Chevrolet introduced their C/K lineup in late 1959 as early 1960 models. They offered numerous improvements over the previous generation pickups, including ball-bearing hubs, torsion bar front suspension, and trailing arm rear suspension. These advancements, along with a new drop-center ladder frame that allowed the cab to sit lower, provided a more car-like ride than the truck world had ever seen. The 1962 example featured here is currently listed here on craigslist in Butte, Montana and the seller has listed it at a fair asking price of $3,500.
Stylistically, the 1962 model year traded Chevrolet’s odd-looking dual pod hood of 1960-1961 for a new “easy-view styling” hood and grill that was a bit easier on the eyes. At the business end, our feature vehicle has a smooth fleetside bed, but a more full-fendered stepside style was also available. Six different paint options were also offered, including two-tone combinations. Creature comforts inside the cab had improved, and now included a wide bench seat with available six-inch foam, and standard features included seatbelts, sun visors, windshield washers, and a heater.
Engine options for the year included either the base 135hp 236 cubic inch straight-six, the mid-grade 150hp 261 cubic inch straight six, or the workhorse 185hp 283 cubic inch V8. The ad states that our feature vehicle has one of the six-cylinder options, though it doesn’t specify which, and is hooked to a 4-speed manual transmission. The engine is currently non-running but has recently received a new cap, coil, plugs, and wires. The seller states it still needs a battery, radiator, and brake work to get it to running and driving status. They are also offering a 305 V8 for the asking price but do not specify that engine’s condition.
The body of our feature vehicle could be considered either pessimistically rough or optimistically honest. It appears to still have its original red paint and wears its rust, dents, and other scars with pride that simply add to its personality. The interior looks to be mostly complete and solid, even if a bit worn. If a buyer were planning on restoring this vehicle, they should be aware that as common as these old pickups are, some parts are surprisingly difficult to obtain and can be expensive when found. The torsion bar front suspension pieces in particular are getting rarer, as that setup was only made for three model years. These pickups were stylish and fun when they were new, but many were driven hard and put away wet, leading to lower supply and higher demand in the current collector market. Do you have what it takes to get this classic workhorse running, driving, and back on the road?
Butte – Evel Knievel’s home town.
Although the ’61 is my favorite of the ’60-’63 series the ’62 definitely warrants an honorable mention. My dad had a ’61 and my uncle had a ’62. Both 235/3spd manual. My uncle’s truck was fairly well decked out with it’s two-tone paint and custom cab. Wouldn’t mind finding one and I shouldn’t say anything because Butte isn’t that far away. Those torsion bar front ends can be a challenge to find parts for but not impossible as there were lots built. They ride very well when properly outfitted. We had a ’61 GMC 3-ton with the torsion bar front end. It rode like a car…
That’s strange, my dad also had a 61 and his sister my Aunt had a 62. There was no 236 engine. It was 235 which both those trucks had. Dads was a 4 speed granny while my Aunts was a three speed column.
When I was in my second year of heavy mechanics school, my Aunts truck was in need of a valve job, which I did for free at the school. That was in 1973-74 school years.
Those were good trucks, but I liked my 1965 Ford f-100 with 352 and 3 on the column with overdrive.
God bless America