No vehicle escaped the negative impact of tighter emission regulations during the 1970s, but modern technology allows buyers to extract performance improvements that would have been unthinkable during that period. This 1975 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed is a perfect example of this thinking, as the LS transplant performed by the seller will undoubtedly be a step forward. It is a solid beast that will turn heads, and its lack of rust allows scope for several options for the buyer to tailor their ride. The seller has listed the C10 here on eBay in Garden Grove, California. Bidding currently sits at $15,600, which is below the reserve.

The 1975 C10 Short Bed was part of Chevrolet’s Third Generation C/K range that rolled off the line between 1973 and 1991. Naturally, time didn’t stand still during the production life as the company attempted to keep its vehicles looking clean and fresh. The first owner ordered this C10 in a combination of Hawaiian Blue and Saratoga Silver. It has spent its life in California, which is good news for those concerned about the possibility of rust. The bed exhibits dry surface corrosion, but that appears to be as bad as the news gets. There is no evidence of steel penetration or other nasty surprises. The tired paint isn’t a result of age, but the seller’s decision to impart the Pickup with the type of patina that often occurs following long-term UV exposure. There are a few minor bumps and bruises, but if the new owner wanted to return the C10 to its factory appearance, that would be a straightforward undertaking. Some trim pieces are lightly damaged, but the glass looks nice.

This C10 left the factory powered by a 350ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 160hp and 250 ft/lbs, proof that the venerable small-block was feeling the pinch. However, this beauty rides to the rescue of those craving extra power, courtesy of the 5.3-liter LS transplant. The listing indicates that the transmission has been swapped for an automatic of some description, while the addition of power assistance for the steering and brakes will be welcomed by those wishing to expend less energy behind the wheel. Rounding out the package are lowered front spindles and lower rear springs for a ground-hugging appearance. I get the impression that these changes are relatively recent, because while the seller states that the vehicle runs and drives, they suggest that it requires tuning to perform at its best.

I believe that someone may have performed a partial retrim at some point, because this C10 no longer features a Blue vinyl seatcover. It has been upgraded with cloth, but the rips and deterioration on the driver’s side mean that a repeat performance is required. The dash appears okay, although I think that the pad might be cracked on the passenger side. The buyer needs to add a set of kick panels to their shopping list, along with a new door pocket for the driver’s side. There are some nice upgrades to improve the user-friendly nature, including a Dakota Digital gauge cluster and a tilt wheel.

Technology like fuel injection and electronic engine management systems were game-changers in the automotive world. They allowed manufacturers to reclaim engine power lost during the Malaise Era, providing performance improvements and even more impressive emission levels as manufacturers came to grips with what had previously seemed like a black art. However, it wasn’t only new car buyers who made this discovery, because classic enthusiasts soon found that if they were willing to forego originality, there were definite benefits in performing upgrades like those found in this 1975 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed. Returning this Pickup to its factory form would be possible, and is the path that most purists would pursue. However, there will probably be as many readers who would retain the existing drivetrain due to its user-friendly nature. The biggest question might be what they do about its appearance. Would you perform a cosmetic refresh, or leave this C10 in its current eye-catching form?