and a split seatcover. However, this one features a sports wheel, a new black vinyl seatcover, matching carpet, and a new dashpad. If this shot is correct, the interior has few needs. The painted surfaces are presentable, and the gauges appear quite clear. The first owner ordered the Pickup air-conditioned. The seller has replaced the compressor and other components, leaving it to the buyer to complete the installation and recharge the system. Otherwise, the interior is extremely presentable for a driver-grade classic.
For me, the big question is: what is the next logical step once the new owner completes the mechanical refurbishment of this 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne? With its interior recently refreshed, it would seem logical to treat the panels and paint to a similar level of TLC. However, some readers would prefer the aged look, with the interior and exterior providing a striking contrast that is hard to ignore. It will be a matter of personal preference. The seller’s reserve has been met, meaning someone is days away from making those choices. Are you tempted to be that person?
Put it back to stock! Yikes, this is terrible.