Chevy and GMC pickup trucks built between 1967 and 1972 are a hot commodity right now. So it stands to reason that the follow on ’73 to ’91 would be next up. It may be a bit too soon to tell but it is worth pondering and while we’re doing that, let’s check out this 1976 C10 Silverado. It is located in Jacksonville, Florida and is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $13,499. Thanks to Pat S. for this tip!
There were two different cargo box lengths available in 1976, a 78″ short bed and a 98″ long bed, and the short bed version, like our subject, seems to be more popular with the collector set. Multiple cab configurations, carrying capacities, and body styles (stepside or standard) were available too. By ’76, pickup trucks had progressed significantly compared to where they were twenty years earlier when they were strictly utilitarian vehicles and agrarian in nature, but they were still a long way away from the well-appointed behemoths that they have become today.
This C10 is a first-year Silverado equipped truck and originally hails from California. The Silverado option was an appearance package that mostly improved the interior with better upholstery, carpet, and fake wood trim. Outside, the difference from lesser trucks is the stainless trim that adorns its flanks and wheel openings. The body on this 109K mile example is in nice shape. Examining it, and the underside reveals a very solid truck. The finish is bleached and flat, probably from many years in the California sun, but it still presents itself well. Speaking of the Silverado trim, it all looks to be present and accounted for – pickup truck mishaps occasionally knock off a piece here or there. From a presentation perspective, this Chevy has just the right amount of wear to be very au courant. The cargo deck looks to be in solid shape too and a fiberglass tonneau cover caps it off.
Power is provided by a 350 CI V8 engine, probably of about 165 net HP, working through a Turbo-Hydramatic, three-speed, automatic transmission. The seller claims that this truck, “runs and drives with cold A/C.” That’s not too informative but this powertrain combination is stout and long-lasting. Providing it has been properly maintained, it should have a lot of life left in it.
The interior is tired as the seat upholstery and the dash pad are split but the wear level is typical and minimal for this truck’s age and mileage. In standard fashion, the door pockets are all stretched out of shape – that always seems to be the case. Other than the seat degradation, which is covered over by a blanket in one image, the interior is perfectly usable as-is.
Unfortunately, the listing images are stilted, there aren’t any that encapsulate the entire exterior but from what is provided, this C10 looks pretty good, it has just experienced the long passage of time. So, now for the what to do part. If you were the acquirer of this truck, what would you do with it, restore, hot-rod, customize, or restomod?
I’m sure people are as tired of my comments on these, as I am seeing this. Can anyone honestly tell me what the 5 figure attraction is on these? I know, certain vehicles, because of their historical history, may conjure up 5 figures, but this is a tired 45 year old pickup, just like mine, and starts, stops, and handles like one. If I was concerned about money, ( happily having lost $1,000 bucks on that dirt bike, no, I’m not rich, just the price of losing a headache) I’d turn right around and ask, oh, I don’t know( pulling number out of the air) $7,500 bucks, maybe, for mine, but I just couldn’t do it. If the new market doesn’t offer anything like this, requiring someone to spend 5 figures on an old squarebody, probably time to find a new hobby. I’m working on it. And while this is NOT a pitch to sell mine, if someone offered me 5 figures, I suppose I’d be “pickled tink” too. Newsflash: it ain’t gonna happen,,
You’re spot on Howie, we’re tired of your comments. But this America and you can say anything you want.
I have to agree with Howard on this one; it’s way overpriced. It needs paint and interior work plus who knows what else that needs to be refreshed or replaced. In my opinion, this is a pickup worth about $7k as is. For $13.5k, I’m sure I could find a vintage pickup that would need less money thrown at it. It’s a desirable short bed with a decent mill and it does have A/C, but you’ll spend a lot more on it if you want it to look good. I’d pass and look for a better one.
I probably like the short bed a tad better than the long bed but not that I could justify the $ difference. Squarebodies are great trucks however I still don’t think they deserve to be in the 5figure league, at seller’s asking there are MANY nice classics I’d rather buy.
Still plenty of long bed C10s in Cali/PNW in comparable condition available for a lot less
Great trucks, but this one is way over priced. Here in California that is a $3,000 to $3,500 truck in that condition. Wonder if the seller is trying to flip it and trying to quadruple his money. Figure 5K for paint/body work, and at least $600 to take care of interior details.
Strange the first year Silverado there.. I have a 1975 Silverado bought new with 13,285. Have had so long now I hate to drive and put miles on it.
Gary:
I relied on the seller’s claim and could not initially find evidence of an earlier example having been produced. Obviously, if you have one they exist, and this seller is wrong.
Thx,
JO