Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Custom Hauler: 1971 Chevrolet C-10

UPDATE 12/3/2019 – The seller has relisted this custom C-10, this time with a much lower $9,500 asking price! Take another look at it here on eBay.

FROM 11/26/2019 – As Grand Funk Railroad proclaimed in their 1969 song, Time Machine, “Come on baby, step into my time machine” and that’s what we have found here today, a bit of a throw-back in the form of a 1971 Chevrolet C-10 pickup truck with a ‘70’s style funky graphic paint job. Located in Polk City, Florida, it’s available here on eBay for a BIN price of $14,500.

I’ll be forthcoming, I usually avoid this type of free artistry expressionism, at least on a motor vehicle, but this particular example really looks good. This was all the rage in the ‘70’s and the range went from the ridiculous to the sublime in terms of what you may find displayed on the side of a motor vehicle, especially a full-size van. But today, we find it displayed on an emerging collectible, a GM pickup from the 1967-1972 era. As we have covered here before, Chevy & GM pickups spanning those years are “what’s-up” right now.

Mechanically, there are not a lot of surprises here. This C-10 is equipped with a recent 350 CI crate-motor; the seller tells us that the, “motor runs strong and the transmission shifts smoothly”. It’s listed as having an automatic transmission but no detail beyond that. Additionally, the seller further claims that it, “runs perfect with no mechanical issues”, all good indicators. This Chevy also has working (cool, not cold) A/C so that’s a nice inclusion.

Check out that interior! It’s clean, tidy and appears to be in good nick – but a red seat and dash cap with otherwise blue interior and blue exterior? Okaaaay, whatever you want, I guess. I’m not sure of the origins of that seat but it doesn’t look like a stock item. It does look comfortable however.

There is fantastic woodwork in the bed, hardwood planks! The image of bed from the underside gives us a great glimpse of the frame too – all looks solid. What I did not know, until researching further, is that wooded bed floors were still available in 1971 Chevrolet trucks, right along with steel. I have probably seen a wood deck equipped truck from this era but I don’t recall it.

Let’s talk finish and graphics. I have always favored more of a “murdered” look, even before I really knew what it was or it had a name; an all business look I guess would be the best way to describe my predilections. These graphics, while occupying a lot of real estate, are tasteful and not too busy. They appear to have been professionally applied too and the seller as much as admits that stating that this C-10 was professionally restored a few years back. You won’t be a shrinking violet driving this Chevy!

I like this truck because it appears to have been so carefully restored and enhanced; this was probably an expensive undertaking. Nevertheless, I don’t think I would want it as it is; I prefer to hide in the back row and just move along quickly. How about you? If you really liked and wanted a GM pickup of this era would the graphics package keep you away or would you go for it and enjoy it as is? Or maybe…..take it on and redo it to your own liking?

Comments

  1. Avatar Big_Fun Member

    You know, a change of the wheel and tire combo, to a *slightly * larger tire size (+1 or +2 – 18″max) and this truck would have a much more modern look. Probably would compliment the paint. The current wheels scream “it’s 2003 – can I borrow your flip phone to call _______’s home phone?”

    Like 1
    • Avatar aamodel

      Yes this definitely looks more like late 90’s early 00’s “Truck Trend” material here

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Howard A Member

    Grand Funk Railroad? That sure dates you, Jim. Nice truck for S.Cal. IDK, I bought my classic truck to use.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Mike

    That didn’t take long – SOLD….

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Comet

    I’m not exactly sure when wood beds stopped being available in pick-ups, but my friend had a new 73 Chevy with one.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bob

      Still available in ‘78

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Comet

    I’m with you on the paint being professionally applied, but you lost me when you said “tasteful and not too busy.”

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Troy s

    Had a ’72 in ’85-86, light blue and lifted a few inches, and these were popular trucks then and always have been. Talk about a truck being a truck! No power steering or brakes and lots of metal in the cab, nothing like the pick ups of today. Moved out pretty good with the 350.
    Don’t care for the look at me stripes but this looks fairly solid. The red seat kinda blows here.

    Like 1

Leave a Reply to Mike Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.