By 1972 we were starting to see some evidence that tightening emission standards would negatively impact the performance of the great V8. However, it was still possible to secure a pickup that offered decent horsepower figures. This 1972 Chevrolet C10 is a perfect example of this ability to find respectable performance levels because it comes equipped with its original V8 under the hood. The odometer shows 66,000 miles, and the owner believes that this reading is genuine. It is a classic pickup that is now in need of a new home, so it has been listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Jackson, Missouri, and the spirited bidding has pushed the price along to $14,100. The reserve is met, so the new home is a mere heartbeat away.

The C10 is a tidy looking vehicle, but I believe it has undergone some changes throughout its life. For example, the tag shows the body color as being Medium (or Cardinal) Red. However, this looks to be far closer to Hugger Orange, and no mention is made of the Frost White paint either. I suspect that the vehicle might have undergone a color change, and I also believe that the Rally wheels were probably fitted in place of the original components at the same time. Looking beyond those potential changes, the C10 does present exceptionally well. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of rust anywhere on the vehicle. The trim is in good condition, and there is no visible damage to the glass. The bed has been treated to new timber, and it is one of the highlights. Looking at the bed itself, there are no signs of physical damage to any of the steel that could suggest that this pickup has led a hard life.

Popping the hood of this pickup reveals a numbers-matching 402ci V8, which is backed by a 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. The C10 also features power steering and power brakes. This engine should be producing somewhere around 210hp and an impressive 320 ft/lbs of torque. That latter figure is reached at a mere 2,000 rpm, making this a flexible vehicle. If the buyer chose to fit a hitch, this could be an accomplished tow vehicle. The odometer shows 66,000 miles. The owner believes this to be original, but it appears that he doesn’t hold any evidence to verify this. He sums up the mechanical state of the pickup with two simple words, “drives amazingly.” It doesn’t come much more precise than that.

The interior photos of the C10 are lacking, and it is hard to get a full overview of its condition. What can be seen of the plaid upholstery on the bench seat looks promising, while the door trims and dash are in good condition. There is no evidence of significant wear or fading on the carpet, which suggests that this is a pickup that has led a relatively easy life. An aftermarket wheel and a radio/cassette player have been fitted, but the rest appears to be original. The C10 is equipped with air conditioning, but this will require a recharge. There is also a full set of gauges, along with a tilt wheel.

The owner of this 1972 C10 Pickup says that it isn’t perfect, but the supplied photos tend to indicate that its condition is above average for its age. That torquey V8 that is nestled in the engine bay would make it an accomplished tow vehicle, or the buyer might choose to squeeze a few extra horses out of it to transform it into a real barnstormer. Regardless of which way the buyer goes, it does look like they will be securing a solid classic with which to work. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bidding on this one head towards $20,000, but it could make it a very reasonable buy if it sells for less. If you are searching for a good pickup, then it might be worth monitoring this listing. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.