When the listing for this 1984 Chevrolet C10 Silverado appeared on my desk, I struggled to decide what its single most impressive attribute was. However, after some thought, I believe it is close to a “total” package. It presents beautifully, is loaded with factory options, and has 42,500 original miles on the clock. So, do you see where I’m coming from? The seller has listed the Silverado here on eBay in Daleville, Indiana. They set their auction to open at $1,000, but have received no bids at the time of writing. They also have a BIN option of $28,000 for those wishing to hit the button and drive this C10 home.
Chevrolet’s Third Generation C/K Series graced showroom floors from 1973 until 1991. The company invested enormous effort into the design, performing wind tunnel tests to improve efficiency and reduce noise, and focusing on interior design touches that gave the Pickup an air that was closer to a Sedan than a typical workhorse. This C10 Silverado rolled off the line in 1984, and the first impression is that it has led a sheltered life. Its two-tone color combination of Apple Red and Polar White stands out from the crowd. It emphasizes the vehicle’s overall length, but it is the condition that sets this C10 apart. I can’t spot any cosmetic imperfections, with the paint shining beautifully and the panels as straight as an arrow. The seller states that the Silverado is rust-free, adding further to its appeal. They recently replaced the back bumper, and the remaining trim is excellent. Add crystal clear tinted glass and spotless Rally wheels to the equation, and we’re off to a flying start.
The first owner ordered this Silverado with the entry-level 305ci V8. It might not sound impressive by modern standards, but that year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 160hp and 230 ft/lbs. The beauty of the 305 is that it delivers maximum torque very low in the rev range, making it ideal for any vehicle performing load-carrying duties. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment in 1984. I’ll address the elephant in the room by stating that I don’t like the fact that the seller has drowned the engine bay in detailing spray. It gives everything an artificial appearance, and I’m sure that I’m not alone in wishing that they’d left it untouched. They don’t mention evidence verifying the odometer reading, but the overall condition makes the claim plausible. The Rally wheels are wrapped in new Firestone tires, and with the seller stating that it’s ready to cruise, potential buyers can consider this C10 a turnkey proposition.
Pickups that have lived a hard life or survived decades of abuse often feature tired and shabby interiors. However, this C10 looks pretty sweet. The seller’s photos are limited, but the Red cloth seatcover shows no evidence of wear or other problems. The vinyl upholstery looks good, and what we can see of the carpet looks promising. The interior is also where the first owner spent a considerable sum to create a comfortable motoring experience. It features ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio/cassette player.
This 1984 Chevrolet C10 Silverado is a superb vehicle with many positive attributes, most of which we’ve covered. This is not the seller’s first attempt to sell this classic, with their last auction stalling at $10,100. Some readers might question why you would spend the money on a forty-two-year-old Pickup. The fact is that even the cheapest version of the 2026 Silverado will lighten a buyer’s wallet by around $45,000. That vehicle will be loaded with the latest high-tech toys, but the depreciation during the first five years will take your breath away. It will also blend into the background like an automotive chameleon. This 1984 Silverado will cost significantly less to park in your driveway, and, with values climbing slowly, it could be a solid investment if the buyer continues to treat it respectfully. It will also receive plenty of positive comments and admiring looks wherever it goes, courtesy of its stunning presentation. That’s why pursuing this Silverado further makes perfect sense.
Nice Squarebody!! Lay off the shiny stuff!!
I had an ’84 Chevy half ton. Just a Custom Deluxe with a 250 straight six. It was a single tone red same shade as this but no white sides. My Dad had the same color red ’84 GMC 1 ton. Both trucks, that red paint could fade rather quickly. You had to stay on top of it. If this is the original paint, then, the previous owner (s) really rook care of this one. It must have been garage kept since day one, just look at that interior too. Very nicely optioned, the 305 is surprisingly capable, and actually gets decent mileage if you keep your foot out of it. This looks like a real mint truck. Nice one Adam!! Thank you
This truck appears to have been repainted, as it is missing the stick on Silverado chrome trim around the lower sides (evidenced by the mounting holes for each metal corner piece). Also, the two tone paint treatments had color matched striping tape to separate the sections. All in all, though still a really sharp truck! GLWTA!! :-)
There is something keeping bidders away. It looks nice in the pictures, but last time the seller ran it through eBay it’s high bid was $10,100.
Steve R
Upon looking at the ad, I agree with you on the repaint, although with the 80s dark color paint issues, maybe not a bad idea. Should’ve replaced the trim though. I wonder how old those Firestone tires are. I couldn’t get Firehawks RWL years ago.
Someone added dual exhaust on it, also a good idea.
I also don’t care for the detail spray on the engine compartment. I don’t mind a matte finish, but gloss is too much, like that super glossy tire dressing.
Nice looking old Chevy. Forty years ago? /sigh
What a great looking truck! Not like the monster monstrosities sold today.
The photo of the 85 mph speedometer is a reminder for me of the depressing hangover from the oil embargo of the previous decade that introduced the fifty-five nationwide speed limit. Ugh. I can’t drive fifty-five as Sammy Hagar sang. These days in my neck of the woods 85 is not advisable for the left hand lane unless you want to be tailgated. But I can easily get used to driving this truck if it looks as good as advertised. But not anywhere near the BIN. Fifteen dineros tops for me. And for the record I personally like the detail under the bonnet. GLWTS.
Talk about speeding. There were just two guys in a fistacuffs on our exit ramp. Gone now. No authorities.
305 is a mediocre engine at best
The ad on e-boy also states the engine has been replaced with a 350,all the better but not original. No specifics on powerplant.
I was curious about the chrome trim it seems wrong or missing. That is a red flag for me on a truck this nice. Must be getting paranoid in my old age, but I would definitely want an in person inspection before I committed. I am usually on the same page as Steve R and he seems a little reluctant too.
Very nice chevy 1984 chevy truck..hope no one slams it..very nice to keep stock and 305 motored..awesome..rj
Back in the day this was a good truck. I went through as many as (4) demonstrators a year and always an average pickup. They all got sold out from under me (which was completely expected) and they all went on to give good service.
Interesting to hear 4-speed automatic. We just called them a 700R4, in addition to some less flattering titles in our shop. Truthfully, by the time this truck came out, the bugs were worked out, even behind a diesel (which could shred one of these).
This one would’ve originally had the ESC which was a computerized system that tailored the ignition to fire at the most ideal moment.
I used to demonstrate how it worked by setting it on fast idle then tapping an exhaust manifold bolt with a hammer; the engine would slow down, indicating that the system was working. But boy, could it ever pick up ghosts!
There was a Camaro with a 305/4-speed. It ran like a toilet until you bypassed the ESC. Everything was replaced: all components within the distributor; distributor; computer; you name it; it got replaced.
GM was baffled. They finally approved it to run on bypass and the driver enjoyed the car immensely.
Well, it came in for regular maintenance. The boy in the lube bay had the car on the lift and was just looking around for anything loose or out of place. He shone the light up around the top of the transmission when he saw something shiny.
He reached up and retrieved a tiny glass pill bottle that had been sitting in a small pocket on top of the transmission. He immediately grabbed the service manager. They put the ESC back in service and found it to work perfectly.
Obviously the bottle made enough noise to be picked up by the sensor (basically a microphone) and the computer interpreted it as detonation, and thus retarded the spark.
The damndest things you read on BF. LOL! Part of what makes this site so interesting.
nice truck shame it’s a short bed. price seems fair if it’s as nice as they say.
I wonder why you would put a new rear bumper on 48,000 mile truck. I suppose I can see upgrading the engine. I don’t call my 82 C10 “the gutless wonder” for nothing. The 305 4v pulls it around and it will pass cars just fine, but even if it had a 350, I would be challenging anyone at a stoplight.
I meant to say wouldn’t.
Note to the younger crowd: on squarebodies, “Silverado” was a trim level, not the name of the truck itself (as it is nowadays). On the facelifted/improved 1981+ versions, the trim levels (bottom to top) were Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, Cheyenne, and Silverado.
Just an FYI that only *some* squarebody trucks were ‘Silverados’.
From what I can tell on the SPIL, this truck was a 1ZY5 exterior decor package equipped one, which would give you the hood ornament and tape stripes for the two tone. As others have mentioned, the lower chrome belt line moulding is missing which would cover the paint break line on the lower section, and a tape stripe which would have covered the upper, is missing as well. Also from what I can tell, the upper line is a little lower than factory. His is falling right under the mirror mount cover, and generally the factory ones were about 2 inches higher and ran through the mirror mount.
He also says in the ad it has every option. Well, it’s pretty loaded for the year model, but I’m seeing a couple missing options. One would be heavy duty power brakes which would give you 1 1/4 inch thick front rotors and 11 x 2 3/4 rear shoes instead of 1 inch thick rotors and 10 x 2 rear shoes. Also don’t see heavy duty cooling option either but most everything else is there, including HD rear springs and HD battery.
The 350 is probably nice but could have at least painted it black like original 305 was and with the dual fuel tank option, you would have had the much larger air cleaner and filter and all that would look more original under the hood. I believe previous bidders are in the ballpark for this one. Should be around a 12-15k truck if all checks out and you had the correct moulding and tape stripe installed.
Check cab corner body mounts. Notorious for rot on these trucks. Cab sits low on drivers side