• Seller: David W alters
• Location: Panama City, Florida
• Mileage: 140,000 Shown
• Chassis #: CE140A139319
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 307 V8
• Transmission: TH350

Some classics blend into their surroundings like automotive chameleons, while others can’t help but draw crowds. This 1970 Chevrolet C/10 Heavy 1/2-Ton Shortbox Fleetside falls easily into the second category, courtesy of its retro “shop truck” look. This was a deliberate strategy by the owner to create a genuinely unique vehicle, and there is no doubt that he achieved that goal. He has had a blast with this rock-solid Pickup, performing recent mechanical work to ensure that it is a turnkey proposition. However, the time has come for the C/10 to head to greener pastures, with the owner listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Chevrolet introduced its Second Generation C/K series for the 1967 model year, with vehicles remaining on sale until 1972. The company didn’t view the new model as an evolution of its predecessor, starting the design process with almost a clean sheet of paper. The first owner ordered this C/10 Shortbox Fleetside in 1970, selecting a combination of Medium Blue and Pure White to cloak its panels. It appears that the vehicle retains its original paint, which has developed the character you might expect after fifty-five years of active service. There are imperfections that demonstrate that this C/10 isn’t a trailer queen, but it remains undeniably presentable. The best news for potential buyers could be this classic’s rock-solid nature. There is minor surface corrosion on the top side of the box, but the Pickup’s original steel is completely free from penetrating rust and Bondo. It is hard not to notice the signage and decals, which the current owner applied to create an old-school shop or drag truck look. He has been extremely successful in achieving the goal, and since none of these additions are hidden under a clearcoat, the winning bidder could easily remove the signage to achieve a more “stock” look. The lack of rust and the straight body panels could also make this C/10 an ideal candidate for a faithful restoration to recapture its youthful good looks. The vehicle features new front and rear windows and new window rubbers all around. The trim is in good condition for its age, and the C/10 rolls on wide steelies fitted with new 235/65/15 Cooper Cobra Tires.

The further we delve into this Pickup, the better the news becomes. The first owner ordered the vehicle with a 307ci V8, teaming the engine with a three-speed TH350 automatic transmission and power steering. The 307 developed 200hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque when the Pickup was shiny and new, but this motor may have more to offer. It inhales deeply through an Edelbrock Performer carburetor, with the spent gases exiting via old-school Headman headers and a new dual exhaust featuring Porter mufflers. The owner has recently invested a significant sum into this Pickup’s drivetrain, including receipts verifying the work. It just received a new TH350 that was built by Affordable Transmissions. It features a cooler to improve reliability and comes with a twelve-month warranty. The owner includes the original TH350 for those who wish to retain a complete numbers-matching status. New springs were recently installed on all corners to give this C/10 a distinctive stance, and the owner pulled the motor last year to repaint the engine bay and to give the V8 a cosmetic birthday. He took the opportunity to replace the starter, alternator, hoses, battery, battery cables, and the fluids. He slotted in a new aluminum four-core radiator with a six-blade fan and bolted on some chrome goodies to provide the perfect finishing touch. The Pickup is in excellent mechanical health, with the owner currently utilizing it as his daily driver.

The theme of tidy presentation continues inside this C/10, with the interior trimmed in Blue vinyl. The column shifter makes it a practical three-seater, while the character set by the exterior sticker continues on the dash. I particularly like the vintage “Keep On Truckin’…” sticker on the glovebox door, which brings back memories of my younger days. The overall impression is extremely positive, with no significant wear or other shortcomings. The dash looks great, the pad is crack-free, and there is no appreciable wheel wear. The underdash gauge cluster helps the driver monitor the health under the hood, while the retro-style stereo with speakers mounted in custom kick panels provides entertainment on long journeys.

The biggest dilemma facing the new owner of this 1970 Chevrolet C/10 Shortbox Fleetside is what path to follow once it is safely tucked away in their garage. Its lack of rust and panel imperfections makes it an ideal candidate for a faithful restoration, while removing the stickers would transform it into a genuine survivor that will garner respect wherever it goes. However, leaving it as-is and enjoying the attention it will undoubtedly draw may prove irresistible, and is the approach that I would choose. You will have your own vision for this C/10, and the best way to transform it into reality would be to submit a bid on this classic. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.

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