Arkansas Barn Find: 1966 Chevrolet C10 Pickup

There’s no denying the popularity of Chevrolet and GMC’s 1967-1972 pickups, we cover them regularly and the short bed versions, in particular, are ascendant value-wise. The trend is starting to continue with the follow-on 1973-1987 generation. Well, how about the preceding (1960-1966) series, what’s up with those? Let’s take a look and find out as we have a 1966 Chevrolet, C-10, short wheelbase pickup for review. This truck is located in Eads, Tennessee and is available, here on eBay for an opening bid of $12,500.

This C-10 is listed as an Arkansas barn find that is in original condition and was purchased from an elderly owner. The seller states, “44,968 miles which I was told is the actual mileage however I do not have any documents to support this…” Being open about the mileage reading is refreshing as is the disclaimer around the odometer reading. The seller claims that there is little rust and what’s there is located mostly in the fender legs. Of course, there is no cargo bed present, so something happened there, but the supports and truck frame are said to be sound. The “originality” claim is called a bit into doubt as the seller later adds that the two-tone red and white finish is a several years old repaint.

Power is provided by an in-line, six-cylinder engine of either 250 or 292 cubic inches of displacement, the seller doesn’t disclose which. Power would be 155 or 170 HP, respectively. The engine does not look like one that has experienced only 44K miles of use. It’s complete and original looking, except for the HEI ignition swap. The master cylinder looks like a recent replacement too. Gear changes happen via a three-on-the-tree manual gearbox. As for operating attributes, the seller states “engine runs fine“.

Inside are the standard fawn-hued steel surfaces and upholstery. The seat is in amazing sound shape for its age – it’s easy to imagine that it has been recovered, especially when you note all of that steering wheel wear. But the entire environment is in nice, original condition. Somewhere in the past, auxiliary engine gauges have been added and yes, the original, Delco radio is still right where it belongs in an uncut dash. The seller claims that the cab floor is sound.

The seller adds that this truck is an original short bed (115″ wheelbase), and not a cut-down long bed (127″ wheelbase) which is a trend that is surprisingly common with the ’67-’72 generation. Classicparts.com reports that this C10 is one of 57K produced in ’66 along with another 59K stepside pickups, so no, a ’66 C10  is not a particularly rare item. The seller suggests that the NADA values for a ’66 C10 extend from a low of $14,850 to a high of  $50,220, based on condition, equipment, etc. This example has not yet been able to make its minimum bid of $12,500 so it’s either too much, or not what buyers want, yet. This is a nice old example, but is it $12,500 worth of nice?