While it is by no means a hard and fast rule, older pickups tend to fall into two broad categories. You will find genuine cream puffs that have never worked a day in their life. Others will look pretty battered around the edges, indicating that they have had to earn a living. This 1964 Chevrolet C20 falls somewhere in the middle. Its condition is well above average, but there is evidence that this is no trailer queen. It presents nicely as an original survivor and is guaranteed to turn heads in its current condition. Returning it to a pristine state would not be difficult, and some buyers may find this tempting. Located in Canton, Georgia, you will find the C20 listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a sale price of $20,890, so let’s take a look and see what path you might follow.
The seller indicates that this Light Green C20 has spent most of its life in sunny California. It is a one-owner survivor that has been garage kept its entire life. Its paint shines nicely, with no evidence of UV damage. Flaws and defects are minimal, and the panels look impressively straight for a vehicle of this type and age. The big question that will always hang over pickups of this vintage revolves around rust. It can do some significant damage to areas like the floors and lower cab corners, but everything looks spotlessly clean in this case. The overall condition is indicative of an original survivor whose owner has treated with respect. The exterior trim, wheels, and hubcaps are in excellent condition, while the glass appears flawless. Rounding out the package, the C20 features a custom flatbed, complete with the practicality of a mounted vice.
I’m sure that a few of you were hoping that we would lift the hood on this Chevy and find a V8 occupying the engine bay. That isn’t the case, but this vehicle houses its original and numbers-matching 230ci six-cylinder motor that produces 140hp and 220 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed manual transmission, while there is no power assistance for the steering or brakes. This combination wasn’t the most potent in the Chevrolet armory for 1964, but the impressive torque figure still allowed this C20 to carry its maximum load with ease. For potential buyers, the news is mainly positive. It appears that the engine and remaining drivetrain components of this C20 are in good condition. The motor runs well, the transmission shifts smoothly, the brakes feel strong, and there are no problems to report. The owner has recently replaced the tires, and it seems that this classic is a turnkey proposition for its next owner.
Apart from what I believe to be aftermarket seat upholstery, this C20’s interior appears original and unmolested. There is more wear than I would have expected on the wheel for a vehicle with a low odometer reading, but it still looks respectable. The dash is clean, and the painted surfaces rate as immaculate. The gauge markings are crisp, while the lenses are crystal clear. The original floor mat is in excellent condition, and there are no aftermarket additions to this classic. Riding in this C20 would not be living in the lap of luxury because it doesn’t even rate a radio. However, the lack of automotive tinsel means that the buyer will appreciate the purity of the driving experience with this survivor.
I expect that this tidy and original 1964 Chevrolet C20 will probably divide opinions. We will have a group of readers who believe that this vehicle should be retained as an unmolested survivor. Others will argue that it deserves a cosmetic restoration so that it presents as nicely as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. Another group will believe that it is a prime candidate for an upgrade and that its existing engine should be swapped for something with a bit more power. My preference would be for the first option, but it is just that, a preference. Your opinion may be very different from mine, and it will be interesting to read your comments. Beyond that, is this C20 tempting enough for one of you to take it further?
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